2017-2018 Volunteer Marijo Gabriel


Marijo Gabriel is from Phoenix, Arizona and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at Creighton University in May. She will be serving at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago and living in community with the Dayton Precious Blood sisters who live and serve in Chicago. Her term of service will run from September 2017 to June 2018

  • Why do you want to volunteer?

“I want to serve as a volunteer for a year because I want to be able to give of myself to those who may not be able to repay me. At Creighton we are taught to live for others and with others and that is why living in solidarity with those that are suffering and marginalized is important. I want to live in community with like- minded individuals who are working for a better tomorrow and do what they can to make the place they are living in better. I want to invest in the future, invest in people and start conversations. I may not be able to see the immediate benefit but I want to have a part in making a difference. I want to be poor and serve like Jesus did. I want to grow as a person and learn more about what gives me consolation. Serving as a volunteer allows me to love the Lord and the world by sharing my time, talents and gifts.”

  • Why do you want to volunteer with Precious Blood Volunteers?

“I want to volunteer with PBMR because the work they are doing is important, necessary and more need to be involved. In the world we are living in today, there needs to be more healing, reconciliation, understanding, support and hope and that is what PBMR does. PBMR inspires and actively works to better the lives of those they encounter. They have many ministries that take care of the whole person and the situation they are in. To those who society wants to forget or ignore or lost faith PBMR acknowledges and accompanies them in their personal journey.
When I first learned about PBMR I was reading Just Mercy. Just Mercy is about the criminal justice system and the memoirs of the many injustices of those that are marginalized. The book inspires compassion and justice. The work that PBMR does mirrored what I read. I didn’t know their stories, their pain, sorrow, isolation of the many people that were incarcerated or those who knew someone incarcerated.
PBMR embodies service, justice, solidarity, sustainability, simplicity, community, and reflection. All theses pillars I have grown to incorporate in my life and I want to grow in each. I also want to live more intentionally like those I have met at PBMR, their hearts and minds are aligned.“

  • What are you looking forward to about your volunteer experience?

“I would hope to be a part of the community of which I’m living in and be a part of the community that I serve. I am hoping to grow in my faith, learn about myself and others. I would hope to be open to God’s grace and live out discernment. I am eager to make lifelong friends and have experiences that will allow for personal growth all while conducting myself in a manner that is respectful and representative of my faith and beliefs. I would expect myself to be present, to be understanding, and to do the best I can.”