Articles/Reflections of Faith

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A Day in the Life at St. Camillus

By Jacob Boddicker, NSJ

Life in the Society of Jesus begins its first major steps when men enter the life as a novice. In the two years the Wisconsin Province men will spend in training before pronouncing Vows in the Society, part of the new life they experience is the "Hospital Experiment" in which each novice spends time with a community that has some special needs.

Novice Jacob Boddicker was assigned to the St. Camillus community in suburban Milwaukee where about 40 Jesuits transition to a less active ministry.

Boddicker became a fixture in the community helping the men daily.

A Typical Day

There is really no such thing as a typical day at St. Camillus as activities range from field trips to activities (see Art Class story on page 26) or heading off to work as some men still hold part-time positions. Boddicker helped the men in their daily lives whether it was helping one of the men attend mass or be a glorified chauffeur.

But, there are the special gathering times during the day, whether it is 7:15 a.m. when the Jesuits gather in their 4th floor chapel for mass or the meals in the communal dining room.

Here are his reflections on his work with the men of St. Camillus.

"After mass I would join the men for breakfast, and normally sit with Fr. John Naus, SJ and Fr. Earl Kurth, SJ who are hilarious, " Boddicker said. "It was a great joy to start the day off with such lighthearted people!

"I found that mealtimes were big community moments for me. These were also big conversation times, too, where I got to know some of the men better.

"I would often also go on afternoon walks with Fr. Joe Gill and this would sometimes lead us to the zoo as well, but most often we just walked around the Camillus campus and enjoyed light conversation and observing the coming of spring, though the Wisconsin winter did its best to delay it!

"At 5 p.m. we would gather for "haustus" (a Jesuit term for a social hour). It was always great to munch on popcorn and shoot the breeze with the men. I think that is one of many beautiful things about community, particularly the Camillus community. There was a lot of laughter and lightheartedness and I felt right at home.

Learning from the Elder Jesuits

"I also learned a good deal about living with the elderly. I was amazed at how "young " they could seem, despite the fact they might be 96 years old. They are still so full of life and joy, and it gives me a lot of hope for myself that I, too, might spend 60 years in the Society and still be as in love with it as I was when I entered. Talking to people like Fr. Harry Eglsaer, SJ and Fr. Bill Kegel, SJ especially showed this to me; they are such vibrant and joyful men.

"It was also nice getting to know the Jesuit brothers. I was amazed to find that Br. Lee McNamee, SJ and I have very similar tastes in literature. I really admire Br. Jim Becwar, SJ and his gentle and simple way of service, doing what he can as best he can.

"Living with all of the men at Camillus really showed me that a Jesuit never really retires, but just simplifies. He may not be involved with a big ministry, but there is plenty of opportunity within a community like Camillus for purpose and mission.

Life-changing Experiences

"I think I will forever carry with me a little awe of the things those men have done. I met Fr. Paul Manhart, SJ, who worked on probably the most complete Lakota-English dictionary in the world and also was present for the events at Wounded Knee when the American Indian Movement came in the 1970s. I met Fr. Bob Hoene, SJ who did work in Belize. I can't even BEGIN to describe the great works Fr. Harold Bradley, SJ has been able to do and is STILL doing. I imagine it would be as if young and aspiring baseball players were able to live in a house with Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, and other greats. It is very humbling and inspiring.

"But really it seems that these men weren't out to prove anything, nor did they seem to set out from the very beginning to see how much they can do, but they dedicatedtheir whole lives to try and do what they could. It just so happens that, through the grace of God and their own amazing gifts, they were able to do great things.

"It gives a young novice like me and others a great challenge to step up and do the same, to do what we can and hopefully I can live long enough to be for some future novice what these men were for me – inspirations. "

The men of St. Camillus enjoyed Boddicker's help and company as well. Displaying the lightheartedness that Boddicker appreciated, the men presented him with a certificate for an all-expense paid trip to a barber shop for a shave and haircut.

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