Testimonies
One of the great opportunities offered by the Navigare year in Spain is that of learning Spanish in its native country, from native speakers. Both acquiring the ability to speak two languages and receiving the opportunity to open yourself to a new culture are great gifts.
But to learn something as fundamental as language in a completely different way is no easy task, and many of your presumptions change when you are immersed completely. It would greatly help, therefore, to bring a healthy amount of motivation and humility, which you will need through trials of learning a new language.
However, when all is said and done, you will speak a new language. And so, take heart when the trials come, for the progress through the treacherous waters of Spanish will go more quickly than you first suppose, and each step builds upon itself, making it easier and easier as you go.
-Gabriel Innerst
But to learn something as fundamental as language in a completely different way is no easy task, and many of your presumptions change when you are immersed completely. It would greatly help, therefore, to bring a healthy amount of motivation and humility, which you will need through trials of learning a new language.
However, when all is said and done, you will speak a new language. And so, take heart when the trials come, for the progress through the treacherous waters of Spanish will go more quickly than you first suppose, and each step builds upon itself, making it easier and easier as you go.
-Gabriel Innerst
This year in Spain through the Navigare program has taught me so much. It has helped me to grow in ways I never thought possible and expose me to the amazing Spanish culture and language. From the great community of brothers to the amazing Spanish food, this year surrounded me with people who helped me to see the greatness God is calling me to.
Looking back on this year I can see that God is calling me to live a great and fruitful life. While this year in Spain has not been easy, it has grown my heart and given me the tools to overcome obstacles and run towards the path God is calling me to. It has opened my mind up in ways that I never thought were possible. From the amazing Spanish cathedrals to the magnificent works of art all around Europe, this year of Navigare helped me to see the amazing history of the Catholic Church.
The Disciples are a community of friendship and brotherhood that makes it possible to live a great and fruitful life not only for those within the community but also for every person the community touches. This year was an incredible opportunity to live alongside them and grow in my prayer life and friendships. When I recall all of the many places we went and the things we did, even in light of a global pandemic, it's helps me to realize that the lessons I learned on this year of Navigare are ones that can't be taken away, regardless of what obstacles I may face.
“Navigare necesse est, vivere non necesse est!” To sail is necessary. To live is not necessary.
-Mark Lederhos
Looking back on this year I can see that God is calling me to live a great and fruitful life. While this year in Spain has not been easy, it has grown my heart and given me the tools to overcome obstacles and run towards the path God is calling me to. It has opened my mind up in ways that I never thought were possible. From the amazing Spanish cathedrals to the magnificent works of art all around Europe, this year of Navigare helped me to see the amazing history of the Catholic Church.
The Disciples are a community of friendship and brotherhood that makes it possible to live a great and fruitful life not only for those within the community but also for every person the community touches. This year was an incredible opportunity to live alongside them and grow in my prayer life and friendships. When I recall all of the many places we went and the things we did, even in light of a global pandemic, it's helps me to realize that the lessons I learned on this year of Navigare are ones that can't be taken away, regardless of what obstacles I may face.
“Navigare necesse est, vivere non necesse est!” To sail is necessary. To live is not necessary.
-Mark Lederhos
I originally went into the Navigare year expecting to practice my Spanish, learn about Spanish culture and history first-hand, and discern the priesthood. One of the first things I learned was how little Spanish I still remembered, but the daily practice of using Spanish helped me reach at least a proficient fluency level to understand most of our university classes.
Then there were the locations we went to throughout the year: Villaescusa, Valencia, Southern Spain, Toledo, and La Pena de Francia (to name a few). Each introduced new time periods of Spain’s rich culture, with the Reconquista and churches older than the United States! Spain’s history surprised me with its dramatic battles and the fight to reclaim the Spanish Peninsula from Islam, as well as the Spanish Civil war and the legendary Franco. I thought the US had some incredible history, but Spain’s got a lot more years of drama behind it.
Next, the priesthood. While I would not be opposed to God calling me to the priesthood in the future, this year helped me discern that college is God’s will for the next step in my life. Living life with the brothers and priests really helped me consider why God’s will is what’s best for me. I could see the joy they received by following God’s plan for them in priesthood, and I want that same joy.
In conclusion, I did experience all of the things I expected to do during this year, but on top of that I received so much more. I feel I have a role to play in life now that only I can; I want to increase my prayer life at home to allow God to help me in the next step of college, and I recognize that even though the world is a bit bigger than I thought God loves me and each one of us on it, more than we know. Navigare was more than I expected.
-Calvin Farrell
Then there were the locations we went to throughout the year: Villaescusa, Valencia, Southern Spain, Toledo, and La Pena de Francia (to name a few). Each introduced new time periods of Spain’s rich culture, with the Reconquista and churches older than the United States! Spain’s history surprised me with its dramatic battles and the fight to reclaim the Spanish Peninsula from Islam, as well as the Spanish Civil war and the legendary Franco. I thought the US had some incredible history, but Spain’s got a lot more years of drama behind it.
Next, the priesthood. While I would not be opposed to God calling me to the priesthood in the future, this year helped me discern that college is God’s will for the next step in my life. Living life with the brothers and priests really helped me consider why God’s will is what’s best for me. I could see the joy they received by following God’s plan for them in priesthood, and I want that same joy.
In conclusion, I did experience all of the things I expected to do during this year, but on top of that I received so much more. I feel I have a role to play in life now that only I can; I want to increase my prayer life at home to allow God to help me in the next step of college, and I recognize that even though the world is a bit bigger than I thought God loves me and each one of us on it, more than we know. Navigare was more than I expected.
-Calvin Farrell
In Navigare, you learn to do everything with excellence. As such, together with the brothers in the house of formation, you learn to study greatly. There are many factors that go into studying well: time, environment, planning, resources, etc. and skills for studying which take time to develop, as well as the ever-present struggle of everything being in a foreign language, but the Navigator is not left alone to drive his ship.
In the house of formation there is a prefect of studies to teach you how to study and to give you books. Along the way, the brothers, whose principal job is to study very well for the priesthood, will help you. And what to gain from all the work and time and heart and/or headache? Is it no more than a test at the end of the term?
On the contrary, the subjects you study as a Navigator are very rich: the natures and histories of God and man; if you are willing to learn them excellently, your whole life will receive light, and you will realize more clearly the beauty of your faith, who you are, and how doing God's will is the only thing that will make your life truly great and beautiful.
-Stephen Suddjian
In the house of formation there is a prefect of studies to teach you how to study and to give you books. Along the way, the brothers, whose principal job is to study very well for the priesthood, will help you. And what to gain from all the work and time and heart and/or headache? Is it no more than a test at the end of the term?
On the contrary, the subjects you study as a Navigator are very rich: the natures and histories of God and man; if you are willing to learn them excellently, your whole life will receive light, and you will realize more clearly the beauty of your faith, who you are, and how doing God's will is the only thing that will make your life truly great and beautiful.
-Stephen Suddjian
