Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 28: A day of supplication was systematized by Fr Anil D'Mello, parish priest, on March 26 that indeed relighted and magnified the relationship of the parishioners with God.

Fr Maxim D Souza, professor, St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Mangaluru in his first discourse on 'Rend your heart and not your garments', (Joel 2: 13) gave a clarion call to real repentance through concrete illustrations. Further, he set before the participants' reflections on three Cardinal works necessary for spiritual life i.e prayer, fasting and almsgiving. He iterated these works with three important areas of life: Prayer-relationship with God, fasting- aiming at personal growth, almsgiving - revealing relationship with others. The address on the whole was beautifully epitomized with enriching the congregation with the life lesson of turning to God with all their hearts.

Fr Joseph Martis, coordinator, Mangaluru Diocesan Pastoral Plan annotated a) The signification of forgiveness b) two types of forgiveness that appear in the Bible: God’s pardon of our sins and one’s obligation to pardon others with the help of Bible Stories and facts of life. He further expounded that Christian forgiveness with its love, with its attitude of generosity, patience and benevolence, assures a superior justice in human relations, guarantees in the community peace and spirit of brotherhood. The participants comprehended the spiritual benefits of forgiveness to be practised in their daily lives.

The retreat also gave the participants ample time for personal prayer, the opportunity for The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic Celebration.

Thanks are due in full measure to Fr Anil D Mello, parish priest for being instrumental in planning and organizing the retreat that gave the participants a golden opportunity to be with the Lord setting aside all the drudgeries and hardships of life.