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faith & diversity
HOME & FAMILY PAGE 290
“From the bluff, you can see all of Los Angeles—my home city. I go at night because I like to think of all the lights as a sea of terrestrial stars. It’s a calming moment for me to sit down, have the ocean to my left and my hometown to my right and think through whatever is on my mind.”
PERSPECTIVE
ALFREDO HERNANDEZ / POLITICAL SCIENCE & SPANISH ‘18
DEEP FAITH & AN EMBRACE OF DIVERSITY GROWS FROM OUR JESUIT & MARYMOUNT ROOTS One of the distinguishing features of our University
join together here. Victor Diaz (Management, ’19) said,
open about who attends. If people want to be there,
is its diverse student population—especially when
“The openness of a Jesuit university is my favorite
they are encouraged to participate, no matter what it
it comes to faith. Not only are traditional Catholics
part. A lot of people that I’ve met are not necessarily
attracted to LMU’s Jesuit- and Marymount-rooted
Christian or Catholic, but everyone has one thing
Conversations about faith on campus center
education, but students of all backgrounds. Alex Lior
in common: that they’re accepting. Whatever you
around forming a strong community. Annie Shane
(Film & Television Production, ’19) practices Judaism
believe in, they’re open to new ideas and you will
(Health & Human Sciences & Psychology, ’19) said,
and praises our campus as a safe space of worship for
never be rejected for your views.”
“It’s been nice to be around a community that’s very
all. “Intolerance is the reason that we aren’t accepting
The faith-based living examples of LMU’s three
open to all things. I feel very welcomed here. I don’t
of other people’s beliefs,” Lior said, “but understanding
sponsoring religious orders—Society of Jesus,
feel any pressure at all to be anything I’m not; I am
that we are all different, especially in our opinions, is
Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary and Sisters of St.
accepted and loved as I am.”
important. Those differences are what make us great.”
Joseph of Orange—create a culture of deepening faith
Weekly Sunday night Mass with the following
While maintaining its institutional commitment
that invites students to grow in their chosen religious
Cave reception is a standing tradition for many
practice during their matricultation.
students. Matt Stein (Engineering Undeclared, ’20)
to Roman Catholicism, Loyola Marymount has emerged as a beacon of equality and love for all who
WHATEVER YOU BELIEVE IN, THEY’RE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS AND YOU WILL NEVER BE REJECTED FOR YOUR VIEWS
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is or who you are.”
Campus Ministry is at the forefront of facilitating
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the students’ spiritual growth. Through various programs, retreats, group activities and weekly Mass, students can find their niche and connect with others. Sofia Ruiz (Electrical Engineering, ’20) said, “I know that everyone is welcome anywhere and they’re very
3/19/17 11:43 PM