The Sicar retreat, inspired by the biblical encounter at the well of Sychar (John 4), has become a transformative youth evangelization movement across Latin America. Founded by Mother María Elena Martínez, a Mexican religious with over 30 years of consecrated life, the retreat began in 2016 as a small initiative and has since expanded to Mexico, Guatemala, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru.
Mother María Elena’s journey started with a deep thirst for God in childhood and a desire for consecrated life. After exploring various spiritual paths, she founded the private association ‘Mary, Mother of Love’ in 2015, which now centers on impactful retreats like Emmaus for parishes and prisons, and Sicar for young adults.
The retreat, based on the Gospel narrative of the Samaritan woman, aims to help young people discover Christ. Each session features testimonies, community building, and a focus on God’s mercy, leading to profound personal transformations. ‘God’s mercy knows no bounds,’ Mother María Elena says. ‘You look at people with eyes of mercy.’
Since its inception, Sicar has reached thousands: in Mexico, 38 retreats have served nearly 2,000 participants, while in Peru, since 2023, seven retreats have engaged about 490 people. Coordinators like Fátima Correa in Paraguay describe it as ‘a time of growth and renewal.’
The impact extends beyond the retreats. Participants report enduring changes in faith and perspective. Ottmar Ricalde, a Mexican volunteer, says, ‘Sicar has meant so much over these past 10 years. The most important thing is the love of God that has been a gift to me.’ Similarly, a Argentine couple credits Sicar with transforming their relationship and leading to their marriage.
In Peru, director Geraldine Spihlman notes the community formed around Sicar is its most visible fruit: ‘Many young people have discovered that it’s hard to go it alone but that everything is easier in community.’
As the movement grows, Mother María Elena lives one day at a time, saying, ‘Each day I tell the Lord, “For one more day, I say yes to you.”’ The retreat continues to spread wherever young people seek meaning, healing, and a mature faith, inviting them to encounter ‘a living Jesus’ and to never thirst again (John 4:14).
This story was first published by ACI Prensa and adapted by EWTN News.
