Willy Aguayo

Retreat is the place where hearts are opened, or hearts are changed for the best.

When life is weighing down on you let Newman show you the cross in a new light. Retreat is the place where hearts are opened, or hearts are changed for the best. Before my first retreat, I had walls around my heart because I had been away from the church and didn’t really trust people. I had been hurt for a long time. I would come for Sunday mass and that’s it. ​

Retreat was around the corner I had so many people tell me how great retreat would be, but I made excuses I have work, or I was way too busy. The truth is I thought I didn’t belong and that it’s just like any other retreat. So, retreat passes and I see so many happy people filled with love, I thought to myself that I want that feeling. Still, I didn’t put any work in.

The next retreat was coming around and again I said “No I’m busy,” but the Sisters convinced me to go. I went with this closed heart not really knowing what to expect thinking about my past and how I didn’t belong there. Let me tell you I was wrong. I was shown something that was missing in my life. This group of faithful, loving people were able to show me the love of Jesus that I was missing in my life. They broke the walls I had built around my heart.

After retreat, I was filled with so much love and grace. From all the talks, adoration and the praise and worship, I learned that Jesus has so much love for us. Now I say this with the hopes you come to this next retreat, and you’ll probably try and make excuses, but I ask you open your heart to this experience. I ask you to take this time and go to retreat and experience a more intimate love with Jesus.