Report & photography

Meena Serrao Barboza

Mangaluru, Oct 16: A two-day spiritual retreat on the theme “Embrace Suffering with Love and Pray for the Grace to Overcome It” concluded at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel, on October 16, bringing the faithful together for prayer, praise and worship, the word of god, personal testimony, the holy Eucharist, confession and Eucharistic adoration.

The retreat was preached by Fr Antony Parankimalil VC, who travelled from Kigali, Rwanda. The sessions began with praise and worship led by Bro Elias, accompanied by the choir led by Bro. Osmond and team. Bro Rohit of Tabor Ashram, Mumbai, shared an inspiring testimony on his missionary life and encouraged the faithful to trust in God amid life’s challenges.

In his preaching, Fr Antony emphasised the importance of embracing suffering with love, accepting God’s will and seeking His grace to overcome difficulties. Reflecting on Ephesians 5:1, he urged the faithful to imitate God’s love and goodness in their daily lives. On the second day, drawing inspiration from Luke 15:7, he highlighted the joy of repentance and prepared the faithful for the sacrament of reconciliation.

During the holy Mass, he reflected on John 6:44 and Jeremiah 29:11, assuring the faithful of god’s loving call, guidance and plans for their lives. He also explained the spiritual significance of PHD — Preaching, Healing and Deliverance — through the power of the holy spirit.

The retreat featured the celebration of the holy Eucharist, concelebrated by the priests, including Fr Basil Vas, rector of St Lawrence Shrine; Fr Alban D’Souza, rector of the Minor Basilica of Attur, Karkala; and other priests. The sessions were translated by Fr Basil Vas and Fr Alban D’Souza, helping the faithful understand the spiritual messages more deeply.

The retreat culminated in Eucharistic adoration, during which Fr Antony offered special prayers and blessings for children, the sick and the faithful gathered in prayer. The Eucharistic procession and final blessing provided a deeply moving moment of faith and spiritual renewal.

At the conclusion, Fr Basil Vas expressed gratitude to Fr Antony, Bro Rohit, the choir, organising team, volunteers, Parish Pastoral Council members and all the faithful who contributed to the success of the retreat. Fr Antony, in turn, thanked the Shrine community and requested prayers for his missionary work.

The two-day retreat concluded with a final hymn, leaving the faithful encouraged to embrace suffering with love, seek God’s mercy and live each day as beloved children of god, reflecting His love in their lives.