Browning, Day 3, De La Salle, March 11, 2026

Today we went back to De La Salle for the second day there. It has been a wonderful time getting to know each of the students and just be able to interact with them within the day. It has been truly amazing to get to see how they interact with one another and their joyful, yet chaotic, in a good way, nature. Each and every child so far has been friendly and welcoming to each of their classmates and is willing to be there for their friends and classmates. I’ve noticed and admired the way almost all of the kid’s hands shoot up during prayer intentions and they pray for their classmates. Their willingness to pray and show that they care for the people around them just is an amazing thing to witness. Another thing that is a great thing to witness is how almost half the class was wanting me to sit by them or help them. They were willing to let me help them and be there as a person who sees them as another human, not some idea of what they should or shouldn’t do as a kid. It just made me really happy to know that we don’t know each other that well and yet they wanted to trust and let me help them with whatever they wanted help with, whether it was math or some other subject.

Regarding God and when I’ve personally seen him, I would simply say that the kids are where I see a symbol of God. How each child isn’t afraid to let others know they are praying for them or their loved ones just makes me happy. The children there aren’t worried and willing to trust God and that he’ll help guide and walk them through whatever struggles they are experiencing. I would say that these kids have helped me open my eyes and see that praying isn’t just because we need help with something, it is way more than thinking of ourselves. To think about others during prayer and being grateful for what we have and for God himself. Another thing I think a lot of people don’t do is just be vulnerable and able to be there for those in need and look to God to help guide who they care about to see the good in the situation. I think overall, I’ve felt God the most with these children I have worked with and gotten the pleasure to be around. They are able to be carefree and show compassion to one another and God, which in my opinion is a great quality to be around and think about.

Caitlin Moss, Freshman, Biology Major, Anthrozoology Minor.

Today was a terrific experience for me. I was really hoping going into this immersion trip that Christ would stretch my heart and make me more receptive to receiving His grace, love, and wisdom so that I would be better able to see Him reflected in people who I encounter in my daily life. Entering into this day with a heart open to experiencing the infectious joy of these children helped me share in their little victories, and be more aware of the Lord working in the De La Salle school. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by children uncovered my eyes and allowed me to learn from these children more than they will ever know. Christ tells us that we are to be dependent like children if we are intent on truly receiving Him and sharing in his joy in Heaven. Witnessing these children at different points during their otherwise ordinary day, whether they were engaged in learning about animals in our created world or the significance of the sacrament of Confession, afforded me the privilege of seeing the world through the eyes of a child and being able to experience that for the first time in a long time. More important than phonics and multiplication tables is forming relationships, and my day abounded with friendly conversations with these kids that allowed me to truly recognize their humanity in a deep, new way. Even if these children don’t know it, they have already taught me more about life than I could ever help them to understand. In the classroom, we are continuously reminded that we are in the holy presence of God. How easy it is in the hustle and bustle of life to forget that simple yet powerful truth.

Experiencing Christ’s love through these children and trying to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me for their benefit is only part of the story. I have been amazed throughout my time at De La Salle to witness the patience, passion, and authentic love that the teachers have for the students. Yes, the teachers instruct them academically, and yes, they bring these children joy through engaging their young minds and playing games with them. Most beautiful for me, however, is to see Christ reflected in these teachers who truly care for the souls of their students. Even after the school day ended, the graces didn’t stop pouring in. The immersion students were afforded the opportunity to hear from a speaker who gave a truly authentic personal witness that was very moving. It just so happened that it was exactly what I needed to hear, spiritually speaking. In essence, words will never be able to capture what I experienced today. A good life is one that is punctuated with many beautiful moments. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, I was fortunate enough to receive more than I could have ever expected today.

Michael Faccenda, Sophomore, Political Science/International Relations Major