Los Angeles Immersion: Day 2

Students on the Immersion from all Three Universities Posing for a Group Photo after Mass at La Placita
(Top Row, L-R: Luke V. Megan F., Genevieve K., Katherine S., Frances A., Claudia L., Arturo A.)
(Bottom Row, L-R: Joshua T., Grace P., Libby H., Dominique B., Anthony S.)
Not Pictured: Advisors Chris C. and Blaise B.

     Yesterday, after a long night with the students from the University of Dayton and St. Mary's University, a lot of bonding was accomplished. The day started off with breakfast around 7:30 or 8:00am, where we all were able to get to know each other while having a great meal. After breakfast, the group as a whole had a discussion on what our individual hopes, aspirations, hesitations, and potential barriers in regards to this trip were. Being so used to the 'Aloha Spirit,' I was previously rather closed-minded to the issues that were taking place in the other universities.  On the other hand, there was a general sense of community and Marianist hospitality throughout the other schools, where even though this feeling has different names or forms, it's all the same thing. We were reminded to be very open-minded during this trip, and to make sure that we took time to self-reflect and to reflect with others as to how we can take what we learn here in Los Angeles, and bring it to our communities back at our respective universities and cities to try and make a difference with these three social justice issues of immigration, urban education, and homelessness.

     After our discussion, we hit the road, leaving our Villa in Duarte, and headed to the La Placita (Our Lady, Queen of Angels) parish and mission in Downtown Los Angeles for the Noon Spanish Mass. Having gone to a liturgy where the language was different to one in which I am used to, was completely enthralling, due to seeing the devotion of young and old, and being able to just take in the environment and Mass was just great.

     After Mass, we headed down to Olvera Street to get some authentic Mexican Food for Lunch, and spent about an hour exploring Olvera Street and the surrounding areas. Around three in the afternoon, we departed Downtown Los Angeles for the city of West Hills, California, where we were graciously invited to dinner with the Marianist Community there. We were able to have an informal meet and greet, and were able to get to know some really great stories about their experiences and getting their take on the issues presented to us in Los Angeles.

      Afterwards, we headed back to our Villa in Duarte to get some much needed R&R before our first service project today, which will be working with the Vietnamese Ministry at St. Anne's Parish in Los Angeles and feeding the Hungry at the Union Rescue Mission later on today.

Until then, Peace and Blessings to you all!
-Anthony Selvanathan, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Freshman (Pre-Med)

Our Immersion group with the Marianist Community from West Hills, CA