Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 17: At the threshold of the Christmas season, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore and the diocesan clergy spent a week in prayer and reflection during the annual retreat held in two batches for the priests of Mangalore diocese at the diocesan Pastoral Center, Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi.

The first batch of retreat was held from November 28 to December 3. The second batch of retreat which began on the evening of December 12 ended on Friday December 17.

Dr Joseph Pamplany, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Tellicherry, preached the retreat for both the batches. The bishop was highly praised by the retreatants for his profound theological reflections and deep scriptural insights which helped them to renew their spiritual life and rejuvenate their priestly vocation.

Almost 160 priests attended this retreat in two batches. Few priests from the diocese of Udupi too joined the retreat. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, director, Pastoral Institute made all the necessary arrangements for the retreat.

At the concluding ceremony, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha thanked the retreat preacher Dr Joseph Pamplany for preaching retreat in two batches and accompanying through this spiritual journey.

Fr Oswald Monteiro, parish priest of Kirem parish, shared his experiences on behalf of the retreatants. Fr Francis Crasta, parish priest, Loretto parish, rendered the vote of thanks. Fr Rayan Crasta co-ordinated the programme.