Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 7: A one-day English retreat titled “Marian Magnificat” was held with great devotion and enthusiasm at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The retreat drew an impressive gathering of over 1,500 faithful from across the city and neighbouring parishes.
The day-long spiritual encounter was led by Fr Augusteen Valooran, director of the Divine Retreat Centre, Potta, renowned for his anointed preaching and charismatic ministry.
He was accompanied by Maria Sangeeth, Director of Divine Youth, and the world-renowned Faith Band from Goa, who conducted vibrant sessions of praise and worship that filled the Shrine campus with joy, music, and prayer.
Fr Augusteen’s reflections centered on the relevance of the Holy Rosary in daily life, the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in nurturing faith, and the historical significance of this powerful devotion in the life of the Church. He emphasized that the Rosary is not merely a repetition of prayers but a spiritual weapon and a path to deeper communion with Christ through Mary.
Maria Sangeeth, addressing the youth and young adults, spoke passionately about the centrality of the holy Eucharist in a Christian’s life. She reminded the faithful that true strength and transformation flow from a heart united with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
The Faith Band, known globally for their soulful gospel music and energetic performances, led the crowd into moments of deep praise and lively worship. Their inspiring songs and action-led performances kept the retreatants fully engaged, creating an atmosphere of joy and renewal.
On this occasion, Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank, was warmly felicitated and thanked for his generous sponsorship of the midday meal for all the participants - an act of kindness that made the day even more memorable.
A highlight of the event was the release of the book “Highway to Heaven,” authored by Fr Jocy Siddakatte. The book narrates the inspiring life of St Carlo Acutis, a modern teenage saint who, using his technical knowledge, catalogued all known Eucharistic miracles across the world.
St Carlo, who died at the age of 15 from leukemia, was canonised on September 5, 2025, and continues to inspire young people globally with his motto, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”