Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College organised its Annual Retreat for Catholic students, offering them an opportunity to pause from academic pressures and the distractions of modern life to deepen their faith, reflect on their purpose, and strengthen their relationship with God.

Centred on the theme “At Home with God,” the retreat sought to help students look inward, rediscover their identity, and experience spiritual renewal through prayer, reflection, and faith formation sessions.

The programme began at Loyola Hall with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira SJ, Principal of the college, and Rev. Fr. Anthony Derrick, Campus Minister.

Principal encourages personal relationship with God

Addressing the students, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira SJ shared a reflection based on the recitation of Psalm 23 by two individuals. While one impressed listeners through eloquence, the other deeply moved them because of his personal relationship with the Shepherd.

Through the story, Fr. Clifford encouraged students to move beyond external expressions of faith and cultivate a genuine and living relationship with God.

Using the image of a clay pot, he reminded students that while society often focuses on outward appearances, equal importance must be given to nurturing one’s inner life.

He urged participants to use the retreat as a time for sincere self-reflection, prayer, and attentive listening to God’s voice.

Sessions focus on faith and self-discovery

In a reflective session on the theme “At Home with God,” Rev. Fr. Anthony Derrick encouraged students to recognise God as a constant and loving presence in their lives.

Through guided prayer and moments of silence, students were invited to embrace the affirmation, “At Home with God, I am loved, renewed, and transformed,” while discovering their worth and identity in God’s unconditional love.

The retreat was enlivened by the active participation of the Marriage and Family Centre (MFC) Team led by Mr. Joshua Cordeiro.

Through praise and worship, action songs, interactive activities, and personal faith-sharing experiences, the team created an atmosphere that was both joyful and spiritually enriching.

Faith formation sessions address youth challenges

One of the highlights of the retreat was a series of faith formation sessions that addressed issues relevant to young people.

During the session titled “The Gift of Life,” Dr. Eleanor and Ms. Olinda reflected on how fear, self-doubt, and negative influences often prevent individuals from recognising their true value.

They encouraged students to understand that every life is a precious gift from God and to live with gratitude, dignity, virtue, and hope.

In the session “True Love,” Ms. Karen and Mr. Chris explored the deeper meaning of love, emphasising that genuine love is selfless, faithful, life-giving, and rooted in concern for the well-being of others.

The session “My Reality,” conducted by Mr. Joshua Cordeiro and Ms. Hanan, addressed challenges such as social pressures, unhealthy influences, and difficult choices faced by young people today.

Students were encouraged to remain grounded in truth, practise self-discipline, and uphold their values while navigating modern-day complexities.

Ignatian reflection and Eucharistic celebration conclude retreat

The final faith formation session, “God’s Grace in Our Need,” was led by Ms. Amanda and Ms. Jean, who shared personal testimonies about the healing and transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

They spoke about how God’s grace can restore brokenness, renew personal identity, and inspire a sense of purpose and mission.

A particularly moving part of the retreat was the Ignatian Examination of Conscience conducted by Rev. Fr. Roydon Misquith, Director of Loyola Pre-Novitiate, along with Rev. Fr. Anthony Derrick.

Through the five steps of Recall, Request, Review, Repent, and Resolve, students reflected on their lives, recognised God’s presence in their daily experiences, and identified positive steps for personal growth.

The retreat concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, bringing together the themes of the two-day programme in an atmosphere of prayer, gratitude, and spiritual communion.

Organisers noted that for many participants, the retreat became more than just an event. It offered a meaningful opportunity to step away from everyday distractions, encounter God personally, and return to their studies with renewed faith, clarity, and hope.