Life Impacting Call

While in FrancisCorps I was able to experience many life-changing experiences. I grew in Franciscan values by living and experiencing them through community and service. Along with my community, I experienced first-hand the impact of Christ in Francis and Clare’s lives, and the impact they had expressing his love.

One of those insightful parts was working alongside Catholic Charities and spending time with the staff at CYO and the communities they help. I learned from the stories they shared about helping the refugees as they are resettled in Syracuse and everything that entails. This includes hearing about not just the ups but also the downs of the journey, both for the case managers and the refugees as they apply for healthcare or jobs or practicing for a permit. Spending time with families and hearing a bit of their stories as far as what they went through and how their lives have been impacted by the work the staff at CYO has done for them. Helping with IDs, medical applications, job applications, and anything the refugees need has benefited me in wanting to help reestablish themselves in a new country.

The experience I have gained while working in CYO has strengthened my desire to help people and their families when deciding to pursue a life in the United States, and I think the experience and what I learned will help in that calling. After FrancisCorps I will be returning to Syracuse to attend SU Law School and hopefully be able to go into immigration law. This experience has helped me see the joys of assisting others to start a life in the United States and feel that they have the right to opportunities and the help to achieve them.

Another great aspect of the year was to grow in many aspects of my faith. One of the biggest ones was learning so much about the Franciscan charism. Between the retreats and the pilgrimage, we learned about Saint Francis and Clare. Spending time in Syracuse also made it possible to spend time close to the Franciscan Friars. We spent time with them and saw how they lived out the Franciscan values. Through this experience, I grew particularly in humility, by allowing myself to see the face of Christ in my service.

Another Franciscan value I experienced was living in community. I spent the year living and working alongside the other FC25 volunteers. While at the beginning a bit difficult, we were able to overcome conflicts and grow together as a group. We spent time in prayer, cooking, and doing chores around the house together.  We also were able to go out on outings and spend time either at the park or watch movies together at the house. The amount of joy we shared within the walls of the house can be described by the fun we had watching movies. One fond memory I hold was of the time we watched an early 2000s action movie, and spent the entire time laughing at the CGI or the science within the film. What mattered in that moment was being able to share the joy we felt, and to also make fun of an outdated movie. The bond we created with a similar drive to help others and live out the Franciscan Charism.

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