W L DSouza
 
Sep 27, Israel: The Indian Chaplaincy Holy Land, in conjunction with the custodian of the Holy Land priest, Fr Sergio Galdy, planned a special Renewal Programme and a marriage preparatory course for the laity. They invited priests from the Society of Divine Word (SVD Congregation) to conduct a retreat in Israel during this Holy Year of Mercy. This special revival programme was planned to meaningfully celebrate the Year Of Mercy, to maximise its experience and give people an opportunity to renew their life in the Lord.

The Provincial of SVD India, Mumbai province, Fr Paul Vattathara SVD with his council, and the director of Divine Call Retreat Centre, Mulki, Rev Fr Valerian Fernandes SVD gave their consent to have Fr Evan Josefred Gomes SVD visit the Holy Land to conduct the renewal programme.

A fortnight mission in the Holy Land conducted by Fr Evan SVD brought blessings in abundance. The thirst for the Word of God was quenched as hundreds of people experienced the Divine touch in the revival programme organised at St Anthony’s School hall , Jaffa. It was a feasting on the Word of God for those who had a great desire to be enriched by it.
“It was tasty”; “it was comforting”; “it was healing”; “it was strengthening”; these were some of the expressions of the people at the end of the retreat.
 
The participants were full of praise for God and thanked God for the miracles he worked on them. Many gave testimony for the favours they received, which included physical healings, mental peace, relief from various kinds of bondages, the gift of forgiveness and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
 
At the end of the retreat, Alex, on behalf of Fr Toji OFM, the Indian Chaplaincy Holy Land in charge, who organised the entire programme, thanked Rev Fr Evan SVD for the wonderful retreat. He especially thanked the director of Divine Call Centre, Mulki, for heeding to their request in sending Fr Evan SVD to Israel. He also thanked the organisers, the people and the choir which made the retreat lively.
 
Fr Evan SVD expressed his gratitude to the Indian Chaplaincy at Holy Land and the organisers for inviting him to Israel to conduct the retreat and told the faithful that he is looking forward to returning to Israel.
 
One may recall that Fr Evan SVD at Divine Call Centre Mulki is well known for his preaching and retreats. He has been conducting faith-related programmes & outreach programmes for all age groups, and hundreds of people have experienced the healing touch of the Lord through his ministry. Presently he is involved in the retreat ministry and media work at Divine Call Centre Mulki.