Monday, November 24, 2008

Prep contingent returns from Ignatian Teach-In

Saint Peter's Prep students and staff outside of Fort Benning, Georgia.

Saint Peter’s Prep students and staff returned yesterday from the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, an annual event calling for the closure of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly the School of the Americas). It is also an opportunity to commemorate the deaths of the Salvadorian Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter, who were murdered by SOA-trained soldiers.

The Prep contingent was led by Mr. Erich Sekel, assistant director of campus ministry. He was joined by Ms. Jane Bleasdale, a religion teacher and Prep’s director of faculty formation. Together the pair joined 15 students who spent the two days in prayer, reflection, dialogue, and peaceful protest alongside hundreds of students from other Jesuit high schools and colleges.

“Our students entered the weekend open and enthusiastic,” said Mr. Sekel. “I was impressed by their attentiveness and desire to learn about the various issues discussed. Through their discussions and reflections, they challenged one another to bring the spirit of solidarity and commitment to justice back to Prep.

“For me,” he continued, “it re-affirmed my belief in the mission of Saint Peter’s. It was just a great and proud weekend for me.”

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