Several years ago, I wrote one of the most meaningful letters of my life — a retreat letter for my daughter, Ykaie. If you’ve ever had a child who went on a Catholic retreat, you’ll know that parents are often asked to write a letter for them to read during that quiet, reflective time.
At first, I thought, “Okay, madali lang ‘to. I’ll just write about how much I love her.” But the truth is, once I started, my heart spilled onto the page. It became the longest letter I had ever written to her, and when she read it, she told me it made her cry. (To be honest, I cried while writing it, too.)
That moment made me realize how powerful words can be. A retreat letter isn’t just about telling your child you love them—it’s about giving them something to hold on to when life feels confusing, heavy, or overwhelming. It’s a gift of love and faith, one they’ll remember for years.
So if you’re wondering what to write in a Catholic retreat letter for your daughter, here are some heartfelt ideas:
1. Start With Love and Assurance
Begin your letter by telling her how much she is loved—not just by you, but by God. Retreats can bring up a lot of emotions, and she’ll need that reminder of unconditional love.
Example: “You are a precious gift to us, and nothing you do could ever change the love we feel for you.”
2. Share Memories
Bring up little stories from her childhood—moments when she made you laugh, times when she amazed you, or even challenges you overcame together. These memories help her see how far she’s come.
3. Express Pride
Tell her how proud you are—not only of her achievements in school or activities, but of the kind of person she’s becoming. Pride in her kindness, her faith, her resilience.
4. Offer Apologies, If Needed
Sometimes, retreats bring up forgiveness and healing. If there are moments you’ve been too harsh or words you wish you’d said differently, this is the time to gently acknowledge it. It shows humility and love.
5. Give Gentle Advice
Share life lessons about faith, family, and values. Encourage her to keep God close, to always put family first, and to trust herself in making decisions.
6. End With a Promise
Let her know she can always come to you with anything—big or small, good or bad. That no matter what, you’ll be there to listen and guide without judgment.
When my daughter came back from her retreat, she hugged me tighter than usual. She told me my letter made her feel seen, loved, and safe. And as a mother, that’s all I could ever hope for.
So if you’re writing your own retreat letter soon, don’t overthink it. Write from the heart. Your daughter doesn’t need perfect words—she just needs your words.
Because one day, she’ll remember that letter the same way I remember my own mother’s words to me—etched in her heart, a reminder of love that never fades.
