Our Lady of the Lakes’ International students had the opportunity to serve the homeless guests at St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen in March. The students, who hail from China, South Korea, and Vietnam, had the opportunity to prepare a hot lunch, serve the meal, and clean the kitchen after the guests had eaten. They passed out trays, served coffee, bagged donated bakery items, and greeted the homeless as they entered St. Leo from the bitter cold. They truly show hospitality to those living on the margins of society.

The experience was life-changing for our international students. They shared that there isn’t any outreach, like soup kitchens, in China. One of the best gifts that we give our students is the opportunity to serve. Christian service hours are required for all students and a condition for graduation. It is no different for students who attend from other countries. Lakers are asked to give to the poor and welcome the stranger. Everyone attends our weekly Masses, participate in at least one retreat a year, and are enrolled in daily Theology classes. This is another way to evangelize our Catholic faith and unleash the gospel. Our students are putting some of the Corporal Works of Mercy into action.