ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE
A SPIRITUAL
oasis
Tony McBride describes the thriving retreat programme that is at the core of every pupil’s experience at St Aloysius’ College in Glasgow.
A
t the heart of St Aloysius’ College, there is a spiritual oasis that nurtures the minds and souls of its young people – the retreat programme. Organised by the college’s Christian Formation Team and a plethora of enthusiastic staff and senior pupils, the yearly retreats are a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to the Ignatian principle of cura personalis.
First year: a pilgrimage to Carfin Grotto Carfin Grotto in Motherwell is a site rooted in devotion to Our Lady and the saints. Here, students learn about the rich history of the Catholic faith in Scotland, while reflecting on the lives of the saints who have inspired countless people. As they begin to understand the significance of these figures, they foster a sense of connection to the broader Catholic tradition of which they are a part.
Second year: embracing the message of Laudato si’ In the beautiful surroundings of Chatelherault Park in Hamilton, students immerse themselves in the teachings of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’. The retreat encourages contemplation of humanity’s relationship with nature and the responsibility to care for our common home. Through guided walks and activities, students learn to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation, and embrace their vocation to preserve it.
Third year: exploring God’s forgiveness The third-year retreat delves into the profound concept of God’s forgiveness. Through reflections, discussions and personal stories from staff and senior pupils, students grapple with the idea of redemption and the transformative 16
Jesuits & Friends Winter 2023
share their personal stories, struggles and joys, fostering deep connections and a profound sense of unity. Guided by their peers and mentors, students emerge from Kairos with a heightened appreciation for authenticity, friendship and the transformative power of personal faith.
Sixth year: reflecting on the journey
Pupils on the third-year retreat
Pupils are equipped with virtues that will guide them in their adult lives as children of God. power of God’s mercy. This retreat fosters self-acceptance and encourages students to extend forgiveness to themselves and others, nurturing emotional healing and spiritual growth.
Fourth year: discovering God in others As the focus shifts to the theme of ‘finding God in others’, students explore God’s presence within human connections, emphasising compassion and understanding. This retreat nurtures a sense of community and reminds students of the inherent dignity within each individual, encouraging them to see the divine spark in everyone they encounter.
Fifth year: the Kairos retreat Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of the retreat programme is the fifth-year Kairos retreat. Often described as a life-changing journey, Kairos invites students to delve into self-discovery and spiritual reflection. Participants
As students approach the culmination of their time at St Aloysius’ College, they are offered a space for reflection on their educational and spiritual journey. As graduation approaches, students contemplate their personal growth, using the Jesuit Pupil Profile as their standard. Pupils consider the impact they will have on the wider world beyond life in their green blazers, living as men and women for others with the virtues gifted to them during their time at the college. Crucial to the retreat programme’s success is the college’s strong tie with the Jesuit community on Hill Street. They support the young people’s training in the Jesuit principles of reflection, discernment and action, and the sacramental dimension of the retreat could not be experienced without them. The lively interaction between senior pupils and their younger counterparts, too, infuses the retreats with authenticity and relatability. Witnessing their sons and daughters flourish in an environment that nurtures spiritual growth, compassion and generosity brings an immense sense of gratitude to parents, who see their children not only excel academically but also mature into well-rounded individuals, equipped with the virtues that will guide them in their adult lives as children of God.
WATCH AND LISTEN Third-year students reflect on their retreat at: youtube.com/ watch?v=LeuSMapoDvU
