Ramblers Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Jesuit Day of Solidarity

Roughly twenty Loyola students attended the conference including: Abigail Lavaccare ’23, Rachel Barrientos ’23, Katherine Collins ’23, Makena Coltoff ’23, Jake Devine ’23, Constantina Drossos ’25, Dorothy Ghislandi ’23, Vishal Joseph ’23, Brandon Kunitzer ’23, Thomas McCauley ’23, Nora McNabb ’23, Spencer Nelson ’23, Molly Nocera ’23, Lael O’Shaugnessy ’25, Samuel Soco ’24, Guadalupe Vazquez ’23, Bailey Wallace ’25, Allison Walsh ’23, and Marayam Hopps ’23.

The day began with icebreakers and small group activities between the participating schools, followed by Mass in Saint Ignatius's Church of the Holy Family. A highlight included the keynote address from Dr. John G. Igwebuike, founder of Guanacaste: The Lead Listening Institute, which helps organizations, groups, and individuals tap the positive power of effective listening. Dr. Igwebuike's address was titled "The Beloved Community—Believe It, Behold It, and Become It." His address, along with the group discussions and breakout sessions, integrated the day's overall theme of "Walking with the Exlcuded."

After lunch, representatives from each school presented on topics pertaining to justice in today's world. Members of HOPE Squad represented Loyola Academy, and discussed mental health realities that are facing young adults. Their presentation discussed cura personalis and its relationship to mental wellbeing, as well as practical approaches to navigating conversations with peers that need support and adult guidance. HOPE Squad members highlighted the necessity of community for wellbeing and combating the isolation that those struggling with their mental health often feel.

Other topics included community activism & outreach and the role that identity, faith, representation play in empowering young people. An immigrant/refugee simulation gave students a glimpse at the experience of being a refugee. Students reflected on their belongings and what they would want to keep or dispose of as they make their “journey.”

On Wednesday, January 25, Ramblers met in Campus Ministry during lunch periods to continue these important conversations and to examine the topics addressed during the conference. These discussions also allowed students to start planning next year’s Jesuit Day of Solidarity, which will be hosted at Loyola Academy when LA takes the lead.

Many thanks to Saint Ignatius College Prep for hosting this special Day of Solidarity and Ignatian spirituality.