On Jan. 22, Father Dan Riley, O.F.M and Joe Flanagan, the head of alumni affairs, joined four St. Bonaventure students on a weekend ministry trip across the east coast.
Nairee Taveras, a freshman strategic communications and digital media major, Mike Muffoletto, a sophomore marketing major, Brianna Wilson, a junior education major and Michael Specht, a junior history major, served as student attendees on the trip. Stopping at three cities across the east coast, the team of students aimed to “bring faith to Bonaventure alumni,” explained Taveras.
The students attended the trip to show how Mt. Irenaeus plays a role in their life. As part of Franciscan tradition, Mt. Irenaeus plays a significant role in many students’ time at Bonaventure. Offering an escape from the bustle of daily college life, The Mountain offers comfort and tranquility. The fundamentals of Franciscan life, such as simplicity and connection with nature, are assimilated into the lives of guests at the mountain.
Riley and his team decided to bring this same feeling to alumni who might not have the chance to feel the power of the mountain otherwise.
Specht explained the power of The Mountain is something special for students.
“The feeling that I get every time is a feeling of bliss, a blessed feeling. People love hearing students talk about their faith,” Specht said. “People are blown away time and time again. It’s a very humbling experience- there’s a big sense of camaraderie and brotherhood.”
At the convent of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph in Hamburg and Buffalo and Assumption Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the team led a discussion on faith for as many as 40 Bonaventure alumni. At its destination in Fort Lauderdale, the team led a mass to enhance the spiritual experience of the alumni.
The service began with opening remarks and icebreakers to establish a comfortable, safe and open environment.
“During icebreakers, everyone told what year they graduated in,” Taveras said. “One older gentleman stood up and proudly said that he was in the class of 1950. It was nice seeing him get up and have everyone clap for him,” Taveras said.
After everyone was settled in, Father Dan lit a candle and played calming music to further the comfortable mood. During this time, attendees were encouraged to relax.
“This is a time to be enlightened and reflect. Meditation is a time to either think or not think. Right now, this is where you are and you don’t have to think about anything else,” Taveras said.
After reflection, the team read passages from the Bible, covering verses from the books of Jonah and Corinthians. While these readings were powerful, the group wanted to make sure that they made them easily relatable to the patrons of the event. The four students took turns being “witnesses” to the readings, explaining their personal connections to each passage. The students were chosen based off of their genuine bonds with the excerpts. They did not plan their talks before speaking in front of the crowd.
“We just got up and let it flow. We let the spirit of God move us,” Taveras said.
After the witness’ speeches and the closing remarks, everyone spent time mingling, discussing everything from his or her personal faith to his or her time at Bonaventure. At its third stop in Atlanta, Georgia, the team held a mass at the church connected to Marist High School. Around 60 parishioners, and alumni, attended the event, enjoying a night of prayer and reminiscing about their years at Bonaventure.
Taveras added that one attendee of the event was so impacted by the program that he sent an email to the team thanking them for putting together an evening of prayer, conversation and reflection. The man continued, telling that it was nice to be able to put everything aside and be with people who want to share that experience with him.
First-time participant, Michael Muffoletto said, “The great thing about campus ministry is that it isn’t limited to any one group. Absolutely anybody can take part and have an incredible effect on somebody else’s life.”
“I definitely learned that it’s important to step out of your comfort zone, especially with things that relate to faith, because you don’t know who you can impact,” Taveras said. “Push yourself to motivate and uplift someone else. When you uplift others, you teach yourself at the same time.”
