This November, 33 students completed the 92nd Journey Retreat. A longstanding tradition for La Salle juniors, Journey provides space for participants to recognize and reflect on all the ways they are loved. Approaching the retreat with an open mind and heart, students took the time to consider how God, family, and friends have supported them throughout their lives, and explored how they can share that same love with others. Scripture reminds us that “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). It is this understanding of love that has inspired Journey for almost three decades. 

Taking place three times a year, the experience is widely mentioned by graduating seniors as one of the highlights of their high school careers. Once students have completed the retreat, they have the opportunity to serve as leaders on a following trip, guiding the next group of participants through their own unique Journey experience.

It is the retreat’s many surprises that keep these students curious and engaged, eager to experience this La Salle right-of-passage. So while the activities that take place remain a mystery for all those outside of the three-day trip, participants are encouraged to share what they took away from their experiences.

In their article, “Participate, Don’t Anticipate: A Reflection on Journey,” published in The La Salle Falconer, Sofia Taylor '25 and Rita Tran '25 reflected on their participation in Journey 89. “We left Journey with a true sense of community,” they wrote. “We understood the difference between hearing and genuinely listening to our peers, and we learned the value of each individual’s story.”

With Journey 93 right around the corner, past participants can be seen encouraging their peers to experience it for themselves. “This retreat will give you what you put into it — meaning that if you are coming in with an open mind and attitude, then you will be able to gain the most from this experience,” wrote Taylor and Tran. “Don’t try to guess or assume what is going to happen next — let it just come naturally.”