Sixty students gathered for Walsh University’s annual AGAPE Retreat, a transformative event focused on deepening faith, building community, and finding peace through surrendering to God. As a Catholic university, Walsh is deeply committed to nurturing the spiritual lives of its students. This retreat reflects the spirit of the “Year of Community,” which aims to foster stronger connections among students, staff, and the broader Walsh community.
The retreat was led by student directors Luke Goers and Meghan Murphy, whose leadership ensured that the weekend was both organized and meaningful. Claire Corridoni ’18, Director of Campus Ministry, praised their efforts. “Luke and Meghan rose to every occasion,” said Corridoni. “They prayed before every speaker, facilitated games, and kept the leadership team on track, all while fostering a strong sense of community.”
This AGAPE Retreat was particularly special for Corridoni, as it marked her first in her new role as Director of Campus Ministry. As a Walsh alumna and former Blouin Scholar, Corridoni has returned to serve the community she loves. “Returning to Walsh as the Director of Campus Ministry feels like coming home,” she shared. “I’m excited to contribute to the spiritual development of our students, faculty, and staff."
Throughout the weekend, students took part in three impactful talks: one from Corridoni herself and two from fellow students Matt Voegele and Amelia Freeman. Alongside these moments of spiritual reflection, there were also light-hearted activities, such as pumpkin painting for the women and gaga pit battles for the men. The day concluded with a powerful worship and adoration session led by Leah Grezanik, Joe Cochran, and Noah Bott, which provided a peaceful atmosphere for personal reflection and prayer.
Father Albert Trudel, O.P., the University Chaplain, celebrated Mass before a spaghetti dinner, bringing the retreatants together for both spiritual nourishment and fellowship. A key theme of the weekend was learning that surrendering to God is not about giving up but about placing trust in His greater plan.
The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with one attendee calling it “my favorite AGAPE so far.” Another shared, “I found so much peace this weekend and felt like everything was well-planned, allowing me to fully absorb the talks.”
For everyone involved, the AGAPE Retreat was not only a weekend of spiritual renewal but also a powerful reminder of the strength and unity within Walsh University’s Catholic community. It left participants with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper trust in God’s guidance for their lives.
