For the third year in a row, the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate & College of Humanities hosted an Advent retreat for college-age young men, and the 2025 retreat was the largest one so far—over 70 young men from all over the US attended the three-day silent retreat in Cheshire, Connecticut.
The retreat, rooted in the methodology of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, offered participants an opportunity to prepare for Christmas with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Set against the backdrop of Connecticut’s scenic winter landscapes, attendees were encouraged to embrace silence, reflect deeply, and nurture their faith through prayer, accompaniment, and the sacraments. The retreat was led by Fr. Jorge Obregon, LC, with an additional 11 Legionary priests giving spiritual direction.
College students from schools such as Ave Maria University in Florida, Franciscan University in Ohio, North Carolina State University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia made up the majority of the group. For many, it was their first experience of a multi-day silent retreat—a unique chance to disconnect from their phones, daily distractions, and the hustle and bustle of college life, and instead focus on their own personal and spiritual growth as young men of faith.
“Accepting God’s providence for our lives is a common spiritual challenge for all of us, and especially for the young men who come to the retreat,”
says Fr. John VanDorpe, who serves as one of the Legionary vocation directors. “Through the spiritual exercises and spiritual direction, we hope to guide them to a deeper trust in God—a deeper trust in God’s providence in the struggles that they face in their daily lives.”
One of the most moving moments for Fr. John came at the end of the retreat, when participants shared testimonies of how the Holy Spirit had been working in them throughout the weekend. One young man, grieving the loss of a close friend who had been the one to encourage him to attend the retreat, shared how the weekend had helped him to process the pain of the loss and encounter the Lord in a profound way.
Conveniently scheduled during the semester break, the Advent retreat has been growing in popularity, and has been a great opportunity for university students to get to know Regnum Christ and the Legionaries of Christ, and to simply pause in prayer in the middle of a busy school year.
“I encounter the real, living Christ when I come to these retreats,”
shared one participant.
But only half of the Advent retreat is in silence—beyond prayer and reflection, the retreat also includes time for friendship and fun with the seminarians, like hiking, sports, enjoying the snow, and grilling hot dogs over the campfire.
When I come to Cheshire, I feel like I have permission to be a kid again!”
“It’s always good for the guys to see that the brothers are real human beings, they’re guys just like everyone else!”
Please continue to pray for all those who visit Cheshire, and for the brothers at the Novitiate who are discerning their vocation, especially the seven second-year brothers preparing for their religious profession this coming August.
And don’t miss out on the next retreat!
The Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday) is the most potent and impactful time in the Church year, and there is no better time to visit Cheshire than during these holy days! You will experience beautiful liturgies and be guided through prayer and discernment talks by a Legionary priest, with plenty of time for private prayer, adoration, confession, and spiritual direction, as well as sports and conversation with the brothers! Come for an intense—and incredible—experience at the Holy Week “Test Your Call” Retreat 2026 on April 1–6!