The "Hope" Lenten retreat served as a beacon of joy and spiritual growth for our children, offering a unique opportunity to explore the true meaning of the Lenten season. Our children gathered to share in a journey of discovery and exploration of the Lenten major exercises of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. With a blend of prayer and reflection, our children reflected on the joy and love of Christ and the mysteries of faith.

The retreat was held on March 15, 2025 at St. Anne Parish, Sasa, Ibadan. The event was put together by the Parish H.C.A. Animators, Mrs Christiana Ambrose and Mrs Francisca Sosu. The guest speaker and parish C.W.O president, Dr. Judith Ikejiama addressed the children on the theme "Hope: A light in the darkness".

Hope, like the children were taught, is a feeling of expectation for the happening of a particular thing. The Bible portrays Hope as the confident expectation of what God has promised, and its strength in God's faithfulness. Hope is the expectation of good in the future.

Hope is often times symbolized with a dove, which also signifies purity and peace. Hope is also associated with colors like green (standing for growth and new beginning) and blue (representing Christian acts).

Hope serves as a powerful motivator, fostering resilience, building and optimism. Bible verses were taken to buttress these points.

Jeremiah 29:10-11 strengthens our hope in God and His promise to us, as well as the goodness in His plans for us. He says "I bring you prosperity and not disaster". Hebrew 10:23 also tells us to hold firmly unto God and His promises.

In conclusion, the children were encouraged to have hope in God and improve on their acts of hope just like Jesus did. These acts include prayers, trusting and looking up to Jesus. They were encouraged to have hope in any situation. They were enjoined to be light of hope to others by being kind, helping others and sharing their hope with them.