Another successful Quo Vadis and Fiat Days retreat is in the books for the Diocese of Allentown. Youth in the Diocese between the ages of 14 and 18 attended the 10th annual summer retreat July 16-20 at Lehigh University, Bethlehem. This was the first time the retreat was held on Lehigh’s campus.
This year’s theme was “Ipsam sequens non devias,” which means “Following her you will not stray.” Retreatants heard talks and homilies on the Blessed Mother’s role in each person’s vocational calling as she brings discerners closer to her Son.
Quo Vadis, a retreat for men, and Fiat Days, a retreat for women, were created to help young people in our area discover all vocational possibilities open to them. Whether God is calling them to the priesthood, religious life, or marriage – the 60 young students who attended this year’s event were met with opportunities to explore their relationship with God through prayer, Adoration, and fellowship.
“We were also very blessed and grateful to use the beautiful Bethlehem parishes of Incarnation of Our Lord and Holy Infancy, as well Holy Infancy School,” said Father Mark Searles, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Allentown. “The seminarians led the boys on Quo Vadis, while sisters from various orders – including Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sisters of Christian Charity – led the girls.”
Newly ordained Father Alex Brown visited the students on retreat and celebrated Mass for everyone. Father Brown was one of the first attendees of Quo Vadis prior to entering the seminary. It was a great testament to the students on retreat this year to see God’s work in Father Brown’s life.
In addition to the events held in Bethlehem, retreatants attended a pilgrimage to the Blue Army Shrine in Clinton, N.J. “The pilgrimage was one of the highlights of the week,” said Father Searles. Through the Blessed Mother’s intercession, please keep these young adults in all your prayers during their vocational discernment period.
By Jennifer Russell.
