Wednesday, 26th November 2025
 to Wednesday, 3rd December 2025

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Mount St Joseph Retreat House, Mosta

6th form students

English

While many know what CPR is and who usually needs it, few have heard of spiritual CPR. Yet, although not everyone will ever require Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, everyone needs moments to Connect, Pause, and Reflect. This was the theme explored by several 6th formers from St Edward’s College during a seminar featuring silent meditation, prayer spaces, and workshops.

In today’s fast technological world, our digital and virtual lives can connect us—but also disconnect us from ourselves, others, creation, and God. Many of the 16–18-year-olds nodded in recognition at this tension. Familiar with anxious feelings and drawn to an invitation to slow down, the idea of spiritual CPR quickly began to resonate.

We might need a CPR

The seminar began by uncovering the link between “breath” and “spirituality” through the ancient Hebrew word רוּחַ (ruah)—echoing the Maltese riħ and ruħ. This helped underscore a simple truth: when life leaves us breathless, it may be time to stop and ask, “What is my worldview?“ What are my values? Are there universal human needs?

The youths were then invited to Pause through a guided silent meditation with gentle breathing exercises, which helped them settle and become present.

There is no such thing as an auto-CPR

Because questions of identity, meaning, and purpose are not easily solved alone or quickly, the students were guided through a series of reflective and prayer spaces prepared by the team.

The area was softly lit with fairy lights and calm music. Stations along the corridors invited participants to explore themes that touched on their inner lives, personal situations, and relationships. For many, this opened new ways of reflecting; for some, it also deepened their experience of prayer. Their thoughts were expressed through post-it notes, lit candles, and symbolic actions such as placing pebbles in water.

Afterwards, participants shared what touched them most: how the prayer spaces affected them. Which activity helped them most? And once outside this safe space, how might they respond to the needs they see around them?

We cannot depend on a CPR.

One of the most striking activities was Cardboard Home. Some said it made them feel more grateful for what they have; others became more aware of those who are less fortunate. Another appreciated activity was Sorry Sand, where expressing regret—even in a small, symbolic way—opened the door to forgiveness. Others found release by letting go of resentment through Forgiveness Stones or by placing their worries in Worry Boats as a sign of trust and hope, even in God, for those who felt drawn.

The most appreciated activity, however, was Be Still. Moments of silence, though challenging, awakened a longing for inner peace and sometimes for God’s presence. This quiet stillness reflected the whole purpose of CPR—for no one can rely on emergency measures alone.

Participants were encouraged to recognise the forces that push them toward the brink—distraction, discouragement, division, and deception—and to continue cultivating practices that help them connect, pause, and reflect in simple, meaningful ways.

CPR was organised in collaboration with St Edward’s College philosophy lecturer Dr Robert Farrugia and was held at Mount Saint Joseph Retreat House in Mosta.