STELLA NIAGARA — The Center of Renewal is pleased to announce a special Thursday through Sunday weekend retreat during Lent, "Les Misérables: A Lenten Retreat," from Feb. 22-25. This unique, reflective and interactive Lenten retreat will run from Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch.

Incorporating themes from the famous musical "Les Misérables," retreatants will explore the grace of God alongside their fallen state, the opportunities they are given to experience redemption, and how to be courageous enough to start another chapter in the story of their lives.

During the weekend, retreatants will explore how different characters of the story "Les Miserables" can help them reflect not only about their faith journey during the Lenten season, and will also ponder themes of suffering, forgiveness, renewal, revolution and love. The extended weekend retreat will include not only specific sessions and group discussions, but also time for private reflection, contemplation and liturgical celebrations.

The retreat will be presented by Brother Daniel Leckman, SJ. Born in 1973 in Laval, Quebec, Brother Daniel is from a lapsed Catholic family. He would eventually find God during his years studying at McGill University in Montreal (1993-1999), where he received his bachelor's in history and Russian studies. While completing a second degree in community economic development at Concordia University, also in Montreal, in 2006, he discovered his vocation to become a brother in the Society of Jesus. Since joining the Jesuits in 2009, he has lived in Guelph, Ontario; on a Native reserve (Wikwemikong/Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario); Caracas, Venezuela; Montreal; and Toronto, where he completed a master's in theological studies at Regis College. He currently works at the Ignatius Jesuit Center as a spiritual director, where he looks forward to deepen his understanding of Ignatian spirituality and the spiritual exercises.

Isn't it time for your next retreat, or perhaps your first one? Since 1974, the Center of Renewal Retreat & Conference Center at Stella Niagara has welcomed thousands of retreatants through its doors to enable them to recharge, refresh, rejuvenate and renew.

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity and Holy Name Province, and located only two miles north of the village of Lewiston and Artpark, Stella Niagara's Center of Renewal is an all-in-one-building retreat house that can provide overnight accommodations for almost 100 individuals with multiple meeting rooms for groups of varying sizes. Enjoy 100+ acres of tranquil, natural beauty located on the Lower Niagara River adjacent to the Stella Niagara Preserve of the Western New York Land Conservancy. Experience the outdoor labyrinth, River Chapel, Peace Garden, nature trail, outdoor Stations of the Cross and other inspiring sites.

Pre-registrations for the retreat are required by Thursday, Feb. 8, to avoid a late fee.

Details are available by calling 716-754-7376 for a flier, or via the center's website at www.stellaniagararetreats.org. For more information on the Center of Renewal, contact the center or visit the website.