Finding beloved community: The Brothers of Viterbo

“Manliness.” A quality many male students hold in high esteem. But what does manliness consist of in today’s society? What role do men play in their community? Is their community a “beloved community”? It was these prompted questions and more that the Brothers of Viterbo united over during their first annual Men’s Retreat.

Eight students, guided by their advisor Jacob Hart, the assistant director of student engagement at Viterbo, boarded the bus for Sugar Creek Bible Camp.

“Coming into the trip, I was skeptical,” reflected Christopher “C.J.” Cieszynski, a Viterbo freshman, “but as the trip went on, my mind became more open to the real bonding that began to occur.”

Cieszynski engaged in activities with the brothers in which they identified self-values, challenged dated social-standards, shared their insecurities, and established a beloved community.

“The topic of creating a beloved community really struck home with me,” admitted Justin Mastin, a Viterbo sophomore. “It’s definitely necessary because it leads to a fruitful experience of genuine compassion, care, and sincerity for all of us.”

Establishing beloved community came largely from group engagement. Stemming from simple icebreaker conversations, the Brothers bonded over shared meals, enjoying the outdoors, and seeking answers through thoughtful discussion.

“My favorite activity was cooking and eating together,” commented Cieszynski. “I was introverted but being with other men in a camp environment brought a sense of calmness and happiness to me. This process of becoming more social and communicable, was excelled thanks to those I am proud to call my brothers.”

Overall, Cieszynski was not alone in this feeling. The program was heavily structured by the goal of learning and loving one another like brothers. This was cemented by the retreat’s final activity, the Circle of Affirmation.

This event, circled around a bonfire, gave brothers a final opportunity to share not just words, but also true human emotion with one another.

This event was Justin Mastin’s favorite, and he described it as “a great way to cap the weekend.” He continues by stating, “it involved a lot of vulnerable moments; moments that most men are not willing to allow themselves to experience.”

It goes without saying that this weekend was truly valuable to the brotherhood. The smiles, laughs, and moments of love are sure to be envied by those too reluctant to tag along. However, the group is optimistic that more are sure to follow and that those seeking affirmation and true friendship will soon find the Brothers of Viterbo.