On Friday, May 11 and Saturday 12, 40 youths gathered at the Bourg Mulatresse RC Parish Hall to attend the Youth 2007 Retreat.

What comes to mind when most youth hear the term: retreat? Many will concur that the most common image is one of long, boring, highly technical lectures, watered down praise and worship sessions and terrible refreshments (if any at all).

The MIQ Youth Retreat 2007 was definitely not one of those. This two-day energetic, spirit-filled retreat was coordinated and facilitated by the members of the Youth 2000 team and began on Friday afternoon.

Following an exhilarating Praise and Worship session led by resident musician Bevan Gibson, which left many sweating profusely, the youth in attendance were treated to an informative lecture on Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by Gail Jagroop. She reminded us of how easy and beneficial adoration could be.

She stressed that it required absolutely no effort while simultaneously bringing us closer to Jesus Christ. The discussion was followed by practical application as we spent time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in absolute silence and darkness, punctuated by deeply meditative choruses.

The next day began with another lively Praise and Worship session led again by Mr Gibson who initiated a domino effect, as after only a few minutes the youths were completely consumed by the Holy Spirit and no longer required his periodic prodding.

After morning prayers Debra Meloney, a teacher by profession, held a discussion on the topic: “Whosoever sees the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40).

Young retreatants in Bourg Mulatresse parish hall.

She reminded the rapt audience of the journey they were taking unknowingly to God. She explained that we as Confirmation candidates were at the crossroads of our spiritual journey and we alone had to make the ultimate choice: Jesus or Satan.

Later in the day our comedian MC, Nicholas Roberts gave a hilarious but deeply practical talk on: “I will not reject anyone who comes to me” (John 6:37).

He reminded us (young men especially) that regardless of our many faults God will never forsake us. The session was flavoured with excerpts from his equally interesting and painful past, which added to the down-to-earth quality of his speech.

The retreat concluded with a healing service held by Fr Gabriel Julien followed by personal testimonies from participants and recitation of the Glorious mysteries of the Rosary. The high point of the entire programme was Holy Mass which all involved attended.

This was definitely the best retreat ever conducted in the Bourg Mulatresse community. It was deeply spiritual, spontaneous, refreshing, sympathetic to the sensibility of Catholic youth and full of touching testimonies from an eclectic mix of people.

Group discussions and confession were also heavily emphasised which helped to clear our consciences and foster more intimate relationships with our facilitators and one another. What more could we want? Excellent refreshments, exciting discussions, an informal on-the-floor setting, lively Praise and Worship, in short: perfection.

Special thanks and appreciation to the following persons: Reverend Fathers Arnold Francis (parish priest), Michel de Verteuil, Gabriel Julien, Arthur Lai Fook and Michael Makhan.

Other facilitators were Ryan and Andrea Hutchinson – parish coordinators, the Youth 2000 coordinating team: Allison and Nicholas Roberts, Debra Meloney, Bevan Gibson, Janine Boyce, Rhonda Guerra, Sheldon Blugh and Margaret Fraser. Other facilitators were: Jerome Fournillier, Nicola Lewis, Keith Pereira, and Maurina Austin

Thanks to everyone who supported the retreat in any way possible.
God’s blessings to you now and always. Thank you all.