The Romero Catholic Worker House in Ames, Iowa, hospitably took in myself and my seminarian colleague Andrew on the 15th of January. We were sent from St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as part of our first year propaedeutic’s “poverty immersion” experience. Only a few days before our arrival, Andrew and I learned that Ames was our destination, and that we were each other’s partner for the next month. Packing incredibly light, we had no clue what we were getting ourselves into, except that in some way, shape, or form, we were going to serve Christ by serving the poor. Within the first 24 hours of arriving on site, I knew the Ames Romero House would provide that exact experience, and teach me many lessons I would recall for the rest of my life.
The hospitality model at the Romero house is one that prioritizes service to the poor by beautifully integrating practical services with deeper healing through community and friendship. Previously, when I thought about poverty, it was always a problem that should be solved by the city, the government, or just a large sum of money to house and provide for those that are without. The Romero house taught me that I had to go deeper, that the surface level is crucial, yet still just the surface. What the impoverished really are not are problems to be solved, bills to pay, objects to get off the street. Rather, they are people, and like all people, love, respect, and the like are crucial. Six days a week I was given the opportunity to participate in the Romero House’s afternoon hospitality, where a meal is served, coffee brewed, practical services are offered, and most importantly, a welcoming smile and community is given. As a young man, my afternoons had always been spent studying or working, never intentionally giving a person my love, respect, and attention. These “problems” are funny, smart, and grateful for the simplest things. There are so many blessings received for just being willing to spend time with the poor.
I was additionally struck by how living in the Romero House, where the hospitality is offered, affected my learning experience. The saying: “I like what you’re doing, just not in my backyard” was one I never articulated out loud, but believed in for a long time. I wanted to help the poor, but keep my distance. I wanted to provide for them, but by mail. Living in the same space that the unhoused and impoverished occupied during the afternoons forced me to confront the miles of comfortable distance I had kept in place. I was motivated by the other live-ins at the Romero House to stop being hesitant in sharing common spaces and utilities with the guests. This growth, provided by God, led me to identify myself further with the guests, relating with them on many topics, beliefs, and struggles. Christ is indeed found within the poor.
Speaking of the live-ins, I’ll finish my testimony with a word about life at the Romero House. Having been a layman about a year ago, and a seminarian since, I found life at the Romero House a fantastic middle ground for Catholic men. The schedule provides daily prayer opportunities, methods to attend Mass, House-joining events, and dutiful responsibilities, while also leaving plenty of room and even encouraging an independent life. One of my main worries before arriving in Ames was that my location was going to be disordered and hectic. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised at the structure and professionalism involved in the life at the house.
I’d like to thank the Romero House and everyone in and near the city of Ames for generously hosting me and my colleague this past month. We could not have asked for a more welcoming assignment for our poverty immersion. This testimony is just the fresh reaction and lessons I’ve had and learned from my time here in Ames, so please know of my continuous reflection on this blessed experience that God has provided to me through all of you, and thank you for being His conduits. As you know I do for you, please pray for me.
Best,
Patrick Mazza