By Margarita Hernandez, ADMA-Y Facilitator

(Boyle Heights, California) – On the weekend of June 6-8, ADMA-Y hosted a retreat for high school youth at the Don Bosco Mission Center in Boyle Heights. Before the retreat, members of the ADMA-Y leadership team prepared a welcoming and thematic environment that would remain a gift to the Mission Center.

The direction of the weekend took root in a meaningful and timely theme: One Hope. One Step. One Heart.

One Hope spoke to our shared longing to live fully in God’s love and ultimately be united with Him.

One Step reminded us that every journey begins with a single act of courage. What step are we being called to take today?

One Heart affirmed that, though we come from different places and walks of life, we are united as one family in Christ.

This theme beautifully echoed the message of this year’s Strenna: “Anchored in Hope, Pilgrims with Young People.” What does it mean to be anchored in hope?

Like an anchor steadies a ship in stormy seas, hope grounded in Christ gives us stability amid life’s chaos. Hope doesn’t promise a pain-free life—it reminds us that we’re never alone in hardship. It’s the quiet voice that urges us forward, the flicker of light in the darkness.

Still, hope can feel fragile, especially in times of grief, loss, or broken dreams. And yet, these are the very moments when we need it most.

Hope is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline. It helps us heal. It gives us the courage to move forward. It unites us in love.

As we continue through this Jubilee Year, a time of renewal and restoration, we’re invited to anchor ourselves in this hope more deeply. Hope assures us that what’s broken can be restored, that love can lead us back, and that God always makes room for new beginnings.

So we asked:

What step is God calling you to take?

How can you open your heart more fully to love, to serve, to hope?

Let us continue our journey with one hope, one step, and one heart. 

Some of the feedback from the participants suggests that the retreat engaged them in this journey:

“The retreat made me feel closer to God, and I was also able to meet and talk to new people. Also, the retreat has been the best retreat experience I’ve had in my life.” -Camiemily Rebeles (Age 14)

“I’m so happy I got the opportunity to be part of the ADMA-Y 2025 retreat. I was able to grow my Catholic faith and grow my relationship with God. The leaders did such a great job in creating  such a beautiful and heartwarming experience for everyone.” -Kimberly Cervantes (Age 15)

“One word, ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.'”  -Andrea Olivarez (Age 15)

ADMA-Y Leaders also added:

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Peter Duoc Le, SDB, for his generous hospitality and steadfast presence during this retreat. His quiet witness, gentle spirit, and faithful guidance reflect the very heart of Don Bosco. Fr. Peter, thank you for walking with us, for seeing us, and for being a light of pastoral joy. We are truly blessed by your example and vocation.”