A group of students from Cathedral Prep, led by Fr. Mike DeMartinis, spent their Easter break on an immersive cultural experience and service mission in India. The students traveled throughout the southern part of the country, visiting major cities like Chennai and Madurai and rural villages. The nine-day trip provided a cross-cultural experience.
One of the main purposes of the trip was to work alongside the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SSHJ) in serving underprivileged children. The Prep students spent time at schools, orphanages, and childcare facilities operated by the SSHJ, leading activities like songs, dances, and games for hundreds of young kids, many of whom were orphans. They also helped care for orphaned infants and toddlers.
“The children at the schools and orphanages that we visited had more of an impact on me than I could have ever imagined,” said Senior Caitlin Dugan. “These children had so little, but they had the biggest personalities. They were so happy to see us and to show us where they lived, what they ate, and how they spent their time. Seeing how much the children enjoyed going to school and learning was so special. There was quite a language barrier due to them speaking Tamil and us speaking English, but it did not stop the children from getting to know us. We spent many hours playing games, singing, dancing and laughing. Every person I met will have a lasting impact on my life because of how joyful and sincere they were. I felt like I made a whole new family while over there.”
The trip also had a spiritual component, as the students visited holy sites like the St. Thomas Basilica, which contains the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who was martyred in India.
“Experiencing an intercultural mass for the first time was a life-changing experience,” Kendall Rodriguez said. “It was exciting to watch and listen to a completely different language of mass while experiencing the same sacraments.”
Throughout their travels, the Prep students were immersed in Indian society, food, music, and dance, creating unforgettable memories.
