On Jan. 14, 2020, 30 Crusaders took a chance and decided to go on Kairos 151. Going into this, many of them were unsure of what was to come, but to put it briefly, it was something amazing.

I had the opportunity to not only lead these young men on this retreat, but to also be the rector of K151. I can honestly say that I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to lead.

Over those four days, the courage, bravery, and change I saw each and everyone of them display was something unreal. And the fact I got to help out in this process made it even better.

From the first day, these guys knew what to do. When we asked, they listened, and the retreat ran smoothly because of that.

I’m sure you know that what goes on during Kairos is somewhat of a secret if you haven’t been on it, but I think it is safe to say that there will not be a more unique Kairos or group of candidates than this one.

“It was an eye-opening experience. I made friends for life and I’ll never view the world the same,” said senior Dan Golon.

At the end of the day, that really is the goal of the retreat. You walk in with friends or classmates, but walk out with brothers for life. But on top of that, you also hope to grow closer to yourself and God.

“Kairos 151 was a life-changing experience for me; I met and became friends with people from Rice I’ve never spoken to before. I learned a lot about myself personally and feel even closer to my faith and to the Brother Rice community, as a whole,” said junior Matt Quattrocchi.

Although the candidates were the main focus of the retreat, the leaders got a lot out of this experience, too. Seniors Harrison Morg, Alex MacFarlane, Mike Amato, Dan Bombard, Martin Murray, and myself all had the honor of leading this retreat.

“It was definitely a lot different than going on it as a candidate. I knew what to expect and my responsibilities, but I was still blown away by all the candidates and how good it felt to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Dan Bombard.

I don’t think that I could have put it better myself. In those four days, we were able to live and create an ideal, faith-based community. And I know that even though we are back now, all the members of Kairos 151 will continue to “Live the Fourth.”