Art legacy continues ‘Creating Hope’ for Cancer patients

For The Catholic Moment published June 9, 2019

Fishers. When Tina and John Gianfagna met in Brooklyn, New York, they were aspiring art students studying Fine Arts and Industrial Design respectively at Pratt Institute. At that time, it never occurred to them the way that art could significantly impact others. After college graduation, Tina and John married, had two daughters and eventually grandchildren. Prior to their move to Indiana in 2001, they lived in Texas, Germany and were owners of a marketing and design firm, in Ohio.

In 1999, Tina and John’s daughter, Jeanette, a 36-year-old wife and mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jeanette earned an MBA and worked as an Information Technology Manager for a global financial company. In an instant, Jeanette’s life changed entirely, she conquered a mastectomy, 16 weeks of chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and eight weeks of daily radiation, only to learn of a reoccurrence and a metastatic spread. For Jeanette, the darkness had indeed been fierce, but it did not overcome her.

Far from an artist, Jeanette received a watercolor paint set from her sister, Diane, and she surmised the creativity of painting that took her mind to a whole new level of consciousness from “darkness into a great light”(Is. 9:2).

“Because life is rarely a black and white proposition, most people are under stress. Stress from work, stress from life in general and sometimes stress due to illness – our own or that of a loved one,” exclaimed Janette’s mom, Tina Gianfagna.

Creating Hope, a 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization was founded by Jeanette Gianfagna Shamblen to help others cope with cancer through self-expression and creativity, inspiring them to find a way through each day toward survival.

Tina said, “daily expression through color became essential for Jeanette to cope with her cancer treatment and isolation from her husband and children, then 5 and 6 years old. When Jeanette made creative expression part of her daily healing regimen, she found those days were her best days.”

Jeanette entered into eternal life in 2003, and her parents keep her memory alive by continuing the legacy of giving cancer patients hope. Tina is the Executive Director of the organization that her daughter founded, working alongside many of Jeanette’s friends and doctors who serve on the Board of Directors.

The Gianfagna’s offer HOPE Kits, workshops and demonstrations at hospitals, churches and parties in peoples homes to bring cancer patients the many benefits of creativity. It is through private donations, volunteers and an annual fund-raiser that the mission continues to be possible. Since it’s inception, Creating Hope has given thousands of Hope kits to cancer patients at Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, in Indianapolis. Creating Hope volunteers invite patients and their care-givers to try a HOPE kit while undergoing treatment.

Jeanette’s dad, John exclaimed, “studies have found that creative expression is not only necessary in the healing process, but actually enriches the lives of women, men and children during one of the most stressful experiences of their life.”

“Research suggests that even one hour of art therapy can positively impact a broad spectrum of symptoms related to pain and anxiety in cancer patients, such as improving depression and reducing fatigue,” said Tina.

Creating Hope believes HOPE kits will enhance the ability of patients to cope with cancer treatment, and provide them with an important emotional outlet during their treatment journey,” John added.

Many parishioners at Holy Spirit at Geist Church in Fishers have been the recipients of the mission of Creating Hope through workshops that the Gianfagna’s offer monthly. “Many people come to the workshops with stress or fear and they leave changed,” said John. Tina and John share what so many others have experienced while coloring their drawings. They learned from medical professionals and patients that a relaxed mind allows the body to produce endorphins as their own natural pain and stress relief. They encourage participants to think about a prayer, favorite quote or a scripture and write it on the paper, if they feel so inclined.

There is no competition or contest in art creativity, it is simply an invitation to relax the mind and alleviate stress with non-denominational designs that were created to bring out the child in everyone. “We noticed that when people’s minds relax, the body produces natural healing compounds called endorphins. Endorphins are natural stress and pain relievers,” said John Gianfagna.

The Gianfagna’s encourage soothing music and a cup of tea with their drawings. If you would like to “give” or “receive” a Hope kit, volunteer or support the mission financially, you can find more information and various kinds of Hope kits available for purchase on the website at: CreatingHope.us

Tina exclaimed, “Each week we feel blessed to meet amazing people by listening to their cancer story. We share our legacy of Jeanette because it is a privilege to serve others and it reinforces God’s amazing grace.” And, she said “we always pray for miracles.”

The annual Creating Hope fundraiser is an invitation that is open to the public on Friday, August 16, 2019 at Daniel’s Vineyard, in McCordsville.

Kerin Buntin earned a Masters degree in Pastoral Theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College; she is the author of an on-line blog titled Embrace Your Faith Journey; and is the founder of Peace Love Pilgrimage; above all, wife and twice blessed mom.

 

 

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Vacation vs Pilgrimage plus two NEW Midwest shrines

Pope Francis is very clear on the role of pilgrimage in Misericordiae Vultus as he states, “life itself is a pilgrimage, we are pilgrims on a journey from this world to the next, our souls pave the way to heaven.”

I liken a pilgrimage to that of a time-out, similar to a child being disciplined over and over again, maturity delights in permission when we grant ourselves a self proclaimed time-out albeit an hour, a day, a week or whatever it takes to gain clarity in life. If you have never been on a pilgrimage or have a hard time thinking of daily life as a pilgrimage, think of it as any sports fan would, by going to a significant place that honors your favorite athlete or the number they once wore, only better! Some athletes are saints in the making!

Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer. For pilgrims seeking living water, shrines are special places for living the forms of Christian prayer “in Church,” as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2691).

Both vacation and pilgrimage have a unique set of attributes, yet they differ in more ways than similarity. Historically, people saved up for a long time to visit holy and sacred sites in search for a deeper meaning in life. A pilgrimage has physical, and spiritual significance as well as biblical significance. The emphasis on community and togetherness foster pilgrimage in Psalm 133.

Pilgrimage is a deliberate encounter with the presence of God. The primary purpose is the opportunity for frequent reception of the sacraments, breaking the chains of sin. The sacraments create a shift toward a more prayerful purpose in life often attributed to the recognition of an answered prayer through the powerful intercession of a saint.

Pilgrimages highlight:

• Intentional yearning for God’s forgiveness and healing
• Aspiration for an atmosphere of prayer and reflection
• Thirsting for a new beginning
• Longing to let go of control to let Jesus lead the way

Returning from vacation or a pilgrimage each present their own set of challenges but the latter presents a new life with Christ in incomprehensible ways. All too often a change in action and conversation brings about a different response. Why? It is only by the grace of God that we are changed.

When I was in graduate school, the Doctor of the Masters program encouraged her budding theologian students to indulge in a never ending book case of knowledge. One tiny book in particular grasped my attention, Catholic Shrines and Places of Pilgrimage in the United States published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (2000). The book was nothing more than a welcome addition on family road trips but what it became was a practical guide that would eventually speak volumes through its worn and torn pages.

Catholic shrines are holy and sacred sites dedicated to a particular saint that contain remains or a relic (body part or bone kept as reverence), votives for a candle offering, and a devotional altar for which a saint is venerated. There aren’t any stipulations on the size of a dedicated chapel or the grounds surrounding the shrine. I have witnessed very simple to vast museum shrines like that of Saint John Paul II, in Washington, D.C.

Several decades ago I learned that my dad and mom became engaged to be married at the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD. Years later, one of eight children, I was born on the feast day of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. As if that wasn’t enough, I learned of the following in my adult years; that my maternal grandfather commissioned an artist to design the Seton altar at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City; my niece was born on the feast day of Seton; and, some thirty years later that same niece discerned Seton’s confirmation name with me by her side as god-mother and sponsor. While I don’t believe in coincidences, I am completely smitten with God’s glorious ways.

My family can attest to attending feast day celebrations, like that of Saint Anne Shrine in Scranton, Pennsylvania, when we were traveling through the town only to find every street closed so that the whole community could celebrate the feast day of Saint Anne for twenty-four hours to give reverence to Saint Ann as the mother of Mary and the patron saint of grandmothers.

My husband and our two children aided in a visible reality long before the opening of two mid-west based shrines in 2013-14 respectively:

1. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Des Plaines, Illinois

Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine was founded by a priest; the same priest who presided over the marriage of my husband and I, the marriages of my six siblings and the burial of our dad.

I vividly recall as a high school teen when a traveling statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe needed a home. Reverend John P. Smyth (1934-2019) said ‘yes’ by providing a permanent resting place for the Guadalupe statue in 1986 because it was the right thing to do.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame in 1965, Smyth was All-American captain of the basketball team and a third round NBA draft pick. Instead he chose to enter the priesthood and was ordained in 1962. Throughout my childhood Father Smyth was a fixture playing basketball in our backyard.

Father Smyth’s first and only assignment was the place he called home for over sixty years, Maryville Academy, a Roman Catholic institution for the treatment of physically, sexually and emotionally abused children located in Des Plaines, Illinois. Smyth dedicated his life to giving a safe home to children living in the most difficult situations in the city of Chicago often by entering troubled neighborhoods and household wearing a bullet proof vest to remove the abused kids.

In 2013, the late Chicago Cardinal Francis George O.M.I. formally established the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the grounds of Maryville Academy. Chicago Cardinal Blaze Cupich celebrated the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, 2016 at the shrine with over a half million people in attendance on a freezing cold day at an outdoor mass.

2. Saint Theodore Guerin Shrine, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana

After the canonization of Saint Theodore Guerin in 2006, Guerin was recognized as the patron saint of Indiana and the co-patron of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana amongst other notable recognitions.

During the beatification process, the tomb of Mother Theodore Guerin was relocated to the sanctuary at the Church of the Immaculate Conception until enough money was raised to build a shrine in 2014 on the campus of St. Mary of the Woods College.

As a graduate student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, it was providential for me to kneel and pray at the tomb before the shrine came to fruition at the same time our son was enrolled as a freshman at Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, IN. The interactive shrine display is as informative as any course on history or religion, all wrapped up in a day.

Looking back, it was clear that God was using me as an impetus to drive people to shrines for a meaningful and progressive movement. Perhaps looking into the eyes of a fellow traveler revealed a mission with stunning clarity. Maybe the desire to invite people to shrines stems from my parents as primary role models of the faith. Either way, my first inclination was to put the shrine book back where I found it. I didn’t choose faith travel, God did.

What started as a journey grew into Peace Love Pilgrimage, established in 2015. Grounded on the foundation to lead others to holy and sacred sites; the name imbues the virtues of peace and love that only God can give. It is an invitation as well as a story about receiving and giving the faith to the next generation.

From the first inaugural trip to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA in which fifty-six passengers traveled from Indiana to attend mass with Pope Francis; to Marian shrines in Italy, Ireland and France; and, the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal; God’s plans continue to unfold with three powerful pillars intricately woven into the mission of Peace Love Pilgrimage that include the saints, sacraments and SoulCore exercise.

Peace Love Pilgrimage takes those called to sacred sites and shrines located where the saints once lived because it is good and holy to find a saint as a companion that speaks to your current life situation. As your individual situation unfolds, prayer and recognition of the communion of saints naturally expands. The real beauty is the honor and glory given to the saints in conversation.

The shrine of Saint Catherine of Siena in Siena, Italy evokes the words “the more you see, the more you will love.” Saint Catherine of Siena loved God, the Church and the world and she lived a life of countless acts of suffering. An incredibly admirable example for every generation to follow.

Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us and help us to see more clearly!

Kerin Buntin, M.A., holds a Masters degree in pastoral theology; is the author of an on-line blog Embrace Your Faith Journey; founder of Peace Love Pilgrimage; and above all, wife and twice blessed mom.

Saint’s devotion to Mary reflected in anniversary celebration

Published in The Catholic Moment newspaper of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. May 5, 2019

Fishers. Some St. Louis de Montfort parishioners might say the 40th anniversary of the founding of the parish was an opportunity to focus on Mary’s role in the Mystery of Christ. Many were eager to learn about “Marian Spirituality,” and still others yearn for more.

Why Mary? St. Louis de Montfort is known as one of the earliest writers about Mary, the Mother of God. Several popes like Pope St. John Paul II were influenced so much by the example of de Montfort that according to his Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (most holy rosary), therein he credits de Montfort’s eighteenth century book ‘True Devotion to Mary’ as a turning point in his life.

‘Totus Tuus’ (totally thine) the motto of Pope St. John Paul II’s pontificate is taken from de Montfort’s prayer, the complete text of the prayer is “I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart.”

In 2018, a stained glass fleur-de-lis window in the church was used as the 40th anniversary logo for the year-long celebration of the founding of the parish by the Montfort Missionaries. The fleur-de-lis symbol is widely used in French saint iconography, representing the Holy Trinity. The meaning of ‘fleur’ is flower in French, and the lily flower depicts the virtue of purity in the Virgin Mary.

A quote from de Montfort “to Jesus through Mary” on the logo generated a more personal and impactful message.

“One of the many highlights of the celebration was the unveiling of a new processional cross on the feast day,” said Fr. Pat Click, Pastor of St. Louis de Montfort Parish.The processional cross made possible through the generosity of Bob and Joan Smith. portrays a French prayer written by de Montfort in 1700, that translates to ‘carry your cross, desire crosses.’ It is a replica of the prayer engraved on the back of the original cross that de Montfort carried while preaching missions throughout France.

The staff that holds the crucifix exhibits the same symbolism as the original cross including the Auspice Maria symbol, ‘A’ intertwined with ‘M’ the Latin meaning “under the protection of Mary” representing the deep devotion to Mary that de Montfort permeated in 43 years of life, 16 years as a priest.

An overwhelming number of people responded favorably to the anniversary celebration including:
• Seeking Mary in candle altars, statues, icons and stained glass windows
• Submitting photos of Mary to be featured on the weekly bulletin cover from various holy sites throughout the country including Europe and the sister parish of St. Louis de Montfort in San Jose, Brazil
• Inspiring grade school, high school and adult artists alike to share their creative talents by depicting one-of-a-kind images of Mary
• Committing to Marian Consecration on an annual feast day

“The visuals were a great way to focus on Mary’s spiritual motherhood and a way to get to know her better, after all she is our mother and the mother of all Christians,” said Fr. Travis Stephens, Associate Pastor of St. Louis de Montfort Parish.

(Picture) – Mary bulletin covers from the 40th anniversary year

Parishioner, Rosie Zatkulak and her husband Jon submitted a photo of the Mary altar at the sister parish in San Jose, Brazil when they were attending the ordination Mass to the priesthood in 2018. Parishioner, Christopher Kennedy submitted two hand-painted Icon’s of Mary, one for each of his two married daughters.

The author of 33 Days to Morning Glory, Fr. Michael Gaitley, a priest and Director of Formation at the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, highlights four notable Marian saints that include St. Louis de Montfort amongst others, to help consecrate your life to Mary.

During the anniversary year, Gaitley’s 33 Days… book was distributed to parishioners resulting in a large number of small group discussions centered on Mary that permeated a deeper faith by getting to know the Mother of God better as an intercessor to her Son, “do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)

The saints are meant to take us further on our faith journey. It is good and holy to find a saint that speaks to you. St. Louis de Montfort, patron saint of schools, spiritual writing and Marian pilgrimages, pray for us!

Kerin Buntin earned a Masters degree in Pastoral Theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College; she is the author of an on-line blog titled Embrace Your Faith Journey; the founder of Peace Love Pilgrimage; and above all, wife and twice blessed mom.

Mosaic speaks louder than words

Project manager: Kerin Buntin

When we enter into a holy and sacred place, weather it is a church or simply the place where we are standing, the ground becomes holy and blessed by our presence. No Pope or heroic person makes the ground any holier than you.

Sacred art inside and outside Catholic churches is meant to draw you in, closer to Jesus.

Notre Dame in Paris drew in millions of people in an astounding way. When any building unexpectedly burning down, there is sadness, no doubt, but when a 226 foot church built in 1163 that was constructed throughout generations of families burns down, there is emotional, physical and spiritual loss.

The fact that the fire happened during Holy Week and that it was seemingly due to renovations is not happenstance.

The Notre Dame fire is nothing short of a burning reminder that speaks today as much as it did hundreds of years ago. We have to turn away from darkness into the light of Christ. We have to turn away from sin just as our ancestors did, so the next generation has an example to follow. That is what faith is! Scripture says, “do as I have done for you.” John 13:14:15

The challenge is how will we wash someone else’s feet today? How will we reflect Christ to the world.

 

Mission trips to Mexico continue to be a ‘hidden gem’

Published by the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana • The Catholic Moment • December 23, 2018

Guerin Catholic students find faith abounds at soup kitchen

Published by the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana • The Catholic Moment • March 21, 2019

Feeding people and being fed are essential human experiences that can form our spiritual lives by being personally involved. As we begin to invite God to the table, miracles can start happening.

The act of feeding the poor is one of the fundamental truths that our faith teaches in the corporal works of mercy, feeding the hungry and giving water to the thirsty (Matthew 25:31-46).

There is a deep history behind the soup kitchen at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis that dates back to the Great Depression in the 1930’s. The need was prevalent and people started serving others by handing out peanut butter sandwiches. Today the need continues to grow byserving 3,200 meals and providing food pantry items to over1,080 clients each month.

Since 2009, Guerin Catholic High School students haveresponded favorably to the invitation to serve the homeless, the needy, the poor and the marginalized by offering food, respect, encouragement, prayers and goodwill at the Cathedral soup kitchen.

Typically a group of 10-20 students caravan to Indianapolis to share in the service opportunity on the fourth Saturday of each month.

Senior, Carson Burton from Saint Maria Goretti parish conveyed “the ministry is a good and noble act. The smile on each face is enough to know that God is truly active in our life and in the lives of those around us.” Carson has been involved in the Cathedral Soup Kitchen since he was in fourth grade. His mom was a volunteer and she inspired him to get involved. Carson has loved being involved, he returns often because he enjoys the love that is expressed by the people they serve. Like most people, Carson is aware of how dire their circumstances are, yet the joy and gratitude in these people’s hearts is overwhelming. Carson noticed, “some of the most faithful people I know are the people we serve. They love God as if it is as easy as breathing. It is astounding every time I volunteer there.”

Carson Burton furthered, “I frequently have conversations with many of the guests. Most people are extremely friendly, and willing to share their stories. One of the guests, Sam, used to help in the kitchen. He was always very friendly and energetic. Some of the most genuine and beautiful prayers I have ever heard were spoken by Sam before a meal. I will never forget the stories and the amazing faith he shared with everyone he met.”

Additionally, Cason Burton and his family of seven once arrived when no one else was there to help. It was a unifying experience that brought their family closer and exposed them to a culture that they have come to love. Carson noted, “serving at the kitchen has deeply affected my faith life. Many times, I struggle to see God’s light through the darkness of the surrounding culture. Whenever I visit the kitchen, I understand that God is truly present. He is listening and truly loves me, and the best way I can reciprocate that love is to serve those who are in need. However, it sometimes feels like the guests are doing a greater service to me by spreading the joy of God’s love to all.”

Sophomore, Sarah Dilley from Saint Luke United Methodist Church started serving her freshman year for what she thought would be the service hour obligation but she has continued to serve monthly ever since. Sarah looks forward to the fellowship of the people and enjoys the fact that it is a faith-based organization. “We pray before the meal and we pray for the people by name after the meal” she stated. Sarah invites others to serve at the soup kitchen because of the little things they do that that make such a big impact, like Saint Mother Theresa once said, “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”

One gentleman told Sarah and her friend about a book that he was writing. He said, “the book is based on himself. The story centers on a man that was just released from jail who wanted to attend Ivy Tech Community College because he wanted to further his education in his favorite city of Indianapolis.”

That same gentleman also said how thankful he was for everyone who cleaned up after the meal. When all the guests were gone, just a few volunteers were still listening and he shared, “no one has ever really listened to my book idea and mydream of becoming an author.” Sarah mentioned, “I will never forget that moment, I felt so honored that he confided in us about his aspirations.”

Freshman, Caleb Jennings from Saint Louis de Montfort Church served at the Cathedral soup kitchen with his dad for the first time this year. Caleb noticed an overwhelming sense of gratitude when he was serving meals, he mentioned, “just being present made a difference in their day.”

The soup kitchen strives to be a bridge for those more fortunate so they may better understand the needs of the guests and provide time, help and assistance to the program directly or indirectly. The soup kitchen provides a welcoming site for students to serve the poor and instill in them a life long commitment to helping the poor. Donations are always needed, as are volunteers for shopping, cooking, serving and preparing food pantry bags on a daily basis.

Jesus taught that providing the basics to those most in need has a remedial effect on our own personal brokenness. Scripture reminds us, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” (John 12:26).

For more information on the Cathedral Soup Kitchen call 317-632-4360

 

Kerin Buntin is the author of an online blog titled Embrace Your Faith Journey; she is a blessed wife and mother; and the founder of Peace Love Pilgrimage.

 

 

Indiana families welcome french exchange students

Published by the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana • The Catholic Moment • front page • November 25, 2018

France and America have a strong and profound history of friendship, particularly in Indiana. St. Theodore Guerin was born in France in 1798, laid to rest in Indiana in 1856 and canonized in 2006.

The first and only Indiana saint has numerous namesake schools, patronages, tributes and awards, including a memorial highway sign along U.S. Route 150 in her honor.

The co-patron of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana words might be more prevalent today than ever before: “Love the chil- dren first, then teach them.”

Some northcentral Indiana families whose children attend St. Theodore Guerin High School in Noblesville and Central Catholic Junior- Senior High School in Lafayette have put the words of St. Theodore Guerin into action by opening their hearts and their homes to “Inspired Gateways” French Catholic exchange students.

The primary role of a host family is to share the Catholic faith with the next generation of leaders, and to be willing to discover common values and history that bring prominence to the Universal Church.

David and Teresa Cramer, parishioners of St. Lawrence Church, Lafayette, responded to the opportunity to share their faith. The Cramers were the first French Catholic host family in Central Catholic history. Because they hosted foreign exchange students previously, and had traveled to visit their older son who studied at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, they wanted to provide a unique opportunity for their younger son.
(Continued on page 9)

We could not have received a more wonderful gift’ (Continued from Page 1)
For their younger son to learn about French culture. The Cramers took their
French exchange student, Archibald Lecointre, to Chicago to experience various sights and sounds, including a jazz musician; and they attended a Pacers game when native French- man Nicholas Batum and the Charlotte Hornets played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. “We thoroughly enjoyed every day with Archibald,” David Cramer said. “It was like leaving my own family when I left
Indiana,” Archibald said, “I hope the Cramers will come to France.”

Maggie and Paul Hunkler, from St. Maria Goretti Parish in Westfield, hosted Clementine Crussol. “It was a very special month for the Hunckler fam- ily and we could not have received a more wonderful gift than to spend it with Clementine, especially Thanksgiving,” Paul Hunkler said. One unexpected result from their experience was the invitation that their daughter, Danielle, a student at Guerin Catholic High School, received to visit France. The international trip expanded the girls’ friendship. Being a host family helped their family grow, learn and make connections that otherwise would not have happened.

The hardest part for the Mosters was saying good- bye when it was time for the visiting students to go back to France. However, their daughter, Caroline, and son, Ethan, traveled to France to stay with their French companions over the summer.
“The experience changed the trajectory of our family life,” Brenda Moster said. “We could never have pro- vided a trip to France for our kids without the friendships they cultivated. This was so much more than vacationing in France on our own!”
The most impactful part of hosting for the Moster family was sharing their faith.

When Tamara and Jimmy Dulin, parishioners at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Carmel, said “yes” to hosting a French Catholic student, they never realized the generosity of friendships and travel opportunities that would emerge.
During the summer of 2018, their daughter Ali, a junior at Guerin Catholic, spent one week in France with the family of Maylis Luzzatto-Guiliani.
It was such an incredible experience that the Dulins felt called to host another French Catholic student in the fall of 2018.
In the summer of 2019, Ali will travel back to France and Italy for two months and visit Maylis’ grand- mother on Lake Como, in Italy.

James McNeany, principal of Guerin Catholic High School, said, “The partner- ship between ‘Inspired Gate- ways’ and Guerin Catholic High School has been a blessing to our school. It is part of our mission state- ment to be committed to serving diverse backgrounds which serves the greater Church and enriches our overall school environment.” While in Indiana, some French Catholic students also visit the Shrine of St. Theodore Guerin, located at the motherhouse of the Sis- ters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, near Terre Haute.

It is good and holy to remember the words of St. Theodore Guerin: “You will be happy yourself in making other happy.”
St. Theodore Guerin, pray for us!

Kerin Buntin has a master’s degree in pastoral theology and can be reached on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or at info@ PeaceLovePilgrimage.com.