Saint Damien Community Profiles

November 2020 - Letter from Adele Guyton

Hello ACAA Members!

My name is Adele Guyton, and I’m in my second year as a member of the St. Damien Community and my second year in Leuven. At present I am finishing an MA in Western Literature community and will go on to do a PhD in German and English literature starting in February 2021. As the youngest member of the community and the only one not studying philosophy or theology, it would be easy to feel like the odd one out, and one of the wonderful things about this community is that I never do. It’s a wonderful environment filled with laughter, good food, discussions ranging from the inspiring from the bizarre, and the kitchen is where I go when I need a friendly conversation to help me through a particularly difficult part of an essay, or just to look at the beautiful plants cultivated by Brilema and Aashu. On a deeper level, the annual retreat and weekly prayers are a wonderful opportunity to have some silence in a busy student life to pray and reflect and be open to the world.

I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1997 but soon moved with my family to a series of countries including Japan, Germany, Indonesia and the UK. This experience of being in strange new places again and again at a young age definitely made me a more adventurous person, but I believe it was also what instilled the value of community in me. The boarding high school I attended in southern England was my first experience of living in an intentional community with cleaning and gardening duties shared among the students and staff, and both groups taking part in communal walks, meetings, and meditations. After graduating from high school, I always wanted to find a kind of intentional community again, but this time one that better fostered my academic ambitions.

My BA years were spent in several locations, because I studied by distance with the Open University, taking classes in Latin literature and social sciences before settling on a major in English literature. During this time my interest in community and my desire to make a positive impact through participation in community grew, and I spent some time volunteering at Palar Centre for Learning in India and later learning to be a dialogue moderator in inner-city schools in Stuttgart, Germany. I discovered KU Leuven when I decided I definitely wanted to attend a “brick” university with an excellent modern and contemporary literature programme for my master’s degree. However, having been somewhat itinerant throughout my bachelor’s degree, I also knew it would greatly enrich my life in Leuven to be part of a community – fortunately, I had been aware of the St. Damien Community for some time through its coordinator Aristel and as Raul put it in last month’s profile, it’s one of the best choices I’ve made. Though I’m not a philosophy or theology student myself, I have a strong interest in both subjects, and I have learned a great deal from my fellow community members, had many preconceptions challenged, and generally grown as a person.

It was always wonderful to be part of the community and the weekly dinner and prayer were a highlight of my week from the start of my time in Leuven, but since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic the community has been absolutely essential. My thanks to everyone who has made this community possible – it is a wonderful thing that I hope will continue for many years to come.

Best wishes,

Adele

October 2020 - Letter from Raul-Ovidiu Bodea

Dear Members of the American College Alumni Association, 

My name is Raul-Ovidiu Bodea, and I am currently a fourth-year doctoral student in systematic theology at KU Leuven. This will be my third year in the St Damian Community, and my sixth year in Leuven.

I  was born in 1991 in Romania, in the city of Oradea where I lived for most of my life before coming to Leuven. There I began my journey in the study of theology by firstly enrolling in the Orthodox theological high school after which I enrolled for a bachelor’s degree in pastoral Orthodox theology at the faculty of theology in my home city. Here I developed a fascination and love for the Greek patristic tradition. In the second year of my bachelors studies I spent one semester in Thessaloniki, Greece, through the Erasmus program where I further nourished my theological interest and also became aware of the importance of studying and living in a different cultural setting. In Greece I discovered the theology of Metropolitan John Zizioulas and became fascinated with the way in which he was reading the Church fathers in light of contemporary existential concerns. Upon my return to Romania I wrote my bachelors thesis on the Eucharistic dimension of creation in Zizioulas`s theology. Also, I decided that I need to further develop my academic theological education, and that the best place to do this was in Western Europe where the most prestigious universities with highest academic standards are to be found. Some professors suggested that I look into KU Leuven, and it quickly became very obvious that KU Leuven was by far the best place for me to continue my studies. With great joy I was accepted to the Research Masters in 2015.

Finding a place to stay was a bit of a challenge until someone told me that there is a community of theologians and philosophers in the American College, called Mater Dei. I immediately inquired about the community and joined. My first three years were spent on the fourth floor of the American College in the same room as a member of the Mater Dei Community. While being in the Mater Dei Community I also came to know the St Damian Community through the events that they were organizing as well as through the fact that I was in the same classes as some of the members. I have met some wonderful people here, graduate students in theology and philosophy that were really passionate about their work and with whom I would often have long discussions on the most interesting theological and philosophical topics that helped me through my research. During this time in my master`s thesis I worked on the concept of Imago Dei in the thought of Russian religious philosopher Nikolai Berdyaev. I was initially fascinated with his claim that Patristic anthropology has not brought out all the anthropological implications of the Christological doctrine. Studying the thought of Berdyaev, I noticed some similarities between his thought and that of Zizioulas, and thus I decided to apply to the doctoral program with a project focusing on both of them. In my doctoral project I study the relationship between existential philosophy and Orthodox theology focusing on the thought of both Berdyaev and Zizioulas.

My first year as a doctoral student was spent in the same room of the same floor, but the Mater Dei Community was changing. More and more undergraduate and Erasmus students from other faculties than theology or philosophy joined the floor, each one minding their own business. All this and the lack of events together made it fell very little like a community. But fortunately, Aristel told me that the Saint Damian Community was not exclusively for North Americans, which I thought it was, and that I can join. Without much need for deliberation I joined right away, knowing that the element of community was something actively pursued there. The last two years I was a member of the Saint Damian Community, and joining it was one of the best decisions I`ve made. Some people say that doing a PhD is a solitary venture. And indeed, it is partially true. But being a part of a community makes things so much easier, and pleasant, especially this year after the whole covid situation started. Also, although I don`t take classes anymore, through the community I feel that I`m still in contact with the life of the faculty and get to know the new people that are coming to study in Leuven which otherwise I most likely wouldn`t have met. As I hope to finish my doctorate this coming academic year, I look forward to my new year in Leuven with great enthusiasm.

For making the Saint Damian Community a reality, and for all their support I would like to thank the members of the American College Alumni Association! 

Best wishes,

Raul-Ovidiu Bodea

August 2020 - Letter From Brilema Irene Perez

Dear Alumni Committee, 

My name is Brilema Irene Perez and I am a 26-year-old Mexican-American laywoman from San Diego, California. Before coming to Leuven, I worked as an administrative assistant for the Offices for Youth and Young Adult Ministries (OYM and OYAM) at the Diocese of San Diego. Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic parish and community granted me close relations with the youth and young adults within the Latino community throughout the Diocese. In my almost two years of employment, I facilitated a taskforce with the Hispanic youth and young adult leaders to help identify the needs of the community and see how OYM and OYAM could respond to those needs. This project coincided also with the National V Encuentro, which contributed to the general push in recognizing the pastoral needs of the Hispanic community. Partaking in this process made me realize how much I enjoyed and found a true calling in ministry work. At the same time, I also realized that I needed to acquire graduate education in Theology if I, as a Hispanic laywoman, wanted to make a greater impact in advocating for the Hispanic community. I began to seek for school options and to ask people I admired how they had proceeded in their career choices. When I asked Rodrigo Valdivia, the chancellor of the Diocese at the time, he suggested I look at KU Leuven since he had been satisfied with his own preparation during his seminary years. I knew I wanted to study abroad in a place that offered canonical degrees and stretched me academically and personally. Therefore, when I looked at what KU Leuven offered and saw it checked all that I looked for in a school, I immediately made the decision to apply and begin my academic preparation. 

Though the application process had its own challenges, especially in leaving behind the comforts of a supportive community and a job I enjoyed, the housing situation was perhaps the most daunting for me. I like to think that the St. Damien Community found me since the KU Leuven Theology faculty suggested it to me. As soon as I knew of its existence, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I had prior experience of living in community and knew the richness that came from sharing in academic and faith life. I can attest to the fact that it has been nothing less than enriching. I have met many wonderful colleagues and friends in these last two years and have grown so much from the conversations at the dinner table. From discussing theological or philosophical concepts to sharing cooking recipes in the kitchen, the St. Damien Community has been a great source of friendship and intellectual stimulation. I decided to stay in Leuven during the outbreak of COVID-19. In the midst of the lockdown, I found myself thinking how lucky and grateful I was to spend it in a community environment rather than in complete isolation. Although we still kept our physical distance, it was comforting to know I was not alone. All in all, we have managed to make the best of the situation supporting one another in our hopes and concerns for the world that awaits us after the pandemic ends. 

This September I will begin the second year of the Research Master with a focus in Church History. My thesis touches on the topic of mission history in Northern Mexico and Southern Arizona, specifically the missionary work of the now Venerable Eusebio Francisco Kino. I am quite interested in his missionary and pastoral approach to the people of Pimería Alta. Not only is he a model of dialogue and evangelization, but his attention to the material needs of the people under his pastoral care also distinguishes him and his work. Though I intend to return to ministry work rather than continue immediately on the academic route, I believe his work and example will be a source of inspiration especially when advocating for the pastoral needs of the people I will accompany along the way. 

The academic approach at the Theology faculty at KU Leuven pushes me daily to go beyond the limits of my own thoughts and convictions. Moreover, the people I have met along the way from different paths and walks in faith and life have also contributed to the wealth of experience and knowledge I have encountered during my studies. I know that this growth will continue even in the midst of the current health crisis and hybrid learning. I look forward to the day that I can put my education to the service of people through ministry once again. 

Peace and blessings, Brilema Irene Perez 

July 2020 - Letter from Bobby Alvarez

Hello Members of the American College Alumni Association!

My name is Bobby Alvarez, and I am currently a second-year student in the Advanced Research Master’s in systematic theology at KU Leuven. For the past two years, I have happily lived in the St. Damien Community, sharing meals, participating in lively discussions, and generally having a good time––yes, even while studying!

I am from Santa Fe Springs, CA, a city within Los Angeles County. I grew up my entire life in Southern California before leaving in 2020 for college at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. At Notre Dame, I studied in the Program of Liberal Studies, a Great Books program where we read and discussed the vast Western canon. After graduating from Notre Dame in 2014, I wanted to put my Catholic faith into action, and so I went to volunteer for two years at the Farm of the Child, a Catholic children’s home in Trujillo, Honduras. While in Honduras, I accompanied the thirty minors who lived at the home, while teaching English to 5th, 6th, 8th, and 9th grades in our school. Honduras was also where my passions for Latin American history and liberation theology were birthed, a history and theology that were made concrete for me while living with the Farm’s children. These passions eventually took me to Belgium to study here at KU Leuven in 2018.  

My research interests include liberation theology, epistemology, philosophy, education, and research methodologies. For my master’s thesis, I am comparing the fundamental theologies of Joseph Ratzinger––who, of course, became Pope Benedict XVI––and Uruguayan Jesuit Juan Luis Segundo. I am also preparing a Ph.D. proposal to study and interpret the pedagogy of base ecclesial communities in Latin America. My hope is that this research will enable me to develop a dialogical teaching practice that is truly liberating for our polarized societies.  

KU Leuven has more than met my expectations in supporting me to reach my academic goals, and the St. Damien community has been an integral part of that. Not only has the community made my time in Belgium possible––I am a beneficiary of a rent reduction provided by your donations––but the community has made my time here feel like home. This past fall semester I spent on exchange in Spain, returning to the community in February. Despite my five months of absence, however, I felt whole-heartedly welcomed by the community. And when the world began to go into lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t be more grateful to spend that time with such great people. While difficult for all of us, the lockdown brought the community closer together––and, coincidentally, made us all better cooks. Although I am now enjoying my summer, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again in September.

Thank you all for your continued support of our St. Damien Community. It’s a big part of what makes our little community possible. Take care and stay safe!

Peace,

Bobby

June 2020 - Letter from Ma. Karen Papellero

After introducing Aristel Skrbik, the coordinator of the Saint Damien Community, to you in April, we would like the alumni to get to know another member of the Damien community.  Karen is one of the students whom we have helped with financial aid from our scholarship fund during this now-ending academic year. She has been "stuck in Leuven" because of COVID 19.  Karen had her last exam yesterday, June 29. 

Dear Members of the American College Alumni Association, 

I am Ma. Karen Papellero, 36 years old, a Filipino laywoman. I am currently in the last stage of the Research Master’s program (Systematic Theology) at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (KU Leuven).

Born in the province of Cebu, Philippines, I am the second of four siblings. My sister and one younger brother have their own families. My father became a widower in 2017. Our family is a typical Filipino family: large, closely-knit and religious. I grew up witnessing my grandmother, parents, aunts and uncles serving in the local parish church as catechists, lay ministers, lectors, etc. I have realized early on that my faith and its struggles are integral parts of my life. It is at home that my first ‘theological’ education started. Later on, I also served in different ministries in our local parish church.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology in the Philippines. After which, I worked in non-government organizations as community health educator/trainer and information and communications staff, in collaboration with faith-based organizations, working in poor communities in the country. Then, I worked as a professional Medical Technologist in a laboratory in Cebu, Philippines. In 2015, I resigned from my corporate job and decided to join the Vincentian Popular Mission ministry of the Congregation of the Mission – Philippine Province as a full-time lay volunteer-missionary. I underwent one year of formation – pastoral, theological, spiritual – within a lay community. I finished my Master of Arts in Theology – Systematic Studies at St. Vincent School of Theology – Adamson University last 2018. It was also during this time that I simultaneously finished the Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies – Abridged Program at the KU Leuven under a collaboration program with St. Vincent School of Theology.

I have been pursuing further theological studies at KU Leuven since I am convinced how essential it is for laypeople, especially women, to be thoroughly trained and formed as missionaries, theologians and educators. I also recognize the role of academic study and research in theology as a way for me to grow in my Christian life and become better equipped to respond to God’s call of service to others. In this way, I hope to contribute to the flourishing of the lives and faith of Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad.

Ma. Karen Papellero

April 2020 - Letter from Aristel Skrbic

Dear Members of the American College Alumni Association, 

I hope this letter finds you well in what is a difficult and rather surreal time.

My name is Aristel and I am the co-ordinator of the Saint Damien Community. With this letter I wanted to briefly introduce myself and my work. So, let me start at the beginning. I was born in Slovenia to a family of both mixed nationalities and denominations. My mother’s Slovenian side is Catholic, while my father’s Bosnian side is Serbian Orthodox. By the time I was born, however, both of my parents stopped practicing so I really came to Christianity on my own in my teens, at first intellectually through studying Aquinas and the Scriptures in my philosophy classes, and later in faith too. In my early teens I left Slovenia for the UK, where I first went to boarding school, then did a liberal arts bachelor degree specializing in music and philosophy, and proceeded onto a music conservatoire for a master’s degree. After many years of pursuing music very intensively, I decided it was time to pursue my long-held interest in philosophy more seriously, which is how I came across Leuven and its world-renowned Institute of Philosophy. In early 2016 I took a night-coach across the Channel and visited here for a day. I was lucky, for the class I was able to attend that day was Prof. William Desmond’s lecture on his God and the Between. I was immediately convinced this was the place for me and applied for an MA program. 

Even more important for this story, however, is that I had to arrange accommodation for myself from the UK without being able to see different places in Leuven. So, I asked for recommendations at the Institute and they said that many philosophy students live in Leo XIII and the American College. I wrote to both, and as luck would have it there was one last tiny loft room still available in the American College. This is how I ended up here almost four years ago, by coincidence and without knowing almost anything about the history of the place. Upon arrival, I very quickly fell in love with the AC, it’s chapel, the garden, the people. During my first year here, I became friends with some of the people from the Saint Damien Community and put myself forward as a potential co-ordinator at the end of the year. This is now the third year running that I am co-ordinating the community. It has been a blessing to be able to be part of the community and even more so to be trusted to lead it. I am very grateful for the friendships, conversations, sharing of faith, and the opportunity to contribute towards the growing and flourishing of this community.

I started my PhD research last year in the field of legal and political philosophy. I am focusing on the philosophical issues surrounding EU law and especially the role of the European Court of Justice. Leuven is of course a perfect place to do anything in relation to the EU and I am very happy that I am able to combine my interest in research with my aspiration to contribute something which may have a practical impact. Having self-funded the first year of my doctoral research, I have managed to win the FWO funding this year, so I have almost four years of funding left. This is a situation I have dreamed of for years and am very excited about the prospect of continuing my research as well as staying involved with the Saint Damien Community for the years to come. The American College and the community have over these past few years become my home, so much so that it is hard to imagine the day I will have to leave. 

I would like to thank you personally and on behalf of the Saint Damien Community for your continuous interest and support! The scholarships which you have provided and the support for our pilgrimage to Rome last year have been very much appreciated.

If you would like to get in touch please write to us at saintdamien@kuleuven.be

Sending warmest wishes from Leuven,

Yours in Christ,

Aristel Skrbic