27 August 2022 •  Report #

Don Bosco College Retreat and Life Skill Sessions 2022

QUICK BITE - At Don Bosco College, Panjim, on August 25 and 26, 2022, the students took a break from academics to unwind and enhance their interpersonal skills. A total number of 146 students were taken to St. Joseph Vaz Retreat Centre, Old Goa by bus accompanied by eight staff members.

At Don Bosco College, Panjim, on August 25 and 26, 2022, the students took a break from academics to unwind and enhance their interpersonal skills. A total number of 146 students were taken to St. Joseph Vaz Retreat Centre, Old Goa by bus accompanied by eight staff members. The students who were not going for the retreat assembled in the college premises for various life skill sessions.
After arriving at the retreat centre at 9:30am, the students were allotted rooms and were sent for breakfast. The first session was an introduction to the theme of the retreat, “You are the Now of the Church”. No sooner Fr Ralin entered the hall the fun doubled as the students enjoyed the Ice breaker activity. The session that followed was based on the idea, “Faith over Fear”. The students were given a paper which described different situations where faith and fear come into play through quotations from the bible.


The lunch break was at 1:00pm, soon after which the next session began conducted by Fr. Edison Fernandes titled, “Be online for Jesus”. He explained why everyone must keep their connection with the Lord. The presentation was very innovative and interesting.
Meanwhile, at the college a number of resource people were invited. The sessions included interview skills, peer relations, positive thinking and career guidance. There were group discussions conducted wherein the students interacted with great enthusiasm expressing their opinions. The first session was taken by Mr Basil. He began with an important question to the students ‘Are we job ready?’
The students had to discover qualities in themselves which would help them choose a career that interests them. They were aware of their strengths and weaknesses. The students received self evaluation sheets. Later, the students were briefed with the FAQ’s of an interview. The session after the break laid emphasis on Group discussions and its tactics. To put theory into practice, the class was divided into 6 groups. Every group was instructed to conduct a twenty minute group discussion on the topic given, followed by a small debatable round.


Many students had the opportunity to interact with each other and express themselves. They were all geared up for what the next day had in store for them.
At the retreat centre, the evening began with a tea break followed by every department being given a time slot for adoration in the church which started from 5:30pm-7:30pm. At 7:30pm, a common adoration was held. After dinner the students gathered in the hall to watch the movie “Hacksaw Ridge”.
Although they were unable to finish watching the movie, all the students said they were enjoying it. As the clock struck 10pm, bedtime was announced. The students rushed to their respective rooms, freshened up and went to bed to get ready for the next day.
The next day commenced with a group prayer session at 7:15am. The students reflected on, “The Parable of the Good Samaritan”. Breakfast was served at 8am. The first session was conducted by Fr Ralin and Fr Jason. The lively session had a number of games which indirectly held life lessons. Fr Jason had a presentation with the theme “You are the Now of the Church” where he explained that the students are the now, the corner foundation of the church that makes it complete. At 1:30pm lunch was served. The students were asked to proceed for mass at the church at 2:45pm. After the mass, a group photo was clicked to retain the memories at the retreat. Tea was served at the refectory and the students then hoped on their buses to go back home.


Back at college the session for the second day began with great eagerness on the topic Positive Thinking. Captain Eddie was able to share his thoughts and enlighten the students. He explained to the students a simple yet powerful quote, "If it is to be, it is up to me". He elaborated, if we think we can do it, we will, but if you think you can't, you're probably right. The advantages of Positive thinking leads to productivity, teamwork, problem-solving, loyalty, less stress, and concern for others, while the disadvantages are bitterness, no purpose, stress, illness, and resentment.
He also emphasised about the four most important D’s in life: desire to do the right thing, direction to do the right thing, dedication to finish the job, and finally discipline to be maintained throughout.
Mr Nazareth presented a session on Mindset. He discussed how our minds photograph everything. He concluded with the advice that one must keep their mind under control and not let it take control of us.


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