Written by Sophia Serna
A retreat feels like hitting pause. It is a chance to escape for a bit, slow down, and reconnect with the people around you. That’s exactly what we had in mind as we packed our bags and piled into cars for our first retreat of the year.
It felt like the last warm weekend we were going to get for a while, and we were so ready to spend it in Michigan near the lake. The sun was out, the sky was clear, and it almost felt like you could get a tan even though it was October. Our community had faced a few ups and downs earlier in the year, and the sunshine felt like a sign that this weekend was going to be special.
From the moment we arrived, there was a light and happy energy. We kicked things off with games, laughter, and even a Taylor Swift listening party (some people were way more excited about that than others). But underneath all the fun, there was also a quiet feeling of closeness, the kind that’s harder to find in our busy weeks in the city.
One of my favorite parts of the retreat was learning about the many ways the Virgin Mary has appeared to different cultures and communities around the world. Each of us was invited to choose an image and reflection prompt, and we were given quiet time outside to reflect on what it meant for us personally. I was drawn to Our Lady of Comfort. At first, it was simply her image that caught my attention, two women in an embrace, the Sacred Heart between them, wind swirling around yet leaving them unbothered. They looked peaceful in each other’s presence. On the back of the card were words of guidance and reassurance, reminding me that Our Lady of Comfort will always be by my side, guiding, loving, and protecting me. As I read those words, especially in this year of change and transition, I felt a deep sense of peace and comfort knowing I was not alone.
Later, we turned our reflections toward our own communities, not just the people in the room, but also our neighbors and those we serve in Chicago. Some reflections came easily, while others stirred up harder conversations and even a few tears. It all felt meaningful and real. My understanding of community has grown to include not only my fellow Amate House members, but also the children at San Miguel School whom I see almost every day, the neighbors at the park whose faces I’m beginning to recognize, and the people of greater Chicago who, even in challenging times, find ways to bring joy and beauty into their lives. Without community, our service here with Amate House would not be complete. It is through community that we learn from each other, love one another, and truly touch each other’s souls. In the end, that is what our time here in Chicago is truly about.
What I’ll remember most from this retreat is the laughter, the kind that comes from being totally yourself around people who get you. By the end of the weekend, we left feeling lighter, closer, and more connected than when we arrived. That sense of peace and joy is something I know we’ll carry with us for the rest of the year.