In Columbus and throughout the world, more than 22,000 people gathered virtually and in person Feb. 17-20 to encounter Christ at SEEK22. The immersive conference, hosted by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), reminded participants of the hope found in the new evangelization.
Nearly 300 students and missionaries from Ohio State, Bowling Green State, Ohio Northern and Ohio universities as well as Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville came together at the Pontifical College Josephinum. They were joined by more than 15 priests from the Diocese of Columbus as well as Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
Thursday evening registrants met for Mass, fellowship and the opening keynote address by Hilary Draftz, a FOCUS missionary. Kicking off the second and third days of the conference, Father Sean Kilcawley, director of the Office for Family Life in the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska; Marco Casanova, assistant director of Desert Stream ministries; and Father Angelus Montgomery, CFR, preacher, speaker and EWTN show co-host, discussed who Jesus Christ is and what He desires.
In addition to speakers and fellowship, Saturday included opportunities for Adoration, confession and intercessory prayer. “I haven’t been to confession in eight years, but tonight there was something powerful in the room,” one student said. “I was walking to go before I knew what I was doing. That changed it for me.” More than 100 students went to confession Saturday night.
On Sunday, participants attended Mass and heard speaker Kelsey Skoch give the final keynote address.
Father Montgomery said, “Do you know that you are free?Do you know that you are loved? He proposes to us that there is a way back from our exile.”
“I didn’t know I could be loved like that,” another student said. “This was so real and honest, and it gave me permission to let Jesus see me in places I hid.”
After the event, missionaries and student leaders on campus will meet with each participant to encourage them to resolve to change their lives, such as dedicating daily time to pray or attending Adoration or Mass more frequently.
The missionaries also are inviting students to attend Bible studies on campus and sign up for FOCUS mission trips.
Speaker and former Ohio State basketball player Sister Mary Xavier, FSGM, said, “One encounter with Jesus can last a lifetime.”
Nicole Tekippe is a FOCUS missionary at Ohio State University.
