Embracing Revival: Guiding College Students Through Faith, Healing, and Transformation
By Rosie Chinea Shawver
Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association
When we reflect on our spiritual journeys, we often notice a recurring pattern: we strive to draw nearer to Christ, yet we stumble and fall into sin. Nonetheless, Christ's infinite compassion and mercy lift us up when we repent, enabling us to continue our pursuit of Him.
During revivals, engaging in the processes of healing and repentance is essential for restoring and strengthening faith both individually and communally. Revivals aim to rekindle spiritual fervor, deepen our connection with Jesus, and transform lives. By confronting and healing from past wounds and sins, individuals and communities can experience genuine renewal and growth in their faith.
This process is particularly crucial for college campus ministries, where young adults encounter significant life changes and challenges. It is important to help them understand that sin is part of the human condition and that God’s love is greater than they can imagine. This understanding is vital for their conversion, healing, and transformation.
At the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, attendees were encouraged to approach Jesus with their sins and brokenness, seeking healing as part of a broader revival. Father Boniface Hicks, OSB (pictured on this blog post), led the crowd in Lucas Oil Stadium in prayer before the Eucharist, highlighting Jesus’ enduring love and inviting them on a journey of healing.
“He loves you. He made you. He desired you. You are a masterpiece of His loving creativity. He sees you and gazes on you with love,” Hicks prayed. He urged the crowd to recognize the goodness in their lives despite sorrows and failures and to open their hearts to Jesus' healing love.
The crowd prayed a litany with responses like “Jesus, heal my heart with your love” and “Please forgive me, Jesus.” Hicks emphasized the importance of inviting Jesus into places of insecurity, fear, and past wounds, seeking a personal encounter rather than merely an intellectual exercise.
On college campuses, how can we accompany students through their struggles so they can encounter our Lord more deeply? How can we help them know they are seen, known, and loved by our Lord, regardless of their sins? When we help young adults overcome the obstacles blocking them from Jesus, true renewal and revival can occur.
To accompany students effectively, we must create an environment of genuine love and acceptance, reflecting Christ's love. Offering support groups, spiritual direction, and opportunities for confession can provide the necessary framework for students to experience healing and growth. By fostering a sense of community and encouraging authentic relationships, we can help students navigate their challenges and draw closer to Jesus.
The path to revival involves embracing our human frailty and relying on Christ's mercy. By guiding students through their struggles and helping them encounter the profound love of Jesus, we pave the way for true transformation and spiritual renewal on college campuses.