EUSTIS  |  The concrete floor offered little comfort for the teens and young adults wrapped in sleeping bags in 63-degree weather in late February.

Those were the conditions a group of 30 teens and young adult leaders placed themselves in during the Night of Poverty at St. Mary of the Lakes Parish in Eustis.

Monica Vega, catechetical director, said the goal of the event was for the teens to “safely experience poverty so we may become more aware of the struggle (and) sufferings of our fellow man, which might be ours one day.”

Participants slept outside in the secure courtyard of the parish center and were sustained by bread and water at night. The event, which helped raise money for St. Luke’s Medical Clinic and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at the parish, included guest speakers, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, Scripture reflections, and games.

One speaker shared his personal testimony of being homeless. After losing his wife to cancer and money troubles, he had to live in his car and rely on good samaritans for donations. Now a recent convert to Catholicism, his story about how God led him through that experience resonated deeply with everyone present.

Andrea R. said when she slept outside, she thought about what that speaker said.

“Just sitting on the concrete was uncomfortable and then laying on it to sleep was even more,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine sleeping through those conditions every night.”

Getting a small taste of what it is like to be homeless made her appreciative of what she has and inspire her to help those in need.

With the help of Deacon Jim Shelley, Adoration was available from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

“If we couldn’t sleep or we just wanted to be there, we were able to go and just sit before Jesus,” Vega said. “At 3 a.m. I found myself with a couple of teenagers there praying for them, and it was very nice.”

For Kenya L., Adoration was an opportunity to encounter the warmth of God’s presence.

“I really loved Eucharistic Adoration,” she said. “It was a peaceful time to just sit, pray, and reflect.”

Emily L. was able to see “how our Heavenly Father works in everybody’s life no matter the timing (or) place. It was amazing to see everybody’s heart overflow with the love of Jesus Christ.”

The night taught participants many lessons about the hardships homeless individuals face, how to see others in a compassionate light, and trust in God’s providence.

“This retreat opened up my eyes more on how the world truly is and how people actually struggle,” said Karina J. “Now I somewhat understand the suffering people go through every day.”

Ana Navarrete, event volunteer, noticed participants were open-minded to the experience. “They were open to sleep outside in solidarity with the poor,” Navarrete said. “(Although) they lacked sleep and comfort they were full of joy centered in the Lord.”

Deacon Shelley agreed the participants “experienced (a) very moving and challenging look at a part of human life we rarely have a chance to understand and experience.” Not only were the teens up to the challenge, but they came with open hearts. “I saw a different side of our young parishioners — their love for life, each other, others in need, and our Lord.”

Yareli V. recognized that “we need to stop judging a book by its cover and realize we are all the same.” No one is exempt from the call to love our neighbor, she said. “God wants us to help each other out.”

Jason O. echoed the speaker’s call to not place one’s trust in the security of a career, lifestyle, or wealth because it can all be taken away. “The only thing truly promised is God’s love and that is something we can spread and share.”

By Lucas Blackwell of the Florida Catholic staff, March 5, 2026