Monday, August 14, 2006
YOUTH RETREAT
30 April to 2 may 2005
A three days two nights retreat. One that was specially organized only for the youths of St Anthony's in 2005.
Mended hearts filled with memories, the youths shared both laughter and tears, which continually spilled from welled up eyes as their experiences were told. All these new memories were shared among 30 over youths from St Anthony's. These were the very moments whereby bonds between the Youths grew even stronger than before, and long lasting friendships were made.
Through this retreat, the youths have come to discover their own identities, recognize their talents and uniqueness through the different callings from God. Father Terence, Brother Michael and Uncle Anthony to assist us in our spiritual growth held many sessions.
The calling that comes from God is carried along with a gift. "FAITH. Like anything else that is alive, needs to grow."
The youths have also learnt how to forgive others more easily, have a deeper understanding of God's way of life, gain experiences and knowledge about life; making wiser decisions with God's grace. All these were put across to the youths through the hard way. 'The amount of effort put in is equivalent to what you get in return' as Father always said so.
One of the most intensive sessions the youths had was the one which they were 'hung' physically onto the wall, made to listen to their partner recite their unpleasant memories and hurts that were written down earlier on. It was UNBEARABLY TORTOURING and emotionally challenging. Ironically, to the youths, that was only the beginning of the retreat.
Trust, being the element of risk, exposure and openness was needed for their first time of "confessions" to one another.
Acquiring the appreciation of tranquility and spending quiet moments solely with God, times of reflection and distancing from distractions were found useful and enriching throughout. All these minor segments all came together to form a bigger picture for us to learn from. A phrase that captured many of our hearts "What if you give it all?" Left the youths to ponder over till today.Therefore, when we left the place, whether back to our own homes, or in future to become people of different status in the society, the connection that was forged long ago in this retreat would stay, in this community. This circle of friendships, love, trust and faith, LASTS......unbroken. (:well i had this sudden thought of the YOUTH RETREAT again(:
&how many friendships were able to be formed there
now i sit and wonder what if i really could live up to my promise of giving my all? how much fuller would my life be? i should start talking to HIM&listen to HIM.i'll say a little prayer for all(:
dora&sandratho you all might not get to see thisi really miss the times when we were close and laughed our times away like one of the many happiest moments i had thank you!somehow i wish we'd be close again haha EDC or no EDC!TAKE ME DEEPERLORD I LONG TO BE DEEPER IN LOVE-amanda<3
HEART OF WORSHIP}
6:34 PMâ¥
