RETREAT FOR PRIESTS OF ALLAHABAD DIOCESE
October 23 to 28, 2016
“Priesthood is not a status or power or office, but it’s a PROCESS – a process of becoming a priest daily at the altar and amidst people,” said the Retreat Preacher, Rev. Fr. Jude Mendonca, CSSR, on the first day of the retreat. Thus he set the tone for the six days retreat.
The schedule for the retreat was traditional and conventional with guided meditation and prayer followed by two talks; But the Holy Eucharist, Adoration and Ending the day with Walking Rosary, etc. were conducted and administered in a unique and innovative manner.
The central theme of the talks was the PERSONAL INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF A PRIEST. Through his talk, gradually the Preacher took the retreatants down the memory lane of their first love, first call, their roofs (family), the baggage that influence them. Thereafter he underlined the important role of being PARISH PRIEST – a Parish builder, reflecting the compassion of Jesus Christ. He also focused on the topic of need for friendship that is not scandalous, but healthy and helps to build a strong presbyterium.
Recognizing one’s BROKENNES and converting it as a door for the sacred makes priest a ‘WOUNDED HEALER’. The penultimate day revolved around RECONCILIATION. The preacher encouraged the participants saying “Forgiveness is the virtue of the brave”, and that we should ‘move on’ instead of getting stuck. Then only we will experience inner peace. He also reminded the priests that Jesus called us to be joyful priests on as He Himself was. This is not a denial of absence of sorrow, but the results of being united with Him as branches are united with the wine.
Rev. Fr.Thomas Kumar, one of the Retreatants, articulated that the Retreat would be remembered for a long time to come, not only for its contents, but the way the Holy hour was conducted each day, namely:
- Praying with a LIGHTED CANDLE – reflecting “Let your Light shine”;
- Praying before a CLAY POT – reflecting “You are the potter and I am the clay”;
- Taking a PROCESSION in the campus with a CROSS to reflect “Follow me”;
- Walking BAREFOOT in the evening to meditate on BROKENNESS.
Thus it was a Retreat not based on ideals or concepts, but on concrete life situation of a priest. The Preacher was a ‘VOICE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS to make straight your path’, a voice that pierced the hearts of the retreatants like a sword.
At the end of the Retreat the participants expressed special thanks and appreciation to Dr.Fr.V.Sebastian, Director and his team of Nav Sadhana for the meticulous arrangements, hospitality, cordiality and considerations. They were grateful for the clean, green and serene campus.
