La Salle University hosted a Fall retreat for 20 students on Saturday, November 1st at Chestnut Hill College. Brother Paul worked with the four student leaders of the Christian Fellowship group to plan and facilitate the retreat. They were accompanied by Brother Bob Schieler, campus minister Lou Valenti, and Alisa Macksey, VP for Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion. The theme of the retreat was Renewal in Christ – How the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Sustains our Daily Life.
The day began with prayer and an opportunity to reflect on the Holy Spirit through the writings of La Salle. The students participated in a few active and engaging ice-breakers before hearing from the two presenters. Mrs. Carolyn Carradorini, an 8th grade Catholic school teacher, shared her testimony about relying on the Holy Spirit especially in difficult times. She taught one of the student leaders and was excited to participate in the retreat. Her powerful testimony touched the hearts of the retreatants.
Brendan, a junior, commented that he can “now see how suffering can create holiness” and how to “prioritize joy over happiness.” Bri, a sophomore, shared that the “wonderful guest speakers were vulnerable with us and led us into deep discussions.”
Kyle Thompson was the second speaker and he shared about the fruits of the Holy Spirit and their transformative power. Kyle received both his Masters’ and Doctoral degrees in Theology from La Salle University, and currently teaches at an all-girls Catholic high school in the Philly area. After the presentations, students had time for personal reflection and prayer before participating in a moving full group discussion and sharing. This time allowed the students to dive deeper into the topics and their personal experiences. Brendan acknowledged that the personal reflection time helped him “realize that just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it can’t be God’s will” and “a renewed sense of the true role the Holy Spirit plays in my daily life.”
Retreatants received a “Live Jesus in our Hearts” cross as well as a blessing before we concluded with praise and worship led by local musicians Giovanni Morales and La Salle’s own Greg Fala. The Spirit was moving within all present, and we’re excited for the next retreat!
