Brother Camillus has carved out a very special niche at
Saint Mary's. In addition to teaching psychology and meditation, he is
the spiritual guide to students of Mexican heritage, who call him
Brother Camilo.
"I try to help them find the spirit, to let the
sacred break through in their lives, and share it," he said.
"Love is a joy-filled experience, and the love of God should be
joyful."
Many students of Mexican background come to Saint Mary's
from small Central Valley towns and farms, he said. "They're use to
the Spanish mass and songs; they need that. Religion penetrates the
whole culture. It's a valued reality to be open to the spirit."
When American-born students of Mexican ancestry go to
Tijuana for Easter week, a project of Campus Ministry, many connect with
their history. "Holy Week is
different --- there are no eggs or bunnies. It's a time of prayer."
Four years ago Brother Camillus established the
Multi-Cultural Youth Ministry on campus. "I train students to reach
out as leaders to students of all ethnic backgrounds. We meet weekly to
reflect on the Gospel. As the leaders become aware of God operating in
their lives, they gather a spiritual group together.
"Many of these students are low-income. There's no
money at home to fall back on. This creates high anxiety levels. If they
feel at home here, stress is reduced and they find they can deal with
whatever comes."
_____
_____. "Meeting the Challenge."
1992 - 1993 President's Annual Report.
Saint Mary's College of California - excerpts. (1993),
p. 15.
