OUR EXPERIENCE AT OLD GOA FOR ANNUAL RETREAT

A three days Annual retreat was held at Old Goa for the students of St. Thomas Girls’ High school student from X A and X B. A total of 55 catholic and non-Catholics students participated in this retreat.  The theme for the retreat was “SHINE AS STARS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE” . It was held from 16th to 18th Aug 2012. Father further enlightened more about the theme. The main organizers were the priest from Old Goa who also  spoke for the retreat.  Two of our school teachers  accompanied us during  our Retreat. On our arrival, we were given warm welcome by Fr. Kelvin  and his team and he also informed us about the whole retreat followed by Tea break. We were further divided into groups and we had a tour to Old Goa. Late in the evening after our dinner we watched the movie Helen Keller and on the following day we watched another short movie the ‘Miracle worker’.
Our three days were tight scheduled. Our session included Personality development, career guidance Leadership and many more. In our Personality development session the priest explained that in order to give our best to the world we must discover our own talents and be sure of our capabilities. Fr. Patricio taught  us about new innovative ways to pray as well as methods of concentrating  while praying.

On the second day we got up early at 6.00 am and got ready for mass followed by breakfast. We then went on tour to Old Goa for which Fr.Bosco led us and explained about the Old Goa.  And a short film on life of St. Francis Xavier was shown. A lot of sessions were held in between. We also had a tour to the Basilica  and saw the Museum.
On the third and the final day we had confession and counseling followed by mass and we had a special prayer and later we left for home. We had a wonderful  experience to  remember at Old Goa. We wondered how fast those three days passed by. Some of the girls even started singing the theme songs while coming home. It was great retreat and we got a lot to learn. The videos we watched were very inspirational and informative.

We were very glad for having being given  the opportunity to attend this retreat. The knowledge and spiritual wisdom imparted by the priest can truly have a great impact in our lives. After the end of the retreat we were told that life would have many hardships and tribulations but we would have to master the courage to face all these and go ahead through prayer the mightiest weapon of all. Each student got their own little message from the retreat and various aspects of the retreat struck different students. All the students also thanked the priest for all their efforts and a safe spiritual retreat. The food was delicious and the stay was very comfortable and peaceful. We finally thank the school headmistress, Management and the staffs for having given the opportunity to attend the wonderful spiritual  retreat. God bless you.

STD X A & B