School Retreat: A Time of Spiritual Renewal and Opportunity to Deepen Our Faith

Every year after Uganda Martyrs Day, our school organizes a directed retreat for all students and staff. This year, from June 4th to June 8th, 2025, Andre Hall was filled with praise, and Holy joy when we began this special prayer program that led many to spiritual transformation. Directed by the Vincentian Missionaries, Fr. Liyo Achan VC and Fr. Thomas Reno VC, the retreat drew the entire Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S community into an experience of profound spiritual encounter. It was a time where many testified to spiritual growth, hope for renewal, experience of God’s Mercy and the healing power of God at work in different ways.

A student shared her encounter of faith

One Senior One student, attending the retreat for the first time, shared:

“I witnessed the power of prayer when I saw what was happening during the prayer sessions. People were renewing their faith and deepening their personal connection with God.” Her words echo the truth of James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Retreat: A Sacred time for Prayer and Reflection in our School

As the retreat began, the school chaplain Fr. Alinaitwe Douglas, C.S.C and Head Teacher Fr. Atukwatse, Prosper, C.S.C prepared the congregation with a clear message:

“We are about to start a spiritual journey. We are all invited to take this time seriously, pray, and listen to God speaking to us.” If You seek Him, you will find Him said the Chaplain. Many entered the retreat with enthusiasm to encounter God and reflect on their personal spiritual lives.

Themed “Spiritual Renewal and Enrichment,” the retreat created a balance between the daily rhythm of academic life, with the school core value of prayer aligning perfectly with the Holy Cross philosophy of educating both the mind and the heart. It was also a special time to reflect on the Jubilee Year message, inviting our school community to walk as “Pilgrims of Hope.” in this jubilee year of the Church.

Highlights of the Retreat:

Praise and Worship: As St. Augustine once said, “He who sings prays twice.” Our students and staff entered deeply into joyful, Spirit-filled worship. These sessions brought unity, built community, and stirred hearts, as written in Psalm 100:1-2 – “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!”
Preaching Sessions: Fr. Liyo and Fr. Thomas delivered powerful talks, drawing from Scripture and their missionary experience to guide the congregation on how to live as true witnesses of Christ. Their preaching reflected Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Daily Mass: At the heart of each day was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. Through the Mass, students encountered Christ, nourished their souls, and renewed their covenant with God. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Silent time before the Eucharist allowed students to feel the presence and peace of Jesus.
Confession: The Sacrament of Reconciliation was a grace-filled opportunity to experience healing and mercy. Many students came forward, unburdened themselves, and walked away renewed.
Healing and Deliverance: Special sessions were held for spiritual and emotional healing. Many testified to God touching them in deep and personal ways, just as Matthew 11:28 invites: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We prayed for our academics, parents, our school, teachers, families etc.

A Pentecost to Remember

The retreat culminated on Pentecost Sunday, the very day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, and the Church was born (Acts 2:1-4). During the final Mass, Fr. Liyo preached on the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live boldly for Christ. He prayed over the students and staff, invoking the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (cf. Isaiah 11:2-3) wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Lasting Impact on the Holy Cross Community

This retreat was not just an event, but a spiritual milestone. Many students experienced personal conversions, a renewed sense of purpose, and deeper faith. It was a pilgrimage of the heart, an echo of Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

The retreat reaffirmed the mission of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S to nurture holistic Education. Our school in its Catholic foundational identity believes that true education forms not only the intellect but also shapes values, character, and spiritual identity.

Looking Ahead

As the school returns to its academic rhythm, the fruits of this encounter will continue to grow. From renewed discipleship to a deeper sense of community, from spiritual healing to joyful service, the retreat has planted seeds of transformation and spiritual renewal in our school.