Library News & Updates

Gallery Reception: In Search of a Dream

Don't sleep on the latest exhibit in Gallery Two of the Lemieux Library. “In Search of a Dream” by Alejandro Olayo Mendez, S.J., harmonizes perfectly with the upcoming Eighth Annual Catholic Immigration Summit: Uncharted Trails –– and offers a direct window and powerful perspective into a journey many of us hear about, but very few see. Mark your calendar for the opening reception to see the work and hear the artist speak: In Search of a Dream Opening Reception. 

Alejandro Olayo Mendez, S.J., a professor at Boston College's School of Social Work, presents "In Search of a Dream," a compelling visual documentary that explores the profound experiences of migrants seeking a better life. Influenced by his faith, Olayo Mendez uses visual storytelling to evoke compassion, raise awareness, and inspire action, reflecting the call to "welcome the stranger" and care for the marginalized. 

This exhibition highlights the human dignity of migrants through intimate images capturing their faces, shelters, and current situations amid the immigration crisis. By bringing these stories to the forefront, "In Search of a Dream" aims to foster more profound empathy and understanding, aligning with core values of faith and social justice. 

The photos in this exhibition are not just images; they are a call to action. They raise awareness and serve as an educational tool, shedding light on social teachings, human rights, and the complexities of the current immigration crisis. "In Search of a Dream" also invites spiritual reflection and discussion on embodying love and justice. It aims to unite diverse community members in solidarity and collective responsibility, motivating concrete acts of service and advocacy. Ultimately, this exhibition embodies values of compassion, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, urging viewers to respond with actionable love and justice