How can the experience of Lasallian International Volunteer Ministry change a person’s life? In the second episode of the series “Fraternity Without Borders”, which focuses on Marc Sidhom’s experience with Lasallian International Volunteer Ministry – and, more specifically, CasArcobaleno in the Scampia neighbourhood of Naples (Italy) – the young man, who was born in Egypt, comments that “there are times when I need a little push of courage to do something, to reach out to someone. And when I need that courage, I remember the experience I had in Scampia”.
Experiencing Lasallian Fraternity
Marc’s experience was also shaped by the fraternity that characterises the Lasallian Family. By sharing life with a vulnerable community, within the community led by the Brothers of the Christian Schools who run the work in Scampia, he met Brother Enrico Müller, an Italian Brother who, according to Marc, “was always there to accompany and encourage us (…). And with his kind smile, he always made us feel that we were doing something useful”.
“Brother Enrico taught me to set boundaries and to know how to be firm [with the children] at certain times. But, at the same time, to give love and to be kind”, adds Marc. “He taught me to balance both, and it was truly inspiring”.
“Volunteer Ministry is for everyone”
His advice for anyone considering the possibility of taking part in a Lasallian International Volunteer Ministry experience is “just go for it! Don’t overthink it. Volunteer Ministry is truly for everyone; especially within the Lasallian network, everyone is welcome. And it’s really wonderful. You go in thinking you’re going to offer yourself, to give of yourself, and in fact you receive so much more than you give”, he concludes.
We invite you to discover the second part of Marc Sidhom’s “Fraternity without borders” experience:
At La Salle, there are many opportunities to take part in volunteering experiences in different parts of the world. We invite you to explore the International Volunteer Ministry Directory. If you would like further information, please contact Mourad Barsoum by email at:mbarsoum@lasalle.org.
