On Feb. 21 to 23, 2025, students from the Catholic campus ministries across the archdiocese gathered for their annual spiritual retreat. This year’s retreat was special because it took place near the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope and in fact the theme of the retreat was "Pilgrims of Hope." The retreat came at a perfect time for the 60 university and college students who attended – during their reading week break. They appreciated the opportunity to set aside their studies to pray, reflect and grow in community with students from other chaplaincies.

The main speaker for the retreat was Fr. Scott Birchall, rector of Serra House and professor at St. Augustine’s Seminary. Fr. Scott highlighted the difference between earthly and Christian hope, a hope that provides meaning and joy. Using the example of a rock that many people carry on a pilgrimage, representing challenges and obstacles in our relationship with God, he invited the participants to carry their own rock throughout the weekend, identifying areas of struggle and inviting God into those difficult places, asking for His guidance. Fr. Scott also invited the students to say yes to God in their daily lives and shared many examples of the beautiful results of someone’s "yes" to our Lord.

For many of the students, the highlight of the retreat was Adoration and Confession on the Saturday evening. Throughout the weekend, students participated in Mass, small group discussions and break out sessions. They also enjoyed tobogganing and snowshoeing at the Cedar Glen YMCA Outdoor Education Centre. While the heavy snow of winter is now just a memory, the spiritual growth that took place during the retreat will remain with the students as an inspiration to continue to say yes to God and live as pilgrims of hope.