Story by Haley Stoklosa
Bellarmine’s Father John Pozhathuparambil—or as most know him, Father John—took his class to Kerala, India, in December. This trip has been happening since 2009 when Bellarmine’s old pastor, Father Adam Bunnell, traveled with three faculty to test the viability of the program.
Four years later, Father John made it bigger and has chosen 12 students to go with him each year since. Students stayed for two weeks where they saw mosques and explored the rich history and Indian culture.
This picture from Bellarmine’s Instagram page shows Father John and his 10 students wearing traditional Indian attire.
Senior Lily Koch said she enjoyed the unique experiences the group experienced. “We visited the HIV clinic one day...it was really sad, but it was awesome that year there were priests there taking care of those people and welcomes them in with so much love,” Koch said.
Senior Caitlyn Watson said her favorite part was their beach day and staying with friars. “That was really fun because they are really goofy. We played cards and watched movies with them, and I feel like we got the full experience,” she said.
Watson and Koch said they struggled with some things while being in a different country. The time difference is 11 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Eastern Standard time. Koch said jet lag for her was tough, causing her to be awake at weird hours of the night when she returned to Kentucky.
Watson said adjusting to the food was challenging for her. “Curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner is not really for me, but other people on the trip liked it so that shouldn't stop people from going,” she said.
To apply for this trip, students must have permission from Father John first.
“If you are interested, I have a list started in my phone, and we can meet and talk to me, and I will take your name,” Father John said.
Father John told Koch about the trip when she was at Sunday Mass at the chapel on campus. “The students must buy their own ticket, pay for their Visa process and vaccines, but other than that all of the expenses on the trip are paid for,” Father John said.
Father John said his favorite part of the trip was watching students gain an understanding of India.
“The hospitality and people are really loving and happy even though they are not very rich,” he said.
Watson advises students interested in the trip to talk to Father John.
"It’s totally worth it. You get so much, and the hospitality is crazy, Watson said, “The plane rides are not as terrible as you would think. Really just do it and get out of your comfort zone.”
Koch also gave advice to students: “Do it, take the leap of faith You will not regret it. It is so worth it.”
Students interested in joining Father John on his next trip to India should email him at jpozhathuparambil@bellarmine.edu or visit him in his Campus Ministry office. Students may also get information at Bellarmine.edu/Indiatrips.
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