YCS Media

On Sunday, 7th December 2025, YCS Ibadan Archdiocese gathered at Schoenstat House of Fathers, Ijokodo for this year's Advent retreat Themed: "Christ, the Hope that Never Disappoints."

Advent Retreat Overview

The Advent retreat started with a reflection by Brother Malachi;

He cited the life St. Josephine of Bakhita, a woman of unbreakable hope, kidnapped at age 7 and sold into slavery. Despite her suffering, she later said: "I did not know the true God, but I felt Him in my heart."

 

Her conversion began when she was brought to Italy. She later became a Canossian sister and said: "If I were to meet the slave trader, I would kiss his hand, for through him I came to know the true God."

 

Key Messages

- Christian hope is deeper than optimism—it trusts God even when life is difficult (Romans 5:5). 

- Hope begins when life is hard, not when it’s easy. 

- Jesus never wastes our pain or abandons us.

 

Ways to Sustain Hope:

1. The Word of God – Study hopeful figures like David and Mary Magdalene. 

2. Community – Stay connected to believers.

3. Devotion to Mary – She leads us to Christ.

 

Encouragement:

In struggles, say: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

Silence isn’t absence—Christ never fails.

 

After the talk, there was adoration, and the Holy Mass.

 

The day ended with fun activities and in-house competitions, leaving hearts renewed with hope. 

 

YCS – See, Judge and Act.