From the Dean of Identity and Community
India Alive Immersion: Hearts Open, Stories Shared
“You are the light of the world… Your light must shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16
Empowered by liberating teaching and learning experiences, our India Alive Immersion invited students to open their hearts and minds to become hope-filled young people committed to building a better world for all. What unfolded was a transformative pilgrimage of faith, service and cultural encounter; one that reshaped how our students see the world and their place within it.
Kolkata: The City of Joy
Our journey began in Kolkata, where beeping horns and busy and bustling streets became the soundtrack of the city. We stood in the quiet simplicity of Mother Teresa’s House, receiving the Blessed Sacrament at Mass alongside the Sisters and visiting her tomb- a sacred beginning to our pilgrimage. From there, we ventured to two separate outreaches of the Missionaries of Charity. Half of us went to Prem Dan, meaning ‘gift of love’ for the sick and dying. The other half ventured to Daya Dan, meaning ‘gift of compassion’ for children with special needs. Students rolled up their sleeves to wash and launder clothes, do dishes and care for residents; discovering that service is not simply doing for others, but being with others.
As the city came alive around us; from the spice-scented markets to the mighty Howrah Bridge; our boys journaled about “moments of grace” and the shock of encountering a world so different yet so full of joy. Guided by Ms Maria Mavritsky, they began creating artwork that captured both the colour and complexity of what they were seeing- the first steps in building genuine cultural understanding. At St Mary’s Dum Dum, a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, the boys met Brother Ruven and the students of the Mary Rice Centre for Special Needs. They joined in the Durga Puja celebrations- a Hindu festival alive with music and colour - before closing the day by singing Ancient Words, a moment of unity that transcended language. It was here the group began to understand the heart of solidarity work; that being guests in another’s story requires humility, listening and the courage to let go of single-story narratives.
Puri: Compassion in Action
Arriving in Puri, the pace slowed. Evening walks along the beach, camel rides, and gratitude reflections gave space for stillness and perspective. The following days brought our most profound encounters; visiting the Karunalaya Leprosy Community founded by Father Marian Żelazek. Father Marian was a man of extraordinary compassion who survived five years in the Dachau Concentration Camp during World War II. Rather than turning bitter, he devoted his life to serving “the last, the least, and the lost,” founding Karunalaya – the House of Compassion – in Puri, to restore dignity to those affected by leprosy.
At Beatrix School within the community, our students were welcomed like family. We were special guests at their assembly, where we witnessed their beautiful cultural and religious dances, heard their school captain speak, before Eddie Gore spoke on behalf of our group and helped present their prestigious academic awards. We shared a few Aussie stories and gave the students a vegemite cracker challenge. Nothing made us smile more than seeing 20 young kids down a cracker covered in vegemite expecting it to taste delicious, before running to their teacher for water immediately afterwards as the salty bitterness set in! Once the school day was finished, it was a beautiful sight to witness our boys lined along the school gates, offering fist bumps, handshakes, and high fives to every student as they left; a simple, joy-filled act of connection that embodied the spirit of Edmund Rice, who met others with dignity, kindness, and an open heart. Through these simple acts, they offered what Father Marian modelled - the gift of presence.
Our visit to the Sun Temple at Konark was a sight to behold. The boys stood in awe of its ancient grandeur just as the heavens opened. There we were, drenched at a monument built for the sun; a cosmic joke we couldn’t help but laugh at. Mass celebrated at Karunalaya was a defining moment. Surrounded by those once outcast from society, the boys sang, prayed and played cricket in the streets - joy becoming its own universal language. “We feel liberated and free by the love of Father Marian,” one leprosy patient told us. Those words will stay with us forever. Nothing is more beautiful that the generosity of the poor; and in this community; they were nothing but giving.
Agra: Beauty, Gratitude and Perspective
From there, we journeyed north to Agra; a place of beauty and wonder. Students experienced India’s vibrant contrasts, from dancing cobras to the breathtaking majesty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. As they stood before this symbol of love, many reflected on their own growth- their strengthened resilience, independence and teamwork forged through every challenge faced together. The immersion concluded with Mohabbat The Taj, a Bollywood retelling of the Taj Mahal’s love story- a joyful celebration to close a pilgrimage that had begun with service and ended in gratitude.
Shining Their Light
In the final days, the group explored Delhi’s bustling Palika Bazaar before returning home; bags heavier, hearts even fuller. With the tireless support of Ms Maria Mavristsky and Mr Zak McNuff to support the pilgrimage, they had seen a world of contrasts: joy amid hardship, simplicity alongside splendour. But most importantly, they had listened, served and learned as guests, not tourists. Through this pilgrimage, our students lived out the Touchstone of Liberating Education- opening minds and hearts, becoming more compassionate global citizens and allowing their light to shine in new ways.
As one student reflected in his journal:
“I came to India to serve others, but I think it’s India that has served me, by teaching me to see differently, to listen deeply, and to be grateful for what I have.”
Blessed Edmund Rice; Pray for Us.
St Teresa of Calcutta; Pray for Us.
Fr Marian; Servant of God; Pray for Us.
Live Jesus in our Hearts; Forever!
MR LACHLAN HESHUSIUS
Dean of Identity and Community (Acting)