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The Penboch Young Professionals Retreat Celebrates its 40th Anniversary: Interview with Fr. Franck Delorme SJ

The annual Penboch Young Professionals retreat took place from August 13 to 23, 2024, at the Jesuit Spiritual Center of Penboch. This unique program, blending spirituality and personal development, has been a source of renewal for young adults since its inception in 1984. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we look back with Fr. Franck Delorme SJ, who co-leads the retreat with a dedicated team of laypeople and religious, reflecting on its history and lasting impact.

What inspired the creation of this retreat?

The Penboch Young Professionals retreat began in 1984, driven by the vision of Fr. Henri Madelin SJ, then Provincial of the Jesuits, along with Yves and Béatrice Lesage, active members of the Christian Life Community. Their goal was to create a retreat that addressed the spiritual and personal needs of young professionals. This was a time in life filled with important decisions—career, relationships, personal faith. The retreat was designed to help participants integrate these different dimensions—personal, professional, emotional, relational, social, and ecclesial—into a unified whole.

This unique experience combines a communal session for sharing and a silent retreat spread over nine days. The initial days prepare participants to open themselves to the Word of God, paving the way for a deeper encounter during the retreat itself.

How do you reflect on the past 40 years?

Over the last 40 years, the young professionals who have participated in the Penboch retreat have expressed profound gratitude for the transformation they've experienced. Many speak of the retreat as a turning point in their lives. We’re delighted that, after four decades, this retreat continues to bear fruit and serves as a valuable resource for young professionals. It offers them a much-needed break during the summer, a time to listen to God, and to anchor their lives more deeply in faith.

As guides, we witness firsthand the significant inner work that takes place during these nine days—within the participants themselves and in their relationship with the Lord. It’s truly gratifying to see how this retreat sparks meaningful changes in their lives.

Is the original vision still relevant today?

Absolutely. The core intuition of the retreat is still very much alive: taking time to prepare before entering into silence and contemplation. This careful preparation makes room for the Word of God to resonate with each person in a fresh, personal way. Even after 40 years, this approach remains deeply relevant, offering young people a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and reassess their lives.

Young professionals today are often seeking space to step back, think deeply, and regain perspective. This retreat, though demanding, offers just that—a unique opportunity for reflection that participants often describe as transformative. Those who take the leap into this experience never regret it. We often receive in proportion to the commitment we bring.

What changes have you seen over the past 40 years?

One significant change is the omnipresence of technology—particularly the internet and mobile phones. Our constant connection to digital devices alters how we relate to ourselves and others. It now requires greater effort to disconnect from these distractions and fully engage in the Penboch retreat. Yet, this challenge only highlights the value of the retreat: it teaches participants to embrace simplicity, savor the present moment, and rediscover a deeper sense of being.

As St. Ignatius of Loyola said, "It is not knowing much that satisfies the soul, but feeling and savoring things deeply."

Who leads this retreat?

The retreat is guided by a team of around a dozen people—both lay and religious—who are all rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Our team is deeply committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and can find their place within the group. This collaborative spirit is central to our work. It’s not about one person, such as the priest, doing everything or having all the answers. Instead, we all journey together in faith, reflecting on how best to transmit this experience and dive deeper into essential questions of faith, such as the sacraments.

What would you like to share on the occasion of this 40th anniversary?

We are truly grateful that this retreat for young professionals aged 25 to 35 continues to thrive. It’s one of the oldest programs offered at our spiritual centers and remains a powerful adventure for the young people who join us. Many participants share with us the joy and life-changing experiences they have had during these days—experiences that help them reconnect with their sense of purpose and responsibility in the world.

This milestone also represents 40 years of fruitful collaboration among the teams who have made this retreat possible. It’s been a joy for all of us to work together in the service of faith, accompanying young adults through a period of life that is rich with challenges and opportunities.

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