On August 20-21, sixteen FGI students, two FGI “veterans,” along with Brothers Larry and Juan Manuel and program director Jennifer Hanifl, spent two days on retreat together at Alverna Retreat Center. The purpose was to help forge relationships and build community among the new cohort of FGI students. The new students quickly engaged in a variety of activities and seemed eager to get to know one another. Part of Sunday evening was spent with the Brothers on campus at their residence playing games in the backyard, touring Bro. Arnie’s gardens, and having dinner with the Brothers and later s’mores.
Two of last year’s FGI students, along with Bro. Juan Manuel, shared their experiences of adjusting to SMU. The retreat ended, as it began, with prayer and a return to campus for lunch together on Monday.
