Reflectors of Light

Lasallians Unfiltered – Br. Raymond Meagher, FSC, Manhattan College

“If you believe in Scampia you will find a sea of good here.”

When exiting the Metro station in Scampia, one can see the above welcoming statement on a large poster. This suburb of Naples, Italy is actually in a state of decay and is regarded as a major ghetto. This message is an attempt to challenge the negative associations about Scampia, but it seems out of place with its bright colors. Many say that another statement, scribbled crudely on a wall in red spray paint, “Abandon Hope all ye who enter here,” is a more appropriate statement because Scampia has become a synonym for degradation, violence, drugs, and hopelessness.

We went to Scampia believing that we would find a “SEA OF GOOD.” We came to this experience with “open eyes, open minds, and open hearts” no matter what we did, where we lived, or who we met. We found the “sea of good” in the hearts and minds of the young people of Scampia with whom we interacted with every day. We also found this “sea of good” in the Lasallian Brothers, Sisters of Providence and their Lasallian Partners as we worked alongside them in the various programs. The HOSPITALITY of the entire Lasallian Family of Scampia was extraordinary! They went out of their way to welcome us and make us feel that we were part of their family.

On May 19, 2015, 12 students and 3 faculty members traveled more than 4,000 miles to Scampia, Italy. This 16-day journey was the Fifth International Lasallian “Service Learning Experience” run by the Manhattan College Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.

The purpose of this journey was to help the Lasallian Brothers, Sisters of Providence and their Lasallian Partners in the RAINBOW HOUSE. This incredible group is responding to the serious needs of the young people and their families, who are struggling with more and more difficult academic, economic, emotional, social, and legal problems than ever before. These young people are living in the poorest part of Italy, with a 75% unemployment rate, and the area is also considered the most dangerous part of the country. Scampia is essentially under the control of one of Italy’s oldest crime organizations, the Camorra. The area is notorious for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. The drop-out rate and illiteracy are at very high levels. So many young people have been robbed of their hopes and dreams for the future.

The RAINBOW HOUSE founded in 2007 as a response to a former Superior-General’s request to the Brothers, “I hope that we will have the necessary discernment that will allow us to identify those young people on the margins of society that have more problems and fewer solutions and to discover and invent tailor-made programs for them that will help them live with hope and dignity (Brother Alvaro).” The Lasallian Brothers, Sisters of Providence and their Lasallian Partners created and developed bold, innovative, and significant programs to meet the critical needs of young people. They are a hopeful and vital presence in Scampia, because there are very few services to help young people and their families. We were proud to be invited to become part of this extraordinary mission! We joined together into this dynamic community to help them respond to these critical needs. We met twice daily to pray, meditate, reflect, and communicate with one another, using the Scriptures of the day and quotes from John Baptist De La Salle.

The following excerpts from STUDENT REFLECTIONS are inspiring and tell our story best:

Living in New York and attending Manhattan College is a luxury. We don’t think about the lives of those people that are struggling. There is deep poverty and ‘families in need’ just around our corners, and also around the globe. For the past two weeks, 15 of us were given the opportunity to pop our bubbles, exit our comfort zones and help those who need it. Scampia is not known for their beautiful buildings, amazing views, or delicious restaurants. It is known for drugs, violence, poverty, and mob activity. For all of us, this was a SHOCK. [AR]

We were welcomed with open arms. At our first Community meeting, Brother Enrico had us bury our hands into a basket of the earth of Scampia. We plunged our hands as deep as we could into the dirt. His message was clear. He wanted us to minister to his young people in an active, practical, ‘get-your-hands’ dirty way. This experience symbolized that we were officially ready to start our mission. What a great way to begin a journey. [RT]

Our theme was to be to be REFLECTORS OF LIGHT! We wanted to help shine light into the dark areas of the lives, minds and hearts of the young people we would interact with in the various programs. We defined this light as knowledge, truth, understanding, and compassion.

On the first day, the students were cursing, screaming, fighting, and reluctant to pay attention. The language barrier made it more difficult to communicate with them. As the days went on, I was able to communicate more and more with them and they were more receptive. [TC]

A memorable highlight was teaching English to two young mothers. They were single mothers raising children on their own. Their former husbands were in jail. I was able to use the real-life skills I learned in my courses. The mothers had learned quite a lot of English in our time together. [GD]

My heart broke for a 15 year old boy. He was abandoned by his father and sleeps with his mother at night. This child was desperate for affection. I never experienced something like that before. I started to doubt myself – would I be able to help and relate to these students? The next day I discovered that the warnings in my head were completely wrong. These young people were so much more than their outbursts and misbehaviors. They were warm and friendly once you developed caring and respectful relationships with them. [MW]

CAMP ROMA was one of the most moving and memorable parts of our journey. We learned a great deal about the many severe challenges that the Gypsy Community faces. They are denied the right to a dignified life. They live in caravans and shacks without running water, toilets, garbage disposal or proper heating. The streets leading to Camp Roma were literally lined with garbage. The Gypsy community survives by begging, selling drugs, and stealing.

All I ever heard about Gypsies was: hide your valuables. As soon as we pulled up (with br. Enrico blowing his van horn), there were 60 to 70 young children running from the camp site toward our van, banging sticks on the ground and then on our van. We were a bit nervous, but they were just so excited and happy to see us because we came to visit with them. Br. Enrico had us all singing and dancing. It was an amazing and heartwarming experience. I was overwhelmed by how the children ran up to hug and play with us. They had layers of dirt on their bodies and filthy clothing. We played with them, giving them piggy back rides and jumping rope. We were able to bond and communicate with them. They showed us the value of happiness, it comes from within. They have nothing, but they are happier than individuals who have it all. [JD]

BR. ENRICO, President of the Rainbow House, truly “touches hearts, challenges minds, and helps transform lives.” The Rule of the Brothers states that, “the purpose of our Institute is to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor.” Brother Enrico has been working directly with the poor by providing a “second chance” education for the economically deprived, victims of social injustice, street kids, and those neglected by the rest of society. These young people are also socially, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually poor. He certainly awakened our social consciousness to recognize the poor, their problems and to be sensitive to students who are most disadvantaged.

From the first moment of meeting Brother Enrico in his fluorescent green polo to the end, as he teared up when he walked us to our train, I knew I was in the presence of greatness. His aura screamed “superman.” He would hug each student like they were his own. He respects his faculty as if he owed them his life. He gives every ounce of his being day in and day out. Like Brother Enrico, I hope to one day ‘color in the life’ around me. [AV]

Br. Enrico is the ultimate “reflector of light” – because he brings “light” and “color” to all the people around him by creating a loving, supporting and understanding environment. [MW] He has devoted his life to bettering the lives of students and the world around him. He is the ‘heart’ and ‘soul’ of the Rainbow House. [TC]

 

TESTIMONIALS:

• This journey has broadened my perspective and has left me inspired to grow every day to be an even better person than I was the day before. [MW]
• I loved eating together at the big table every day – it gave me a sense of connection and belonging to our community. [JD]
• “When you can’t find happiness outside, it can be found within.” The children I met at Camp Roma were the true embodiment of this statement. [TC]
• I learned about the value of friendships, the true meaning of happiness, and the importance of having a good education. [JD]
• Despite the environment that surrounds the Rainbow House on the outside, the love and hope that is provided within the walls of this incredible community, remind me why I want to become a teacher. [AR]
• The quote, ‘True Holiness consists in doing God’s will with a smile’, reminds me of the Brothers, Sisters and Partners. They live every day with such zest, passion, excitement and love. [TC]
• At our last Community meeting, the basket of dirt from Scampia reappeared. The basket now had beautiful flowers in it with our names on them. We chose a flower and then wrote about the person we chose and what we saw in that person during our mission. We gave the flowers and comments to that person. It was an amazing experience and a very powerful way to end our mission to Scampia. [RT]

 

BROTHER ROBERT SCHIELER, recently elected Superior-General of the Lasallian Brothers, took time out of his very busy schedule to meet with us while visiting Rome. He encouraged us to continue to respond to the global challenges of today and tomorrow, in helping the poor, because much work remains to be done.

The RAINBOW HOUSE is so much more than a house or a school. It is a special place and a sacred place – away from violence – and where young people can be nurtured worry-free. It is a place where everybody cares and where they give you their time, attention, and expertise. It is where you learn about being respectful, responsible, being kind to others, and honest. It is a Community of Hope where young people are nurtured, supported, and encouraged to believe in their potential.

Pope Francis states that, “Indeed, those who enjoy life most are those who leave security on the shore and become excited by the mission of communicating life to others.” The Reflectors of Light – certainly left security on their shore and were excited to impact the lives of young people they worked with in Scampia. They rose to the challenging mission to do their best to reflect light into the lives, minds, and hearts of the young people of Scampia.

The group gained the respect and appreciation of the adults they worked with and the love of the young people they helped. They brought out the best in each other and each one gave only the best of themselves! Each made their unique personal contribution to this life-changing journey! They developed a stronger attitude of gratitude from this experience. They have become more grateful for the good people in their lives, more aware of the goodness “alive” in others, and more sensitive to the goodness and compassion within themselves.

Written and submitted by Brother Raymond Meagher, FSC and the Reflectors of Light

Mille Grazie from Br. Raymond…

• Reflectors of Light, for their work and sharing their reflections: Melissa Witkowich, Jessica Divenere, Angela Ricci, Tara Carey, Giana Dente, Rachel Tomashosky, Allyson Vena, Mickayla Romero, And Kiri Cormack
• Lasallian Action Committee – Manhattan College
• Dean William Merriman – School Of Education & Health
• District Of Eastern North America – Lasallian Brothers
• Christian Brothers Community – Manhattan College
• Mu Sigma Chapter – Kdp – M.C. – Council & Members – Fundraising
• Parents & Relatives of “The Reflectors Of Light”
• Dr. Lisa Rizopoulos & Br. Charles Barbush
• Br. Robert Schieler – Superior-General of The Institute
• Br. Louis De Thomasis & Br. Patrick Duffy – Generalate, Rome
• Br. Enrico, Br. Rafaele, & Br. Bruno – Scampia Community
• Sisters Of Providence – Scampia Community
• Lasallian Partners – Scampia Community
• Students Of Rainbow House – Scampia Community
• Andrea Sicignano & Students of San Giuseppe De Merode – Rome
• Carla Trombetta – FSC Segretaria – Rome
• Dr. Peter Mccarthy
• Saint Rocco – Giana Dente
• John & Angela Magliano
• Nick Weyland – President Of Student Body – Manhattan College
• Margaret Kelly – Controllers Office / Elen Mons – Study Abroad
• Kat Varone – Blog Person