Never Alone: Toronto Valdocco Retreat 2026

By Sr. Hae-Jin Lim, FMA, CYM, St. Benedict Parish

(Etobicoke, ON – March 4) – Thirty-two students from six schools gathered for a weekend to participate in the Toronto Valdocco Retreat.

This was my second time organizing the Valdocco Retreat, together with Fr. Steve DeMaio, SDB, and our dedicated core team. In just 48 hours, retreat leaders and participants “broke the ice,” built a family, learned about the Salesian spirit, and encountered Jesus by opening their hearts to him. They laughed and cried together, threw snowballs, shared stories, prayed deeply—and something within them shifted.

“One thing I will take away from this retreat is that joy comes from the Lord through the love of others,” one participant shared. “I am never alone, and I am worthy.”

Our God is truly amazing. There is no other explanation for how young people from different places and experiences can open their hearts so freely and choose to live for Jesus Christ in such a short time together. They left with firm convictions that they are not alone, they matter, and they are deeply loved by Jesus.

As I looked at the participants during the final Mass and prayed for each one by name, I carried one concern in my heart—what happens after this? Grace begins here, but it needs to be nurtured and accompanied. When many of the students come from non-Salesian schools, there is always that quiet worry about ongoing formation and continued support.

I was grateful that many parents joined us for the final Mass, and I was able to share with them this idea:

“Please do not hinder your children if they are trying something new. If they want to pray more, to be kinder, to change for the better — honor that. Acknowledge it. Encourage them. Support them. Walk with them. They are responding to something beautiful they experienced during this weekend. Don't let the spark die out.”

It may sound like a cliché to say it takes a whole village to raise a child, but it truly does. Our young people need to be loved, valued, affirmed, and accompanied. When we do that together, their transformation does not end after a retreat. The fourth day must continue—at home, in school, in society, and most importantly, in Christ.