A one-day retreat was organised by the Life Skill Committee for students of the Catholic faith from various departments of Don Bosco College, Panjim from August 19 to 23. The retreat, which took place in the Audio Visual (AV) Hall of the college, aimed to reflect and reignite the mental, emotional and religious well-being of the students. Fr. Jason Coelho and Fr. Austin Fernandes were the resource persons for the same..
The retreat began on August 19, with Fr. Jason Coelho addressing the students. He greeted the students and emphasised the retreat's objective of renewal and personal growth, describing it as a time for spiritual reflection and transformation. He also laid out the day's schedule and guided students through engaging interactive activities.
During the session, Fr. Jason enlightened the students about different types of personalities. He discussed how self-awareness is crucial for personal growth, encouraging students to break old patterns and embrace new ones for self-improvement. The session included a group activity that helped participants engage with the topic, underscoring the idea that the youth are the cornerstone of society and have the potential to shape the future.


The second session was led by Fr. Austin Fernandes. His discussion focused on ‘Digital Evangelizers.’ Fr. Austin spoke about the powerful role played by social media in spreading the Word of God and highlighted the importance of using this means of communication responsibly. He encouraged students to share positive messages that reflect their personal lives and to respect other religions in their online presence. His quote, "Post what relates to your personal life and don’t create problems,” resonated with the participants, reminding them to use digital platforms with a sense of responsibility and love for all.
After the lunch break, the focus shifted to the Sacrament of Confession, wherein the students were instructed about making a good confession. Fr. Austin discussed the importance of renewal through the sacrament of reconciliation, emphasising that the Eucharist is a celebration of love and healing.
The group then proceeded to the shrine and prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, after which they were led to confession by the faculty members. This moment of reflection and reconciliation left the participants with renewed hearts and spirits.
The retreat concluded with the recitation of the renewal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, led by Fr. Jason, bringing the day to an end on an uplifting note, leaving everyone spiritually rejuvenated. This one-day retreat successfully provided the participants with an opportunity to reflect on their faith, foster personal growth, and deepen their understanding of the holy sacraments, thereby leaving a lasting impact on their spiritual journey.