More than fifty young men and women this week are attending diocesan retreats, growing in their Catholic faith with their peers while considering life’s vocational opportunities including the Priesthood, religious life, and marriage.
The Quo Vadis retreat is for young men. Fiat Days is for young women. Both began July 17 at DeSales University and run through July 21.
There are daily holy hours, Mass, Confessions, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, in addition to time for games, crafts, and sports.
There also are talks by religious sisters, seminarians, a married couple, and a special talk by a representative of Generation Life, a pro-life organization in Philadelphia.
Father Mark Searles, diocesan Director of Vocations, is hosting the retreat. He is joined by diocesan seminarians and sisters from 7 religious communities.
The theme of this year’s retreats is “Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry,” a popular quote from Padre Pio. The retreats include a field trip to the Padre Pio Shrine in Barto to explore and learn more about the life of this saint.
"We are very excited to welcome so many high school students from all five counties of our Diocese,” said Father Searles. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to spend quality time with their Catholic peers, he said, as well as with diocesan seminarians and religious sisters in a prayerful and fun experience for all.
Father Searles encouraged anyone who may be interested in the retreats next year to email him at msearles@allentowndiocese.org, and more information will be sent about the 2023 program when it is available.
Copy Permalink
