Salesians Live Valdocco at March SLR

By Julia St. Clair, Province Communications Coordinator

(New Rochelle, NY – March 14) – The province office of youth and young adult ministry hosted its first March Salesian Leadership Retreat (SLR) in two years at the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY. The SLR had 88 participants, including core team, adult chaperones, and 14 people on the young team. There was also representation from all nine SDB and FMA schools in the eastern USA.

The young team came up on Friday, March 4, while the schools arrived three days later. The retreat lasted through Thursday, March 10 and truly embodied the goal to live Valdocco. Every day was beautiful and captured an incredible sense of presence and Salesian Family.

"I feel like it was such a special week where I got to share my faith and meet other people," Gianna Lamendola '23, Mary Help of Christians Academy, North Haledon, NJ, exclaimed. "It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Throughout the SLR, retreat leaders encouraged students to be assured of God’s Love and that they are always Salesian, especially after they graduate. As students and eventually past pupils, they will always be Salesian, and, when they give of themselves to the mission and attend events, they will come home.

This was echoed by Jayden Jackson '22, Academy of Our Lady, Marrero, LA, who "was able to open up more and create stronger friendships." Ms. Jackson would later give a witness talk alongside Madeline Burns '22, Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School, Tampa, FL.

As St. John Bosco said, "Friendship based on charity is never weakened by distance." Many students have created bonds with their peers in other Salesian students that have changed their lives. May they desire to see people as gifts, build their lives on God’s Love, and go out and be God’s Love to everyone whom they encounter.

"I met a lot of nice people, including a few whom I consider very good friends," Anthony Gibbons '23, Don Bosco Preparatory High School, Ramsey, NJ, shared. "Although we may not be from the same places, we can bond over anything."

May these students and all young people surround themselves with good things so they can keep growing. Congratulations to the province office of youth and young adult ministry and everyone who made this year’s March SLR possible!