A Steady Flame
By Brooke Papa
If you've ever spoken with someone who has been on a Salesian Leadership Retreat, they most likely told you that it was an experience that changed their life. That may sound like a cliché, or at least that was what I thought before I went on my first SLR. I went to New York with an open mind and returned with a changed heart and a new lifestyle. Pressure from society, school, friends, family, and yourself can create a stress-filled atmosphere that seems impossible to face most days. During Mass, Adoration, time in the chapel, and Reconciliation, I had the opportunity to sit and really listen to my heart. Because of this, I have found a deep place within myself where I can sense hope and peace, where I can truly connect with Christ.
On the retreat, I saw Christ in every smile, every hug, and every outstretched hand. One of my favorite moments was in the chapel when a song began to play and everyone started to sing along with the lyrics on the screen. This may sound silly, because you would think most people sing when a song comes on – but this actually isn't the case in most situations. After the prayer leader reminded us that God gave each of us the gift of voice, not one person stood there silently. One brave, young leader put his arms around the people beside him and started swaying. Within moments, everyone was connected, moving to the tune of the song. This is when I felt something different. The only way I can think to describe it is as a candle inside of me that had been been flickering. Since that moment, it has become a steady flame. From the words and actions of my peers around me, I could see that they felt the same indescribable love that I was experiencing. If someone was crying, which was everyone at some point, then the hugs were coming their way.
During the first hour, I felt safe, stress free, and able to be myself even in a sea of strangers. Now I have 115 new friends that feel like the extended family I had been waiting to meet. All of the participants and leaders of the retreat came from different parts of the country to one retreat center in snowy New York, all looking for something that may have seemed intangible or nonexistent. At the end of the retreat, the phrases I kept hearing were: "I just don't want to leave," "I love it here so much," and "I am going to miss our Salesian family every day." I know that each and every one of us experienced something a little different, something that will never be forgotten or lost, even in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We all live in different places, but the connection we made in those four days will last a lifetime.
If you have the chance to attend a Salesian Leadership Retreat, please don't hesitate. You will get there, love it, and not want to return to reality. At least that's how I felt. Go ahead and take that leap of faith towards Christ.
On the retreat, I saw Christ in every smile, every hug, and every outstretched hand. One of my favorite moments was in the chapel when a song began to play and everyone started to sing along with the lyrics on the screen. This may sound silly, because you would think most people sing when a song comes on – but this actually isn't the case in most situations. After the prayer leader reminded us that God gave each of us the gift of voice, not one person stood there silently. One brave, young leader put his arms around the people beside him and started swaying. Within moments, everyone was connected, moving to the tune of the song. This is when I felt something different. The only way I can think to describe it is as a candle inside of me that had been been flickering. Since that moment, it has become a steady flame. From the words and actions of my peers around me, I could see that they felt the same indescribable love that I was experiencing. If someone was crying, which was everyone at some point, then the hugs were coming their way.
During the first hour, I felt safe, stress free, and able to be myself even in a sea of strangers. Now I have 115 new friends that feel like the extended family I had been waiting to meet. All of the participants and leaders of the retreat came from different parts of the country to one retreat center in snowy New York, all looking for something that may have seemed intangible or nonexistent. At the end of the retreat, the phrases I kept hearing were: "I just don't want to leave," "I love it here so much," and "I am going to miss our Salesian family every day." I know that each and every one of us experienced something a little different, something that will never be forgotten or lost, even in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We all live in different places, but the connection we made in those four days will last a lifetime.
If you have the chance to attend a Salesian Leadership Retreat, please don't hesitate. You will get there, love it, and not want to return to reality. At least that's how I felt. Go ahead and take that leap of faith towards Christ.
When oceans rise
My soul May will rest in your embrace
For I am yours and you are mine.
-Hillsong United
My soul May will rest in your embrace
For I am yours and you are mine.
-Hillsong United