By Alora Peters, Editor-in-Chief
While many Saint Leo University students looked forward to the weekend as an opportunity to catch up on homework or to prepare for the Super Bowl, one group of students decided to dedicate the weekend to prayer and spiritual growth.
From Feb. 10-12, students made the Saint Leo Abbey Retreat Center their home while embarking on University Ministry’s annual spring retreat.
Ash Wednesday – falling this year on Feb. 22 – marks the beginning of the annual 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving observed by Catholics and other Christians in preparation for the celebration of the Easter season. With Lent swiftly approaching, University Ministry sought to incorporate Lenten themes into their annual spring retreat.
This year, the spring retreat received the title “Into the Desert,” recalling the 40 days Christ spent fasting and praying in the wilderness prior to beginning His ministry, the biblical inspiration for the season of Lent.
Fr. John Luong, a vocations director and an Oblate of the Virgin Mary hailing from Boston, led the retreat. His main goal as retreat leader was to help students grow closer to God and to recognize the vices or wounds in their lives that are preventing this growth.
“Sometimes we put up walls… and don’t really let God into our hearts,” said Luong. “The whole point of the retreat is that students can encounter Christ in an intimate way, and have deeper intimacy with the Lord.”
Luong connected this idea with the hallmark pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Different Lenten pillars and practices appealed to students in unique ways.
“I feel like it’s great to learn how to deny yourself and deny your wants and separate those from your needs,” said Angel Limardo, a senior majoring in computer science. “Fasting is a good way to do that.”
Luong’s talks during the retreat emphasized to students that – no matter their current level of devotion or familiarity with the Faith – there is always room to grow in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
“I’m new to the Faith, so prayer is always a little hard for me,” said Lauren Cheek, a junior majoring in criminal justice and specializing in criminalistics. She stated that she appreciated to be able to learn “all of these new things about prayer and how I can expand upon my journey.”
Luong encouraged retreatants to focus on building more virtuous habits during the season of Lent, rather than simply adopting a stereotypical, easier Lenten practice – such as giving up chocolate or soda – that is more aimed at fulfilling the minimum requirements than at actually growing in holiness.
“Remember, Lent is just the beginning of our spiritual growth,” said Luong. “It doesn’t end at Easter, it continues on until the day God calls us home to be with Him.”
The call to continual spiritual progress resonated strongly with students.
“My most important takeaway was that we always need to change,” said Cheek. “There is no standing still with God. You always need to work on prayer.”
Luong also instructed students to “act like the sons and daughters of God” and reminded them that past sins and failures do not limit the possibility for future success and happiness.
“Don’t be afraid,” said Luong. “Don’t let the past define the present moment.”
In addition to attending the talks, students also spent time in silent prayer and meditation, and took advantage of opportunities to attend Mass, confession, and adoration.
“My highlight was adoration,” said Alondra Jaimes, a senior majoring in business management. “That’s always one of my favorite things: being able to be in the presence of God, and just allowing myself to let go of the things that don’t align with God. It touched me.”
The retreat also provided time for students to connect with each other over community meals and fun activities.
“You’re able to meet people that are good for you and healthy for you and help you to live a better life in Christ,” said Jaimes.
Retreat attendees agreed that they would recommend going on future University Ministry retreats to other students at Saint Leo.
“You shouldn’t be afraid of joining a retreat,” said Jaimes. “It might be a little bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never been to one, but everyone is very welcoming.”
Students who are interested in learning more about University Ministry and their upcoming events should visit their website or should stop by the University Ministry offices, located on the second floor of the Wellness Center.
