Media Release

Jashpur, Sep 26: Fr Franklin D’Souza from the diocese of Shimoga preached a five-day clergy retreat for the diocese of Jashpur, Chhattishgarh.

On the evening of the 20th, priests from the diocese of Jashpur, five priests from the diocese of Gumla, and 12 priests from the diocese of Raigarh joined the retreat. There were a total of 72 priests, and bishop Immanuel Kerketta, bishop of Jashpur, participated in the retreat.

The retreat began with a welcome by Msgr Mukti Prakash, vicar general of the diocese of Jashpur, followed by an introductory talk led by Fr Franklin D'Souza.

On Wednesday, September 23, confessions were held with nearly 10 priests assisting in the confessional.

Healing adoration was conducted each evening. On the final day, a silent thanksgiving adoration took place in the morning. Later, Dr Immanuel Kerketta, bishop of Jashpur, celebrated the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist to offer gratitude to Lord Jesus Christ for the retreat.

Following the Mass, Fr Elyas expressed his appreciation to Fr Franklin D’Souza, and Msgr Mukti Prakash offered words of felicitation. Bishop Immanuel honored Fr Franklin D’Souza with a traditional shawl.

The five-day retreat concluded not merely as an event, but as a journey of grace, healing, reconciliation and renewed priestly commitment. The priests returned to their parishes carrying with them the invitation to place Christ once again at the centre of their lives and ministries, and to become renewed instruments of His mercy and healing among the people entrusted to their pastoral care.