Reflecting on the 2017 Indian Immersion “it has been an experience of the senses, the soul and the gift of shared humanity. So far from Marist College North Shore we all found a home at the Marist Tribal Boys’ Hostel with the Marist Brothers and the Santali boys. The genuineness of the Santali girls, boys and villages with their open manner and simple virtues touched my heart and challenges my perspective of life’s values.
The Parish and Marist communities in their mission showed faith in action. I am always humbled by their steadfast faith, generous hospitality and welcoming manner. The Santali children grow in such caring communities where love and joy are always present.”
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An Immersion is to stand in solidarity with others and develop an understanding for their plight by being present to their world. The nine students and three teachers lived Champagnat’s charism through hard work, family spirit, simplicity, in the way of Mary and most of all presence. The 2017 Indian Immersion was our seventh immersion to the Marist community at Talit in West Bengal. It was a wonderful experience to see how the boys at the Marist Tribal Boys’ Hostel and the children at St Francis de Sales at Galsi have grown over the years. The two Marist Brothers, Br Malangmei and Br Jose Maria, whose mission is to provide a safe, nurturing and religious community for the Santali children. The Santali are a tribal group in West Bengal who are the poorest of the poor earning $2 a day labouring in rice paddies. The Marist Brothers aim to break the cycle of poverty through providing education for the Santali children. The Marist Brothers, the parish communities and the sisters were outstanding hosts and their support in enabling our immersion experience was truly appreciated.
Kolkata was a challenging experience with many people living in abject poverty living on the streets, coupled with the crowds, noise, heat and smell. The children we worked with in the St Mother Teresa’s hospital and her Mother House was a special experience and one where her legacy of love was truly evident.
We travelled by train to Galsi and worked with the Santali children at St Francis de Sale School. The students helped the children learn English and we visited Santali villages. There were many games of soccer where friendships were forged and there was considerable rivalry. Our main focus was spending time with the boys at the Marist Tribal Boys’ Hostel in Talit and being with the children who have HIV at the Chetana Clinic. Special relationships were formed through the activities and games. It was a heartfelt farewell where the students truly gave their all in being with those in need.
Anthony Munro reflected “The Indian Immersion has been a re-setting of the human compass. It has been a pilgrimage of faith, hope and love. It has developed new, and strengthened existing relationships and if nothing else, it has made some very special people smile.”
On Thursday 3 August, the Indian Immersion students and their families gathered to reflect on their experience. Each student reflected on their journey - physical, emotional and faith filled in our prayer. Their insights and personal growth demonstrated during and after their Immersion experience has forged close and supportive friendships coupled with a rethinking of their life values. They truly are Marist Men.
I was personally humbled by the commitment, camaraderie and goodwill that I experienced from the fellow teachers and students on this year’s Immersion. Their reflections revealed their remarkable journey. I would like to personally thank my Indian Immersion companions; Claudio Canepa, Ethan Cook, Ben Greaves, Roberto Gallardo Galan, Felix Jenney, Angus Levy, Liam O’Gready, Riley Sanders, Josef Slater, Rochelle Eggins and Anthony Munro.

God bless.
Carolyn O’Brien
Indian Immersion Leader