University Ministry spring retreat prepares students for Lent

From February 10 – 12, students made the Saint Leo Abbey Retreat Center their home while embarking on University Ministry’s annual spring retreat. The theme for this year was “Into the Desert.”

Father John Luong, vocations director for the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in Boston, led the retreat and gave talks on the three hallmark pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

In addition to attending the talks, students also spent time in silent prayer and meditation, took advantage of opportunities to attend Mass, confession, and adoration, and spent time connecting with each other through small group discussions, community meals, and outdoor activities.

Other upcoming University Ministry events include the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 22; the first Theology Thursday of the semester on February 23 — a discussion with guest speaker Mary Schulten on countering anti-Semitism; and a spring break service trip to Life Teen’s Camp Hidden Lake.

Students who are interested in learning more about University Ministry and its upcoming events should visit its website https://ministry.saintleo.edu/.

View photos from the spring retreat below: