by Clarence Pinto
Daijiworld Media Network
Muscat, Feb 21: Well known preacher of the coastal Karnataka region and the Parish Priest of St. Jude’s Shrine – Pakshikere, Mangalore Diocese, Fr. Alban D’ Souza presented this year’s Konkani retreat to the Konkani speaking community in the Sultanate of Oman. The retreats were conducted for three weeks at four various parishes of the Sultanate. The retreats were well attended by the faithful; had a great impact on the spiritual as well as personal lives of the faithful.
The first retreat commenced on 17th January 2010 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi and completed on Thursday, 21st January 2010 with Night Vigil. Timings of the retreat were 8.00 pm to 9.45 pm. The retreats continued at St. Francis Xavier Church – Salalah, St. Anthony’s Church – Sohar and finally held at Holy Spirit Church – Ghala and finished on Thursday, 4th February 2010 with Night Vigil.
Fr. Alban, as a seasoned and practical preacher, presented the retreats with various themes and topics relating to the spiritual and social lives of the faithful. The topics covered were Holy Word, Sin, Family, Forgiveness, Holy Spirit and Eucharist. “ I had great spiritual experience in the Sultanate ” Fr. Alban mentioned to daijiworld team in Muscat “ Catholics in Oman are very strong in their spirit and devotion. I am sure many have had experienced the spiritual healing because of their strong faith. When we pray with faith and devotion, we receive the fulfillment of our desires… it is also an accomplishment of our spiritual needs. It is the experience of ultimate feelings of love and affection of our creator in our souls …...”
The faithful in Oman also expressed their joy of participating and experiencing such a wonderful retreat. “The language was so simple and we could understand every word.” a Goan Konkani faithful informed us. “ Topics were simple but robust and required for any common man, but the simple explanation made us to grasp everything clearly.”
“This retreat of Fr. Alban inspired many faithful to change their lives” one more parishioner told us. “ Couples had problems in their married lives, reconciled and started living together happily. The talk on forgiveness, prompted faithful to forgive their brothers and sisters and live happily. The family theme inspired the members to come much closer in a stronger family bond. It is a new experience for me and honestly great experience.”