A large group of faithful young adults took time out of their busy schedules to join a special daylong Catholic retreat on Sept. 5, 2026, at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples.
St. John Paul II Young Adult Group led the retreat in English and Spanish for about 150 men and women from different area parishes. The retreat sought to engage the young people to grow in their faith through the Holy Scriptures. The theme for the day was “Surrender.”
The 12-hour retreat was filled with prayer, formation, Mass, reconciliation, and Eucharistic Adoration, all accompanied by a group of Capuchin Franciscan friars. The day also included breakout sessions for men and women, group discussions, games, as well as taking part in a procession with an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Father Thomas Faiola, O.F.M. Cap., who led the Capuchin Friars, said his prayer for the day was that the young men and women left knowing how much they are loved by God.
“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 Faiola said during the concluding Mass.
Looking to break down misconceptions about the Universal Church, Father Faiola said most view the Church as an institution, which includes buildings, rituals and procedures.
“The Church is something much more vital than that. The Church is the living body of Christ,” father said, adding that the Vatican, the diocese, the parish and the faithful are each an important part of the one Church. “We are all the body of Christ. That is important to remember.”
For those having trouble hearing the call of the Lord in his or her own life, Father Faiola said the young adults need to actively ask God what is that they are being called to do. By doing so, “God will start working in you as you discover, through your love, who you are as the image and likeness of the Lord. As we deepen our faith and our understanding, we experience more of what it is to be loved by Jesus Christ.”
Guest speakers included Andres Prias, Diocese of Venice Director of Youth & Young Adult Outreach, Father Alex Pince, Diocese of Venice Vocations Director, as well as Father David Portorreal and Father Wilian Montalvo Tello of St. Peter the Apostle.
Several participants said they came to the retreat with few expectations and were leaving transformed in their faith. Still others said they were comforted to know there were other young adults who have the same interest in building up their spiritual life by participating in more activities at the parish.
At the conclusion of the retreat, Father David Portorreal said it was an honor to again host the young adult retreat at St. Peter the Apostle.
“I am thankful for your ‘Yes!’ to this day,” Father Portorreal said. “I pray for you that each and every day you will continue to open your hearts and minds, surrendering to Jesus Christ and to actively answer His call; that is to proclaim the Good News of the Lord to the world.”
