Dozens of individuals from the Diocese of Venice participated in a daylong young adult retreat in Naples, Fla., on Sept. 5. Our friars Br. Thomas Faiola and Br. Francisco Serrano joined Br. Francisco Arredondo and Br. Franco Chavez of the Stigmata Province in ministering to the young adults present. 

The St. John Paul II Young Adult Group organized the retreat, which was conducted in English and Spanish at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naples. The theme for the day was “Surrender.”

The 12-hour retreat consisted of prayer, formation, Mass, reconciliation, and Eucharistic adoration. There were breakout sessions for men and women, group discussions, games, and a Marian procession.

“You must be looking to deepen your relationship with God, as you develop a more intimate relationship following Jesus Christ. There is no greater happiness than that,” Father Tom said during the concluding Mass, according to Florida Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Venice. 

Br. Francisco Arrendondo of the Stigmata Province said, “One of the key takeaways from this retreat was working with my friar brothers and observing the impact it has had in our ministry work, especially in addressing the spiritual needs of young adults who desire the Gospel’s message, a message of hope and trust.”

The Stigmata Province says it has watched a revival in the faith lives of young adults in Florida. The Capuchins are playing an active role in modeling a life of faith for them. The Stigmata friars live and work in Kissimmee and Miami. Br. Emilio Biosca, a friar of the Province of St. Augustine, was ordained and installed as bishop of the Diocese of Venice in July. And Br. Scott Surrency is stationed with the Stigmata Province friars at their mission fraternity, St. Pio Friary in Miami.

Click here for a report in Florida Catholic. Click here for more photos.