Faces of Xavier

                   

By Ed Cullen '05

Last January, when my senior year at Fordham University was coming to an end I had a lot of ideas swirling around in my head about taking a career path that was right for me. There were a number of options including working with the NYPD, entering into a business focusing on my degree in economics, and then there was the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC). After immersing myself in Belize with some fellow Fordham students,

I placed the idea of JVC and committing to a year of service in my back pocket. However, the more I read about JVC and their mission to serve others; I felt the call to take the road less traveled. My roommates (also fellow Xavier graduates) were driven to search for jobs that related to their business degree, but my intention centered on the need for more domestic service. After taking the time to speak with Jesuits in the New York province, close friends and family, and past JV’s, I decided applying to the JVC was the best opportunity to share my passion for service with others.  I applied and received my acceptance; then I was placed into a Jesuit High School out in Arizona.    

I currently work with Brophy College Preparatory, or as I call it: Xavier in Arizona. The values, ideals, and work ethic of the Brophy students strongly resemble the typical Xavier man:  A man willing to open himself to growth, strive for intellectual competency, and commit to social justice.

I work with the Office of Faith and Justice (OFJ) on campus, organizing underclassman service, immersion trips, retreats, Turkey and Lenten drives, and off-campus service related activities. My most rewarding job is taking down 15 freshmen to a local homeless shelter every Tuesday from 7 AM to 7 PM, and watching the work of Christ introduce itself to these young men.

Ed Cullen '05 with the JVC team in Phoenix.

Besides working hand-in-hand with the OFJ, I also teach an introductory religion course to freshmen called Understanding Catholic Christianity. In this class, we cover faith basics, morality, scripture, and Jesus Christ, the man. My mission as a Jesuit Volunteer at Brophy is to live out the four tenets of community, simple living, social justice, and spirituality through my work on a day-to-day basis.

As my life unfolds this year with my JVC experience, I credit my drive to live out these four tenets to the community on 16th Street. Xavier formulated my values from the ground up. I walked through the doors there eight years ago unknowing of the profound influence it would have on me years later. The enduring compassion of students and teachers alike created a community that taught me how to genuinely love others with humility and respect. From running drills for Mr. Stevens in football, to participating in the Coffeehouse with Mr. Petriello, or the simple singing of Sons of Xavier helped me to understand why the Jesuits have so successfully created true “Men for Others.” 

My JVC experience has exceeded my expectations. When orientation first began last August, I questioned my decision to commit entirely to one year of volunteering. Now after truly immersing myself in my service, I have come to understand the Jesuit call to see “God in all things.” I am truly blessed to work with such wonderful people at Brophy Preparatory, a Jesuit community exemplifying the same ideals I experienced during my four years at Xavier. 

After this year, I plan on exploring opportunities with international service. There is a deep need for support in Central America and I feel the call to live in solidarity with these people. I plan on working with sustainable development through justice and peace in a Central American country like El Salvador or Nicaragua. If I can successfully promote human dignity, protect the rights of all people, and advocate a preferential option for the poor, then I will live out the mission of St. Ignatius. Like St. Ignatius once said to St. Francis Xavier, it’s time to “Go and Set the World on Fire.”

For more information on JVC, visit http://jesuitvolunteers.org.