Take a crash course

Theology students learn Mexican culture

by Dorothy Peterson

Where is God? Obviously, God is present to people within specific contexts. For Hispanics, the presence of God occurs in the same places where their lives seem to be so intricately connected: family, faith, work, fiesta.

Naturally then, for those who are preparing to serve Hispanics throughout the country, it is essential to be immersed in those same places in order to understand the people they are to serve.

Each year the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, as part of its master of divinity program, sponsors a cultural immersion experience in Mexico. One of the primary goals of this immersion is the preparation of men and women, both lay and clergy, for ministry in the U.S. multicultural church.

The students and two of their teachers spend two weeks in Mexico City each January. There, with the assistance of Jesuits from the Mexican theologate, they participate in classes to learn about Mexican history, the place of Mary in the lives of Mexicans, popular religiosity, and the culture and traditions of the country. They visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Museo de Antropología, the pyramids, the Zócalo, and the murals of Diego Rivera to name just a few things.

Students spend their weekends working with Mexican theology students at their ministry sites to have a first-hand experience of the life of the people in and around Mexico City.

Throughout this time, students engage in theological reflection, and upon their return to the United States they look in depth at the implications of this experience for their future ministry. They also appreciate the importance of learning the language, becoming fluent in cross-cultural communication, and attaining a better understanding of the plight of immigrants, and how cultural values deepen the Christian faith.