Arcoíris Retreat Brings Renewal and Unity to the Diocese of Tucson

By Father Manu Franco, O.Carm.

This past weekend, representatives from ten parishes across the Diocese of Tucson, along with guests from the Diocese of Phoenix, gathered for an ECO (Encounter with the Origins) Arcoíris retreat. The purpose of the weekend was clear: to return to the roots of the Arcoíris movement and rediscover the heart of its original vision.
Youth leaders, adult mentors, and several priests who accompany young people in their parishes entered fully into the retreat experience. Rather than analyzing it from a distance, they lived it together. In doing so, many reconnected with the spiritual foundation of the movement and deepened their understanding of its mission.

Founded in 1985, Arcoíris continues to impact young people through an experience that is both simple and profound. The retreat creates a sacred space where teens encounter themselves, one another, and ultimately the living God. At its center is the kerygma, the joyful proclamation of the Gospel and the invitation to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

During the Mountaintop experience, participants sang words that beautifully capture the spirit of Arcoíris:

“Señor, permite que te hable hoy del dulce encuentro que me cambió.”
 “Lord, allow me to speak today of that sweet encounter that transformed me.”

These words reflect the essence of the movement: a personal encounter that changes lives.

Over time, as Arcoíris has expanded to more communities, variations in practice have naturally developed. While these adaptations often reflect vitality and enthusiasm, they can sometimes drift from the movement’s original structure and charism. The ECO retreat offered an opportunity to return to those foundations and to experience Arcoíris as it was first intended.

It is important to remember that Arcoíris is not simply a program, but a movement within the Church. Unlike programs, which can be freely modified, movements are guided by statutes and formation materials that safeguard their spirituality and ensure unity across communities. This shared fidelity protects both the integrity of the movement and the young people it serves.

The ECO retreat is also part of a broader renewal process within the Diocese of Tucson. Through collaboration between diocesan leadership and parish representatives, efforts are underway to strengthen unity, clarify structure, and support the healthy growth of Arcoíris in every parish where it is present.

The weekend was led by a team of young missionaries from Mexico whose joyful witness and heartfelt testimony left a lasting impression on all who attended. Their presence renewed hope and enthusiasm for the future of Arcoíris in our diocese.

As participants return to their parishes, they carry with them a renewed commitment to accompany young people faithfully, ensuring that the next generation encounters Christ through the beauty and integrity of the Arcoíris movement.

¡Muchas gracias, chamacos!