Retreats

Overview
Program participants of Rostro de Cristo's Retreat program will travel south of the equator to Ecuador. Known for the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is a diverse country rich in history and culture. Home to beautiful beaches, the northern Andes, and the western edge of the Amazon, Ecuador shares borders with Peru and Columbia.

Participating groups will fly into the international airport of Simon Bolivar in Guayaquil the largest city in the country with over 2 million residents. Upon arrival retreatants will travel to one of two Rostro de Cristo community houses passing out of Guayaquil and across the river Guayas to a growing bustling city of Durán, whose majority of inhabitants live off of less than $2 a day. Throughout the course of a little over a week groups will have the opportunity to share in the daily lives of the community. Over 2,000 retreatants have visited Durán since the program began in 1989.

Groups
Rostro de Cristo invites the participation of young men and women from U.S. high schools, universities, parishes, seminaries, and various other associations in our retreat program. Group size is normally between eight and fourteen people. At least one person in the group should speak Spanish.

Length
Retreats ordinarily last ten days, including two days for travel.

Activities
Throughout their time in Durán, guests will mingle with the people in the community and spend a number of hours each day visiting and working at community programs. Being with the people of Durán and Guayaquil will have priority. Every day group members will dedicate several hours to visiting and sometimes working with residents of different areas. Group members will also share activities to maintain the living quarters: shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.

Prayer/Liturgy
Groups are encouraged to make time for prayer and reflection daily, as well as to participate in the parish liturgy. Enhancing their trip by sharing thoughts, feelings and experiences before, during, and after with other participants and their communities.

Details
The cost is $550 per person, plus air fare. Cost should not be an obstacle; funding information is available. U.S. passport is required, but a Visa is not required. While no shots are necessary for entry, consultation with your physician is recommended.

Additional Information
To learn more about how your group can participate in our retreat program email the Assistant Director or contact Rostro de Cristo at: (617)-552-2281