Vacation Family retreat 2026-A Joyful holiday with Jesus (July 10–12)

“Unless the LORD build the house,
they labor in vain who build.” — Psalm 127:1

“I have been struggling with anxiety due to unemployment, which created tension within my family. During the retreat, the open life-sharing sessions and the experience of God’s unconditional love brought me great peace, renewed hope, and comfort.”

(Soniya-Jesbin family from Oman.)

Jesus Youth families from across the Middle East came together in Pax Retreat center (located at the St. Thomas Capuchin Provincialate -Aluva) for a grace-filled and joyful Vacation Family Retreat. Since 2023, the Middle East team has successfully organized the event for four consecutive years with the support of Jesus youth Kerala family team.

The three-day residential retreat beautifully reflected the joyful spirituality of Jesus Youth. As residential retreats are a memorable opportunity for middle east families to grow closer to Jesus and to one another.

The sessions were enriched by the personal experiences and faith journeys shared by the resource persons. Their heartfelt testimonies deeply touched the participants and inspired everyone in their spiritual journey.

Each day’s Holy Mass and Eucharistic adoration were moments of prayer, grace, and renewal. In particular, the Holy Mass celebrated helped many to experience the loving presence of God in a profound way and inspired many to transform into a Jesus youth missionary family.

A separate session for men and women was really helpful to understand different kinds of struggles of each family and practical tips on how to overcome it.

There was a prayer ministry and sharing sessions also arranged during the retreat which touched families to listen to God’s loving guidance in their vocation.

A special highlight of the retreat was the parallel program arranged for the children. Through games, songs, activities, a separate Holy Mass, and Eucharistic Adoration, the children enjoyed a joyful holiday with Jesus and their peer group.

“I am a non–Jesus Youth and Branch Manager in Pala, attended the retreat with my wife Lizen, a staff nurse from SD and our kid. Six months earlier, when my wife suggested attending a family retreat, I had preferred a holiday trip to Munnar or Ooty. Reflecting on the retreat,it was far more enriching than any other holiday trip. The family-centered talks on God’s love, the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit guidance in family life, and the joyful witness of every Jesus Youth organizer and participant deeply touched my heart”.

Lithosh-Lizen family (SD)

The Vacation Family Retreat was truly a beautiful celebration of faith, fellowship, and joy—leaving every family spiritually refreshed and filled with cherished memories

Joffin Chowalloor