Meet the Global Fellows

Learn how we are all connected

 

 

Israel and Palestine

This winter has proven to be a busy one for the Global Fellows. In January, five Global Fellows traveled to Israel and Palestine. Why Israel and Palestine? CRS has listed Peace in the Holy Land as a priority issue for the agency. CRS feels that it is important for Catholics in the United States to become aware of the current situation outside of the media reports, and to become engaged in the quest for peace.

As result the Global Fellows spent five days speaking with different Human Rights organizations on the Palestinian and Israeli side. The group also spent some time with different governmental agencies. A deeper understanding and appreciation of the challenges in this part of the world was felt by all participants.

Nigeria

This past Fall, Mundelein Seminary decided that social justice would be the central focus for seminarians in Pre-Theology II. As part of that focus the seminary incorporated the Global Fellows Program into their curriculum. What does that mean? It means that all Pre-Theology II students have the opportunity to participate on an immersion trip with CRS or participate in a domestic volunteer immersion experience.

This past February the first Pre-Theology II and CRS immersion trip took place with six seminarians and their Pastoral Formation Director. The group traveled to Nigeria to witness the work CRS is doing around HIV and AIDS, and Peace-building. They spent time with orphans, school children, people living with AIDS, community leaders, Church leaders, and also spent a morning doing volunteer work at St. Vincent’s hospital.

This was a significant trip because it was the first one that took place as part of a seminary curriculum, it was a moving and powerful experience for those participating on the journey.