“Power of Spiritual Journal” Religious Tour

“Coexist.  It was the image on our shirts and the true purpose of this event” noted Jessica Zabala, referring to the strategic pattern of religious symbols on the commemorative Phi Theta Kappa T-Shirts, given to student and faculty participants at Omega Sigma’s second successful Community Religious Tour, which spelled out “Coexist”.

“I just want to complement on the Religious Educational Tour Saturday.  It was well organized, educational, and fun.  Great job!” - Dr. Gisela “Bennie” Ables, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor NW. 
The “Power of Spiritual Journey” religious tour, held Saturday September 22nd, helped to supplement and enhance the academic experience of students here at Houston Community College and to explore this year’s Phi Theta Kappa Honors Topic “Gods, Gold, and Glory; the Global Dynamics of Power”.

“I would like to thank Mr. Bobby Marshall for his courageous beliefs and actions, the Scholarship committee, friends, participants, officers and advisors who made great contributions to the success of this tour, including our major sponsor – the HCC System CAB.  Your presence was part of Omega Sigma's history,” said VP of Scholarship and event organizer Gloria P. Jadulos, who worked very hard to provide an informative and educational tour of the sanctuaries and a brief lecture from their representatives.

The tour kicked-off with a visit to The Bahai Faith of Houston Center, located at 2419 Fannin Street, Houston.  “I’m open and I’m trying to figure out where I belong” confessed HCC Central student and tour participant Maria Trevino at the Bahai Center.  “Faith is what you decide to live your life by and religion should be an independent investigation of truth” expressed tour representative Ajit Giani, Office of External Affairs, as he shared an informative PowerPoint presentation regarding the practices and beliefs of the Bahá’í.

The second stop on the tour was The Islamic Society of Greater Houston Center located at 3110 Eastside Street.  Tour representative and professor at the University of Houston, Dr. Basheer M. Khumawala, shared our goals of coexistence and invited us into the newly renovated building to educate the student participants on the meaning and practices of Islam.  “God is for everyone” said Dr. Khumawala, as he helped examine the commonalities of religion.  Topics of discussion were peace, Allah, Ramadan, 5 pillars of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, and participants were even offered free copies of Koran translated to English. 

After lunch, the tour proceeded to the Vietnam Buddhist Center located 10002 Synott Road, Sugar Land.  Established in April 1990 this hidden sanctuary opened its gates to Houston Community College and its students in the pursuit of cultural appreciation.  Captured by the beautiful statues, gardens and peaceful atmosphere, the students were ushered in the temple where Buddhist Monk and Zen Master, Vulnerable Fa Pan sincerely expressed, “After today, I hope we can all find something in common”.  In keeping with our Honors Topic, Vulnerable Fa Pan explored the Power of Mindfulness, Power of Love and Kindness, and Power of Non-harming and asked us to preserve his teachings of peace.

The last stop on the tour was the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, located at 12627 W Bellfort Avenue, Sugar Land, TX.  Tour representative Reverend Joseph K. Kalladan did a fantastic job of explaining the origin, beliefs, symbols, practices and hierarchy of the Catholic faith as well as answering difficult questions about gender equality, divorce, global influence, economic problems, religion and politics posed by the student participants which helped to uncover religious similarities and differences. 

When asked her thoughts on the religious tour, Ms. Kennetra Washington, HCC Central Student replied, “I thought it was very interesting, and it gave me the opportunity to open my mind and appreciate other religions.” 

Respect and appreciation were truly evident among the twenty-nine Phi Theta Kappa Members, HCC students, and faculty participants.  All of the religious tour hosts graciously provided students with a day of fun and the opportunity to discover religious influence within our community.  “This was quite an interactive and enlightening educational program.  We were glad to provide the opportunity to our student body and hope to open more doors for community awareness and appreciation.” – Jessica Zabala, Omega Sigma Chapter President.

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding this event, please contact our VP of Scholarship, Gloria Jadulos at Gloria@omegasigma.org.  To learn more about our upcoming events please visit www.omegasigma.org or email us at info@omegasigma.org.
Article by Jessica Zabala