Why Go

Why Am I Going on Immersion?

This marks the fourth time I have embarked on an immersion experience to the Philippines. As a lay Marist, I feel profoundly called to be Mary’s hands, feet, and heart ina practical way in the world today. Immersions allow me to step into spaces where the Marist and Mercy spirit resonates powerfully, reminding me of the universal call to serve and to love. In 2025, Pope Francis has invited all of us to become “pilgrims of hope,” encouraging us to venture beyond the comfort zones of our daily lives to places we might not naturally go—places that challenge us to grow.

As the Youth Ministry Coordinator at Mercy College, I also feel a deep responsibility to guide others on this journey. Immersion provides a unique opportunity for personal and spiritual transformation, especially for young people. At the threshold of finishing school, students enter a liminal space—a time of transition between what has been and what is yet to come. Immersion offers a powerful experience in this in-between space, encouraging a fresh perspective. Like Jesus, who carried out much of His ministry on the road, we too are invited to walk with others, to learn from their stories, and to carry the hope and joy of those encounters back to our own communities.

What Is Your Hope for the Immersion?

My hope for this immersion is that we fully embrace and dive deeply into the richness of Filipino, Marist, and Mercy culture. I wish for each of us to experience these moments authentically, through heartfelt encounters with the people, ministries, and places we visit. I pray that these experiences will shape us—so that when we return home, we carry the lessons and inspiration forward. My hope is that this immersion transforms us into people of hope, ready to live with greater compassion, faith, and purpose in the world.
 

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