After more than two years of pandemic-related disruptions, teenage girls from the Bronx’s Idente Youth program recently had the opportunity to participate in a life-changing retreat. The retreat, called Motus Christi, took place on February 23, 2023, the second day of Lent, at the Faith Formation Center of Our Lady of Solace-St. Dominic’s Parish.
The retreat brought together 17 girls from four different Bronx parishes, ranging in age from 6th to 12th grade. Led by the Idente Missionaries, the girls spent the day in fellowship, reflection, and prayer, learning about filial love and deepening their relationship with their Heavenly Father.
One of the most powerful aspects of the retreat was the sense of community it fostered among the young participants. Most of the girls were already involved in Idente Youth in the Bronx parishes, and they eagerly invited their friends and relatives to join them. Through sharing their personal experiences and breaking down barriers of isolation, the girls discovered the joy of unity and the unconditional love of God.
For the team of leaders who guided the retreat, the experience was a testament to the transformative power of Idente pedagogy. As their Father Founder Fernando Rielo taught, love can draw young people out of themselves and into a heavenly world of community, faith, and friendship.
After a long period of pandemic-related isolation, the Motus Christi retreat provided a much-needed source of connection and inspiration for teenage girls in the Bronx. By creating a space for them to come together, share their stories, and deepen their faith, the retreat gave these young women the tools they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence with grace and courage.
