Fathers, Sons, and Faith

On Saturday, April 5, 160 fathers and sons gathered for Xaverian’s first-ever Father/Father-figure-Son Retreat, a day rooted in faith, connection, and quality time. The retreat was a carefully planned opportunity to reconnect fathers and sons, not just with one another, but with the world around them. “This was something we had dreamed about for quite some time,” said Xaverian’s Principal, Dr. Michael Nicholson, P ’29. “As a Catholic school grounded in the spirit of the Xaverian Brothers, we wanted to offer a space for relationship- building rooted in humility, faith, and presence.”

The retreat began at Hale Reservation, a peaceful, wooded location which was selected to provide a mix of adventure and calm. In the morning, father/son pairs participated in morning Mass, guided prayer, and several team-building exercises – including time on a high ropes course. Many students felt the best part of the morning was the pair share walk, during which they were encouraged to discuss questions that deepened their understanding of each other’s values, joys, and challenges.

For many, the time together was rare and deeply appreciated. “What meant the most to me,” Daniel Parent ’26 shared, “was being able to spend time with my dad in a way I normally wouldn’t and really reflecting on what our relationship means to me.” After a BBQ lunch, participants headed to Xaverian to hear from Joe Mazzulla, P ’27, Xaverian parent and Head Coach of the Boston Celtics.

As the day came to a close, nearly all attendees expressed a desire for future retreats. “What truly meant the most to me,” says Dr. Nicholson, “was how fathers and sons alike acknowledged this time, which otherwise may have been unspent, allowed them to grow in their own relationships.” Given the success of the event, the school is already planning an upcoming Mother/Mother-figure-Son Retreat. “We want all families to have access to these moments,” said Dr. Nicholson. “This is not a one-time moment, but a journey toward enduring personal relationships.”

Photo one: Adam Nickley ’30 at Hale Reservation 
Photo two: Keynote speaker, Joe Mazzulla, P ’27
Photo three: Mr. Eric Liriano and his son, Sebastian ’29