Youths from Salesian Schools and Parishes Make Valdocco Retreat

Youths from 12 Salesian Schools and Parishes Make Valdocco Retreat

(Haverstraw, N.Y. – Feb. 18, 2024) – 101 people, including youth team members and adults accompanying them, gathered at the Don Bosco Retreat Center for the Valdocco Retreat, February 16-18.  The retreat’s aim was to provide an opportunity for young people to meet Jesus, introducing them to a deeper understanding of Salesian spirituality.  It takes its name (Valdocco) from the Turin neighborhood where Don Bosco began his ministry to at-risk youngsters.

6 young team members came from the Mary Help of Christians Center in Tampa, Our Lady of the Valley in Orange, N.J., and St. John Bosco Parish in Port Chester, N.Y.  5 junior members of the core team supported the young team.  They are former students of Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, N.J., Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, N.J., and Christ the King Parish in Tampa.

The young people who took part in the retreat came from both the U.S. and Canada and represented 12 parishes and schools.  They were able to hear the testimonies of their peers, join small and large sharing groups with both local and other groups, participate in Mass, adoration, and Reconciliation, and meet new friends. In addition, they were able to reflect on how they live the Valdocco spirit in their local school or parish and what they’ll take home from the retreat.