Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 5: In a world where young people are constantly navigating academic pressures, social expectations, and the distractions of the digital age, St Aloysius Pre-University College offered its Catholic students a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters through its annual retreat.

The retreat centred on the theme “At Home with God.” More than a spiritual programme, it was an invitation for students to look inward, deepen their relationship with god, and discover renewed purpose in their lives.

The retreat began with the lighting of the lamp by Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, principal of the College, at Loyola Hall, and Fr Anthony Derrick, campus minister.

Addressing the students, Fr Clifford shared a simple yet powerful story about two people who recited Psalm 23. While one impressed the audience with his eloquence, the other moved them to silence because he truly knew the Shepherd. Through this reflection, Fr Clifford encouraged students to move beyond external expressions of faith and develop a personal and living relationship with God.

Using the image of a clay pot, he reminded students that while society often focuses on outward appearances, equal attention must be given to one's inner life. He urged them to use the retreat as an opportunity for honest self-reflection, prayer, and attentive listening to God's voice.

In a reflective session on the theme “At Home with God,” Fr Anthony Derrick invited students to recognise god as a constant and loving presence in their lives. Through guided prayer and moments of silence, he encouraged them to embrace the affirmation, “At Home with God, I am loved, renewed, and transformed,” and to discover their worth and identity in God's unconditional love.

The retreat came alive through the enthusiastic efforts of the Marriage and Family Centre (MFC) team, led by Joshua Cordeiro. Through praise and worship, action songs, interactive activities, and personal faith-sharing, the team created an atmosphere that was both joyful and deeply reflective.

A highlight of the retreat was a series of faith formation sessions that addressed issues close to the hearts of young people.

In the session ‘The Gift of Life,’ Dr Eleanor and Olinda reflected on how fear, self-doubt, and negative influences can prevent individuals from recognising their true worth. Reminding students that every life is a precious gift from god, they encouraged them to embrace their dignity, cultivate virtue, and live with gratitude, purpose, and hope.

The session “True Love,” led by Karen and Chris, explored the deeper meaning of love in a culture that often reduces it to emotion or attraction. Drawing inspiration from Christ's example, they emphasised that genuine love is selfless, faithful, life-giving, and rooted in a sincere commitment to the good of others.

In “My Reality,” Joshua Cordeiro and Hanan addressed the challenges faced by young people today, including social pressures, unhealthy influences, and the struggle to make wise choices. They encouraged students to remain grounded in truth, practise self-discipline, and uphold their values while navigating the complexities of modern life.

The final session, “God's Grace in Our Need,” was led by Amanda and Jean, who spoke about the healing and transformative power of the holy spirit. Through personal testimonies, they shared how god's grace can restore brokenness, renew one's identity as a beloved child of God, and inspire a sense of purpose and mission.

A particularly moving part of the retreat was the Ignatian Examination of conscience conducted by Fr Roydon Misquith, director of Loyola Pre-Novitiate, and Fr Anthony Derrick. Guiding students through the five steps of recall, request, review, repent, and resolve, they helped participants reflect on their lives, recognise god's presence in their daily experiences, and discern positive steps for personal growth.

The retreat concluded with the celebration of the holy Eucharist, bringing together the themes of the two days in an atmosphere of prayer, gratitude, and communion.

For many students, the retreat was more than just a programme; it was an opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life, encounter god in a personal way, and return to their studies with renewed faith, clarity, and hope. As the students left the retreat, they carried with them not only cherished memories but also a deeper awareness that they are, indeed, always at home with god.