KJES YOUTH ANIMATORS ANNUAL RETREAT

Organized by: KJES Youth Works, Karnataka

Date & Time: 13-15th March 2026

Venue: Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru

Objective of the Activity:

The retreat aimed to help youth animators grow spiritually, deepen their relationship with God, understand themselves better, and prepare themselves for their responsibilities with commitment and dedication.

Description of the Activity:

From St. Joseph Engineering College AICUF Unit, four AICUFers and also the KJES Youth Animators of Karnataka —Vinisha Dias, Sanjo Thomas, Astel Joswin Rodrigues, Sam Neon D’Souza and Jeston D’Souza attended the KJES Youth Animators Annual Retreat held at Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru.

The three-day retreat began with an interactive session led by Anson Nazareth to help participants get to know each other and understand the purpose of the retreat. Fr. Royden then spoke about the life of Ignatius of Loyola—his struggles, conversion, and journey towards becoming a saint.

Following this, Fr. Merwyn Loyd Fernandes SJ, KJES Advisor & AICUF State Advisor, gave reflection questions focusing on the qualities needed as youth animators, the “noise” in our lives that prevents us from going deeper, and how God has loved us so far. We were then asked to go to silent places, reflect on these questions, and return with our answers. This marked the beginning of a one-and-a-half-day silent retreat where we were not allowed to use mobile phones or speak with each other.

Later, we gathered in a circle and shared our reflections. After a tea break, we had a creative activity where we expressed our thoughts through painting on the theme “How is my life with God?” and explained its meaning.

Fr. Dheeraj conducted a session on Ignatius of Loyola’s experience in Manresa, explaining the concept of “Internal GPS,” including motions, consolation, and desolation. We were given further reflection questions about conversion, surrender, and identifying our “cannonball” experiences. After reflecting individually, we shared in groups.

We also had an activity where we picked something from nature that made us happy and related it to our life. In the afternoon, we had an adoration session from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, where we wrote our resolutions and placed a stone in water as a symbol of commitment. We also offered one personal weakness before Jesus in prayer.

Later, we watched a movie on the life of Ignatius of Loyola, followed by explanations from Fr. Royden and Fr. Merwyn about his life and struggles, including his time in Paris. The day ended with further reflection, an evening session by Fr. Merwyn, and an examination conducted by Sean, a senior from Bangalore.

The second day began with a prayer led by Fr. Merwyn. The session continued with reflections on the life of Ignatius of Loyola in Paris. We were given reflection questions and asked to go to silent places to reflect and write our responses, followed by group sharing.

An activity with three chart papers was conducted, focusing on our weaknesses as youth animators, our duties, and areas for personal improvement. We reflected and wrote our points on the charts. Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Dheeraj and Fr. Merwyn.

We then shared our retreat experiences and inaugurated our official “Ignitor” T-shirt in the presence of Fr. Dheeraj, Fr. Merwyn, and senior Ignitors. Fr. Merwyn conducted another examination session and prayed for all of us, marking the end of the silent retreat.

Later, we went for an outing to Tannirbhavi Beach and Panambur Beach, where we spent joyful time together and returned by 8:00 PM. Another examination was conducted at night, and the day concluded around 9:30–10:00 PM.

The third day began with prayer led by Fr. Merwyn. We were asked to write a heartfelt “love letter” to our future selves, imagining our lives after 10 years. These letters were offered before Jesus in prayer.

We also took the stones placed earlier, wrote our names on them, and offered them to God by placing them on the “heart of Ignitors” as a symbol of commitment. We then took photographs holding our letters, drawings, and stones.

After a tea break, we worked in groups to prepare presentations for different colleges based on the topic given earlier. Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Merwyn and Fr. Dheeraj, followed by an official group photograph wearing Ignitor T-shirts.

A Magis session was conducted by Fr. Merwyn and Fr. Dheeraj, where they explained the concept of Magis, its organization, and details about the upcoming State Magis to be held in October or November. Fr. Dheeraj also explained the five pillars of Magis.

Finally, the retreat concluded with a thanksgiving session, action songs, fun activities, and a closing prayer, marking the end of a meaningful three-day experience.

Conclusion:

The three-day retreat was a deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting experience. It helped us grow in faith, self-awareness, and responsibility as youth animators. It strengthened unity, encouraged reflection, and inspired us to live a more committed and meaningful life.