Media Release

Shivamogga, Sep 19: Priests of the diocese of Shimoga participated in a six-day psycho-spiritual retreat titled ‘Holiday with the Lord’ at Sannidhi Pastoral Renewal Centre, Shivamogga, from September 13 to 18.

The annual clergy retreat was guided by Fr Dr Gregory Pinto, SVD, of Pune, and aimed to provide priests an opportunity to step away from their pastoral responsibilities, reflect on their spiritual journey and renew their commitment to ministry.

The retreat began with a welcome address by Apostolic administrator Rev Duming Dias, who welcomed Fr Gregory Pinto and the priests gathered from across the diocese. The clergy were encouraged to participate with openness and allow the retreat to refresh their minds, heal their hearts and strengthen their priestly vocation.

The sessions combined spiritual reflections with psychological insights, beginning with ‘The Felt Experience of God’s Love’, which invited participants to experience God’s love personally. Reflections on self-awareness encouraged priests to examine their emotions, relationships, strengths, struggles and inner motivations.

The theme ‘Our DNA is Divine’ focused on rediscovering their identity as beloved children of God. Sessions also addressed addictions and their potential impact on spiritual life and priestly ministry, encouraging deeper self-examination.

Further reflections included ‘Healing the Hurt Feelings’, which invited participants to acknowledge personal wounds and seek healing, and a session on Non-Violent Communication, highlighting empathy, attentive listening and healthy communication in relationships.

The retreat also explored ‘The Joy of Being a Priest’, reminding participants of the grace and privilege of their vocation amid pastoral responsibilities. A session on human intimacy and consecrated celibacy examined the human and spiritual dimensions of relationships and celibacy as a commitment to Christ and the Church.

The retreat concluded with a reflection on ‘Pentecost Re-experienced – The Holy Spirit’, inviting priests to renew their openness to the Holy Spirit as a source of strength, courage, wisdom and missionary zeal. The concluding Holy Eucharist marked the end of the six-day spiritual journey.

At the conclusion, Fr Veeresh Moras expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the retreat. Msgr Stany D’Souza, delegate of the Apostolic administrator, presided over the Holy Mass and conveyed the greetings, wishes and information of the Apostolic administrator.

The retreat provided the priests with an opportunity to rest, reflect and renew themselves spiritually before returning to their pastoral responsibilities. It reiterated the importance of remaining close to Christ while serving the faithful.