Earlier this month, many Bishop Feehan seniors participated in the ECHO retreat, which
stands for ‘Encountering Christ in Others.’ This retreat aims for the candidates to search for their own identity, which is put forth through a Christian community experience centering around the life of Christ and the Paschal Mystery. The weekend is filled with testimonies and discussions about each person’s responsibility as a member of the Church, and many of the seniors who had the privilege to attend were very moved by the retreat itself and how it changed their lives as Feehan students.
Norah Wells ‘25 attended the retreat this past month, and when asked the question, ‘How did ECHO change your perspective on religion and the life of Jesus?’ she responded, “Coming into this retreat I was already strong in faith, but I never before viewed Jesus as my friend. Jesus was a way to live a happy life and get into heaven, sure, but I didn’t view Him as a way to solve my problems, talk about my day, and to have a friend by my side. After this retreat, I felt less alone. As someone who has struggled with friendships or relationships (keeping them) I walked out of the retreat knowing I would have someone by my side and someone that would never leave (Jesus/ my faith community). This retreat definitely brought out some emotion because it gave time to settle down and talk openly which I feel people our age don’t do often. Crying is seen as a bad thing, and we always fill our time with being busy or rushing to the next thing. Given this time and openness to emotion, I was able to calm down and talk about what’s been weighing on me.”
For those who want to become closer to God and establish a new relationship – or strengthen an existing relationship – with Catholicism and Jesus, consider applying to the ECHO retreat held two times a year by Campus Ministry for seniors.
