MISSION RETREAT FOR PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS
OCT. 21-27, 2012
“SEALING OUR FAITH WITH OUR BLOOD” was the motto behind when 42 donated their blood at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi on October 25, 2012 making history in the chronicle of Nav Sadhana. These were among 135 priests from dioceses of Jamshedpur, Varanasi, Gumla, brothers from Delhi and sisters belonging to 20 congregations, making a special “MISSION RETREAT” from October 21 to 27, 2012, facilitated by Rev.Fr. Jerry Rosario, SJ, of Madurai Province, Tamil Nadu.
“Blood of Martyrs is the Seed of our Faith”, and accordingly the blood of the Lord Jesus and the blood of Apostle Thomas brought about the emergence of our Christian Faith in India. Now, as we are in the special year of FAITH, the Blood-Donation assumed a special importance. “Donating Life-Blood is a Gospel of Life” in the words of Blessed John Paul II. Donating not only blood, but also other human organs is indeed a Good Samaritan Act so that “others may have life and, life in abundance” (Jn 10:10).
Fr. Rosario preached on the following topics: Welcome to the World of Change, World of Conversion, Creativity, Cross and Commitment. The Retreatants attributed to his preaching and personality as follows: it was very lively with lots of examples, very practical, more insightful, inspirational, informative, excellent, educative, empowering, eye-opening, stirring, strengthening, very meaningful, biblical and mission oriented, fantastic, spirit-moving, touching, creative, thought-provoking, enriching and challenging, etc. Meaningful Eucharistic Celebration, Satsang and Walking Rosary were very good. He is a man of ‘walk the talk’. Kudos to Fr.Jerry Rosario. They also stated that the peaceful and lush green campus helped them to make a better retreat; enjoyed the cordiality and hospitality of Nav Sadhana staff. It was the unique retreat indeed. Praise be to God.
