Kairos Program Reinvigorated

One of the most beloved student retreats across the country, Kairos, is now available at Loyola Marymount University. Known for its transformative power, Kairos is designed to help students deepen their relationship with God, themselves, and their community.

"I encourage students to go on Kairos because of the magic it has!" said Diana Hadjiyane, campus minister for retreats. "Everyone is welcome, whether you're spiritual, Catholic, curious, or non-religious. The language of love we speak on Kairos is universal."

Psychology major Akunna Emechete '30 attended Kairos last fall after learning about it during Wellness Wednesday. She saw it as a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect.

"I loved the small groups and felt so connected to my group," said Emechete. "I was really able to let go of everything I was stressing about. The talks expanded my mind, and I journaled to process what I heard. I also learned to lead with love and left the retreat feeling closer to God."

The word kairos is an ancient Greek term meaning "God's time" - the right, opportune moment when something special happens. In a retreat setting, it refers to stepping away from daily life to encounter God more deeply. During the retreat, students reflect on their faith and life journeys, build community, participate in small-group sharing, and spend intentional time in prayer and reflection. Kairos is rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

"While every Kairos is different, one consistent theme is that retreatants leave with a newfound sense of love, appreciation, and gratitude for their lives," said Hadjiyane. "Kairos gives students a chance to step away from campus, suspend their routines, and dig deeply into who they are and how much they are loved. They also become part of an uplifting community that supports them long after the retreat ends."

The retreat is led by student leaders who volunteer after being deeply impacted by their own Kairos experience. Sophomore communication major Nyah Rosado served as a leader this year and described the experience as eye-opening.

"I had a blast. My goal was to be a servant leader, and I did that by being vulnerable myself and creating that environment," said Rosado. She believes every LMU student could benefit from attending Kairos. "It allows students to reflect on love - in their own lives and in relationship with a higher being. Retreatants come away with a deeper understanding of their purpose and how much they are loved. It's also an amazing opportunity to build genuine friendships and real connection."

Ian Conner, a sophomore film production major, also served as a leader on the fall retreat. While Connor doesn't consider himself religious, he said the diversity of faith within his group only added to the experience. "Our differences don't define us. We are all working toward hope, happiness, and connection."

The spring Kairos retreat will take place February 20-22 at St. Nicholas Retreat Center in Frazier Park, California.Students can register for Kairos here applications are due by Friday, February 6. Faculty and staff are also invited to serve as adult leaders for next year's retreat. For more information contact Diana Hadjiyane at [email protected].