By Ben Pluma
(Pacific Palisades, CA – March 6–8, 2026) – ADMA-Y, a vibrant Catholic youth community from St. Dominic Savio Parish in Bellflower, gathered for their annual Salesian retreat, partnering this year with the Confirmation program from St. Bernard Parish. Rooted in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Help of Christians, ADMA-Y continues the legacy of John Bosco, who founded ADMA in 1869 to help young people grow in faith, community, and joyful service.
The retreat took place at Temescal Gateway Park. After renovations following the Palisades Fire, ADMA-Y had the special opportunity to be among the first groups welcomed back to the site after its closure. The team prepared the three-day overnight retreat in just under three months. Having organized retreats for several years, the ADMA-Y team brought experience, dedication, and the joyful Salesian spirit to the weekend.
This year’s retreat centered on the theme “Encounter, Surrender, Commit,” inspired by the Strenna of the Rector Major of the Salesian Family. The message echoes Mary’s words at the Wedding at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.” It is an invitation to learn how to listen to Christ and courageously follow where He leads.
The retreat invited young people to take three important steps in their faith journey:
Encounter – meeting Christ personally and discovering that He is alive and present in our lives.
Surrender – trusting Him enough to listen and follow, even when it challenges us.
Commit – choosing to live the Catholic faith not as a passing phase, but as a lifelong way of life.
Just as the servants at Cana encountered Jesus, trusted His command, and carried it out, the retreat encouraged youth to respond generously to Christ’s call. When we do, the Lord always gives in abundance.
Through prayer, dynamic activities, heartfelt testimonies, and the joyful Salesian spirit, the young participants experienced a weekend of faith, friendship, and transformation as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during this Lenten season.
