Who could I be?

This blog was created by a former volunteer with the help of the volunteers and sisters involved in the 2010 Charity in the City summer program, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of New York for women ages 18-30.

As a volunteer last year, I found the experience of service in the city remarkable because it challenges volunteers to ask the question pictured in the mural above-- Who Could I Be? They ask this question of themselves, but also from the humbling perspective of the people they serve over the course of two weeks. People on the fringes of their communities must ask, "Who could I be if I had a home? Or if I had an education? If I were healthy?"
At the end of the program and long after, we as volunteers ask the question with greater consciousness of others, and consequently of our own gifts, graces, and privileges. Who Could I Be? becomes How Can I Be?
Then, with greater strides, our journeys continue.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Experiencing Elizabeth Seton's New York

photo taken from sacreddestinations.com
In the World Financial Center, photo by S. Kati
Following the Elizabeth Seton tour led by Sister Regina Bechtle in Downtown New York, a volunteer commented that she had a greater sense of Elizabeth Seton's humanity-- both her challenges and generosity.  Seeing the places she walked and house where she lived reminded us that her experience was not so far removed from ours. If she had the same banal struggles and joys as young women like us today, then we can believe in our potential to live and work meaningfully.  As long as there is poverty, there is an opportunity to serve.
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1 comment:

  1. Sr. Regina BechtleJune 24, 2010 at 8:08 PM

    It was a privilege for me to spend some time with the 2010 Charity in the City volunteers, in the company of Elizabeth Seton. Each of them - each of you - is an incredibly gifted and generous young woman.
    Reading your blog posts gave me an even deeper insight into you. Thanks for inspiring me!
    Sr. Regina Bechtle (your guide)

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