From July 31 to August 26, 2023, a series of summer retreats for children and youth were conducted at the friary in Niepokalanów Lasek, a presence of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw). The theme of this year’s retreats was: “Be Yourself! So, Who Are You?”
The series consisted of three retreat weeks for children followed by a retreat week for youth.
Each day, a saint or a blessed was chosen to guide the reflections and help the participants better understand the theme of the retreat.
The reflections and group meetings resonated with an all-important reality, namely, that we are created in the image and likeness of God, therefore we must accept ourselves as we are, because this is how God created us and this is how He wants us.
A second topic emerged: the issue of emotions and feelings. It is very important that children and youth learn to express and talk about their emotions.
The young people also had an opportunity to listen to the testimony of Mrs. Agnieszka, who shared her experience about living chastely during one’s youth.
At the end of each retreat week, the participants who wanted to were able to join the Militia of the Immaculata.
The atmosphere during the retreat weeks was very pleasant and the retreats concluded with lots of hope for new retreats in the future.
Sister Teresa Maria GRABOŃ, SFMI
