Bethlehem, Conn.— The John Jay College of Criminal Justice Department of Athletics earned a huge team assist on Tuesday as a host of student-athletes gathered together to help a group of nuns with farming duties at The Abbey of Regina Laudis, located in Connecticut.
Many members of the John Jay athletics department, including four coaches and at least one team member of six different sports, including baseball, softball, men's cross country, women's cross country, women's volleyball and women's basketball made the two hour trip north to assist the abbey with various duties and learn about the meaning behind the Abbey of Regina Laudis.
“The trip was very successful and I am very encouraged by the high turnout from the student-athletes who made the trip,” said John Jay Director of Athletics Dan Palumbo. “It was a lot of fun and so good for the soul of the human being.”
Upon their arrival at about 9:30 a.m., the team was treated with a breakfast courtesy of the Abbey.
The student-athletes were then given a behind the scenes tour of the place.
After several hours on tour, the crew was treated to a lunch by the Abbey before getting to work.
Collectively, the John Jay student-athletes teamed up with the nuns and helped with farming, digging and gardening for the remainder of the time there.
The John Jay athletics department visit to the Abbey has developed into an annual tradition. The partnership was spearheaded by former Director of Athletics Susan Larkin who has had a relationship with the Abbey of Regina Laudis for almost 30 years, and the athletics department has visited the Abbey annually for the past three years now.
The Abbey of Regina Laudis was founded in 1947 in Bethlehem, Conn and is a community of contemplative Benedictine women dedicated to the praise of God through prayer and work.
More information about the Abbey of Regina Laudis can be found on its website: http://www.abbeyofreginalaudis.com
