Men’s Retreat participants challenged to ‘put out into the deep’
On the last weekend in July, more than 90 men gathered at Marian College for the annual Diocesan Men’s Retreat.
The retreat began with a relaxed social time, giving participants the chance to connect and get to know one another over a drink. The first session opened with a powerful testimony from Ramez Ailabouni, who offered a reflection on his life, vocation, and how God has been working in his life in recent years. Bishop Michael then gave the first keynote address, challenging us to “put out into the deep,” placing our trust fully in our heavenly Father, so we may become confident and courageous men, husbands, fathers, and grandfathers. The evening concluded with night prayer in the chapel, where the sound of over one hundred voices praying and singing to our Lord in unison created a deeply moving atmosphere.
Saturday morning began with adoration and benediction, followed by parish-based small group reflection time. After breakfast together, the men heard an inspiring testimony from Danny Nicholls, who spoke about living a life of humility and trust in God’s providence. Bishop Michael then delivered his final keynote address, calling each man to place his life into the hands of Jesus and invite us to come forward in an act of surrender to God’s will.
The retreat concluded with a beautiful Mass. Once again, the chapel was filled with the powerful voices of men singing together, a truly uplifting experience.
Feedback from participants has highlighted how much the retreat strengthened their faith, deepened their connections with one another, and renewed their sense of brotherhood in Christ. Many left encouraged and inspired, already looking forward to next year’s retreat.
