By Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh
A dynamic group of over 100 teens from several
parishes were in attendance including a great crew of adult advisors. The
parishes in attendance included, St. Maron’s in Philadelphia, along with their
beloved Pastor, Fr. Vincent Farhat, who offered daily Liturgy; Our Lady Star of
the East in Pleasantville, New Jersey; St. Charbel’s in Somerset, New Jersey;
Our Lady of Purgatory in New Bedford, Ma; St. George in Rhode Island; St.
Anthony of the Desert in Fall River, Ma; St. Anthony’s in Lawrence, Ma; Our Lady of Mercy in Worcester, Ma, and Our
Lady of the Cedars, Boston.
The theme of this year’s retreat was “Mercy is Born!”, with a special focus on
our Blessed Mother as the servant and mother of mercy Incarnate.
Over the two days, the teens participated in a
variety of different events and activities. Of course, this included adoration
and confession. God bless the Maronite priests who serve the above parishes that
came to offer the Mystery of Penance to the youth. We had a number of different
icebreakers, which buoyed the youth in a frenzy of excitement, among them was
unwrapping layer upon layer of a Saran wrapped gift.
Friday night concluded on a festive note with a
bonfire, roasting marshmallows and socializing, in the crisp air, with cookies,
cupcakes, assorted candy and hot chocolate.
There was no better place to prepare for Christmas
than the La Salette Shrine with their famous display of countless miniature
lights and catechetical displays which switch on at 5pm everyday during the
Christmas season. On Saturday evening, the teens made their way to the Shrine
for the blessing of the Manger and the switching-on of the lights. They had
some free time to explore the vast display of lights. The evening ended with
lots of fun which included pizza and a dabke party.
Over the course of the weekend, many of the youth expressed
their joy at having made so many new friends, at having this opportunity to
bond with God and one another, and at being free to just be themselves and have
fun.