History
Awakening had it's birth in 1974 at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. The chaplain at the time, now Bishop Sam Jacobs, along with his colleagues felt the need for a different kind of retreat. In the words of Bishop Jacobs “...we felt we had to first provide them with a 'conversion' experience before a 'catechesis' experience.” This new retreat was modeled after the Cursillo and the Search retreats, two retreats Bishop Jacobs and his team were familiar with. From the beginning, Awakening was aimed at giving the participants an experience of God's love and an encounter with Christ. This quality is what helped bring the retreat to LSUE.
Father Chuck Burleigh, the campus minister for the Catholic Center at LSUE, had met and befriended Father Carey Landry. On one visit to the Catholic Center, Fr. Landry felt an intimate and unique experience with the Holy Spirit. Feeling that the Catholic Center was well suited to give others an intimate spiritual encounter, he mentioned to Father Burleigh that he knew of a retreat designed specifically for college students. Fr. Burleigh was impressed with the idea and began organization to have the first Bengal Awakening.
Unfortunately, Father Burleigh didn't live to see Awakening become a reality, passing away in 1980. Fortunately, the next campus minister, Sister "B" Derouen, picked up right where Father Burleigh left off and held the first Awakening at LSUE. This new retreat was a great success and became a regular event at the Catholic Center. Sister B, as she was affectionately called by those who frequented the Catholic Center, continued to serve the retreat until Awakening 14.
After Sister B left, Awakening didn't appear likely to continue. God will always have His way, however. After one skipped semester, Awakening made a comeback in the capable hands of Sister Catherine Leroux. The retreat stayed under her leadership until Awakening 24. Since then, the retreat has continued by God's grace under the leadership of various campus ministers and retreat coordinators.