After three meaningful days of service at the Romero Center in Camden, New Jersey, Oratory Prep students returned to campus as true Romero Brothers. Inspired by the life and witness of St. Oscar Romero, the Romero Center offers the Urban Challenge, a unique service and retreat experience grounded in the Catholic Social Teaching of the Church. Through this program, students are invited to step outside their comfort zones and encounter the realities of urban life with open hearts and willing hands.
Through hands-on service projects, shared meals, and guided reflection, the boys gained a deeper understanding of urban poverty and the challenges faced by those living in the surrounding community. More importantly, they discovered the power of presence, compassion, and solidarity. Rooted in service and strengthened through faith, the experience fostered a profound sense of Brotherhood that will remain with them long after their time in Camden came to an end.
This article appeared in the November/December 2025 issue of Fidelitas: The Alumni Newsletter of Oratory Prep. To read the latest issue, visit www.oratoryprep.org/fidelitas.