Nazareth welcomed students from Presentation Academy for a recent two-day retreat and service experience under the theme of community, reflection, and action. The visit connects the shared history between the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and Presentation Academy, founded by Mother Catherine Spalding in 1831.
Sister Amina Bejos was accompanied by Johna Fortener, theology teacher and campus minister at Presentation Academy.
The visit began with prayer and reflection centered on Matthew 5:8, inviting students to see clearly with open hearts. Through discussion and activities, they explored privilege, priorities, and personal awareness. Mass at St. Vincent Church shaped the day, followed by time outdoors that encouraged reflection on their place in creation. The evening brought shared meals, storytelling, and prayer under the night sky.
On the second day, students gathered in small groups with Sisters for conversation and listening. These moments connected them to the Congregation’s history and mission, offering a glimpse into lives shaped by service and commitment to others.
Students then moved into service across Nazareth’s ministries, engaging directly with the needs of the Community. The work emphasized care for creation, respect for labor, and attention to those on the margins. It invited students to see service not as a single event, but as an ongoing response to God’s call.
The visit illustrates the lasting relationship between Presentation Academy and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.