‘Holiday with the Lord’: Clergy Retreat Renews Priests of Shimoga Diocese
- Six-day psycho-spiritual retreat held at Sannidhi Pastoral Renewal Centre in Shivamogga
Shivamogga: “A holiday with the Lord is not an escape from ministry; it is a return to the heart of ministry.”
Reflecting this theme, the priests of the Diocese of Shimoga participated in a six-day annual clergy retreat from September 13 to 18 at Sannidhi Pastoral Renewal Centre, Shivamogga. The psycho-spiritual retreat was guided by Rev. Fr. Dr. Gregory Pinto, SVD, from Pune.
The retreat provided the priests an opportunity to step away from the demands and responsibilities of pastoral ministry and spend quality time in prayer, reflection, and renewal with the Lord.
The retreat began with a warm welcome extended by Apostolic Administrator Most Rev. Duming Dias to Fr. Gregory Pinto and the priests gathered from across the diocese. The clergy were invited to participate openly, allowing the Lord to refresh their minds, heal their hearts, and renew their commitment to priestly ministry.
A Journey Within
The retreat offered a rich blend of spiritual reflection and psychological insights, addressing various dimensions of priestly life and personal growth.
The opening session, “The Felt Experience of God’s Love,” invited the priests to move beyond merely knowing about God’s love and experience it personally. This was followed by “Self-Awareness,” which encouraged an honest examination of emotions, relationships, strengths, struggles, and inner motivations.
The theme “Our DNA is Divine” helped the priests rediscover their identity as beloved children of God. The retreat also addressed various addictions that can distance priests from the Lord and affect their ministry, inviting deeper self-examination and a journey towards freedom.
“Healing begins when we dare to acknowledge what hurts.”
The session on “Healing the Hurt Feelings” provided an opportunity to recognise personal wounds and bring them before the Lord. A subsequent reflection on Nonviolent Communication (NVC) highlighted the importance of empathy, attentive listening, and healthy communication in priestly relationships.
Rediscovering the Joy of the Call
One of the highlights of the retreat was the reflection on “The Joy of Being a Priest.” Amid pastoral pressures, the priests were reminded of the grace and privilege of their vocation.
The session on “Human Intimacy and Consecrated Celibacy” explored the human and spiritual dimensions of relationships and celibacy as a gift offered to Christ and His people.
The retreat culminated in the reflection “Pentecost Re-experienced: The Holy Spirit,” inviting the priests to renew their openness to the Holy Spirit, the source of strength, courage, wisdom, and missionary zeal.
The retreat concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, giving thanks for God’s faithfulness and the graces received during the six days.
A Renewed Journey Back to Ministry
At the conclusion of the retreat, Rev. Fr. Veeresh Moras expressed gratitude to all who contributed to its success.
Very Rev. Msgr. Very Rev. Msgr. Stany D’Souza, Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator, presided at the Holy Mass and conveyed the greetings, wishes, and information from the Apostolic Administrator.
The six days at Sannidhi became much more than a retreat. They offered the priests a sacred pause—a time to rest, reflect, heal, rediscover, and renew.
They stepped away from ministry for a while, only to return with renewed hearts and refreshed spirits.
‘Holiday with the Lord’ served as a reminder that a priest’s first mission is not simply to work for Christ, but to remain with Christ.
Report and Photos: Fr. Franklin D’Souza
