Latin American Immersion

In its fifteenth year, the Bellarmine Immersion program remains dedicated to entering into the reality of the suffering poor in Latin America. Through the immersion experience, it is hoped that Bellarmine students will develop a concern and compassion for the poor, that forms the foundation for advocacy work that addresses the causes of this poverty. By living in and experiencing the historical, daily reality of the poor, Bellarmine students and faculty manifest the Jesuit, Ignatian tenet of using our intellect and our compassion to the service others.

In 1993, four Bellarmine students, two lay faculty members, and a Bell mom made the first immersion trip to El Salvador. Inspired by the courage, faith and love of the Salvadoran people, Bellarmine continues to look for opportunities to have our students and faculty experience first hand the reality of poverty, suffering and marginalization that characterizes the Third World. It is hoped that through these immersion experiences, our students and faculty will feel called to respond to the Gospel message that calls us to a preferential option for the poor.

El Salvador

The Immersion Program has expanded to include trips to Tijuana and to Guaymas, Mexico, and to Columbus, Georgia. We are currently exploring the possibility of an immersion experience in the Philippines. The length of immersion trips is usually between one and two weeks and the trips are usually scheduled during school breaks.

Faculty and students prepare for these trips through meetings, films, and reflections to help understand the importance of this work in terms of their own personal and spiritual growth and well as its importance to the poor whom we serve. Due to the personally challenging nature of immersion trips, junior and senior students are given priority, although students from all years can participate. The Bellarmine Immersion Program and the students who make the trips share the funding of these immersion experiences. Students should expect to pay approximately half the cost of the trip. No qualified student, however, will be denied the opportunity to make an immersion trip for lack of funds.

The Immersion Program is especially grateful to Fr. William Muller, S.J, former President of Bellarmine, the current Administration and faculty, as well as, the entire Bellarmine Community for their support of these immersion trips for the past thirteen years. We especially acknowledge Molly Fumia and Rachel Sevy for their inspiration and caring work from the beginning!

In peace and solidarity,

Larry Lauro
Immersion Program Coordinator