RETREAT FOR PRIESTS II
September 21-26, 2015
“The Word of God is active and alive; it is like the double edged sword; it heals and transforms”, stated Fr. Franklin D’Souza, who preached a retreat to the priests of Varanasi and the neighbouring dioceses at Nav Sadhana from September 21 to 26, 2015. On the first day he spoke on THE WORD OF GOD BRINGS HEALING. He encouraged to have firm faith in the Lord, not to be frightened or afraid of anything for the Lord is with His people. On the second day he spoke on RECONCILIATION BRINGS HEALING. He stated that the Lord Jesus makes the sinners winners and they are the fore-runners. On the third day he explained how REPENTANCE BRINGS HEALING. He pointed out that this is the inner healing; Humans become sick five ways: by sin, satan, temptation, vain glory and hereditary. On the fourth day he dealt on FORGIVENESS BRINGS HEALING. He questioned: Are we hiding IN the Lord or hiding FROM the Lord? He exhorted that let us not hide from Him, but let us hide in Him to be away from the sins, for God is in search of us and loves us. He further explained the eight ways through which sin enters in humans: Carnality, Rebellion, Abnormal sexual activity, Cult activity, Tongue, Hatred, Fear and Tattoos. He indicated that when sin enters, holiness exits; control your lust, lest it will bring you to dust. On the final day he spoke on Mother Mary and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals you the truth, guides you as well as gives different gifts to different persons. He threw light on the profound obedience, total surrender and complete trust of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Lord. Retreat concluded with the thanksgiving Eucharistic Sacrifice.
The retreatants were very content with the spiritual exercise, retreat, as it was practical, personal, profitable in life and communication. They were edified by his life and preaching. It touched the hearts of all, who listened to his conversion and confession. All returned with joy with renewed zeal and enthusiasm to serve humanity in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They were happy with hospitality and cordiality, and serene atmosphere of the campus.
