66 Young Men Attend Quo Vadis Discernment Retreats in the Diocese of Toledo
Thirty-three high school men and thirty-three middle school boys gathered at Camp Miakonda in Toledo July 31–August 3 for the Diocese of Toledo's annual Quo Vadis discernment retreats. Joined by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, seven diocesan priests, and 22 seminarians, the young men spent time in prayer, fraternity, and recreation while reflecting on God's call in their lives.
Named after the Latin phrase meaning "Where are you going?", Quo Vadis invites young men to ask one of life's most important questions: Where is God calling me?
"Quo Vadis is a discernment retreat for young men led by our seminarians and priests that equips them with the tools to come to know God's call for their lives," said Father David Kidd, Director of the Office for Diocesan Priestly Vocations. "The question 'Quo Vadis?' traces back to St. Peter asking Jesus, 'Where are you going?' as Peter wrestled with his own calling. It's the same question our retreatants are invited to ponder: Where am I going with my life? Where is God calling me? Who is God calling me to be?"
Throughout the weekend, participants experienced a balance of prayer and adventure. Days included Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, talks on sacrifice, purity, virtue, prayer, discernment, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, alongside outdoor activities such as capture the flag, high ropes, swimming, and other camp competitions.
Father Kidd said the combination is intentional.
"As men, we are made for community, to do difficult things, and to sweat," he said. "Activities of prayer, formation, leisure, and hard work equip us to respond with courage to God's call."
One of the most memorable moments for many retreatants was the Eucharistic Procession led by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas. Father Kidd said the procession, together with the conversations between participants and seminarians, revealed the depth of faith present among the young men.
"Their questions of our seminarians show a depth and hunger for more challenge, inspiration, prayer, and deep relationship," he said. "They want to know God's will and to do it. The Eucharistic Procession is also a powerful moment that helps young men hear God's voice in their own hearts and desire to follow Him."
While Quo Vadis encourages participants to consider a vocation to the priesthood, Father Kidd emphasized that the retreat is ultimately about helping every young man discover God's plan for his life.
"We are made to go to heaven," he said. "When our hearts become like the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they begin to bleed and burn with love as His did. Then we can live with the confidence that we are moving toward the end for which we were created—our salvation."
The Diocese of Toledo's Office for Diocesan Priestly Vocations hosts Quo Vadis each summer to help young men deepen their relationship with Christ, build lasting friendships rooted in the faith, and grow in confidence as they discern where God is leading them.
For information, visit toledopriesthood.org or contact the Office for Diocesan Priestly Vocations directly.
Posted August 4, 2026 at 2:38 pm