by Fr. Robert Pen sdb
NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, AUGUST 27, 2014: Twenty one confreres of the Salesian Mumbai Province began their Spiritual Retreat at Divyadaan, Nasik on the eve of August 24, 2014. Fr. Felix 
Fernandes, sdb, the preacher of the retreat, chose the theme 'Primacy of God' running closely in sync with the GC27 vision of being radical witnesses of the Gospel (Mystics in the Spirit).
Fr. Elson Baretto, sdb, the Economer of the Salesian Mumbai Province, welcomed the confreres on behalf of the Provincial and conveyed the wishes and prayers of all the fellow confreres. In his short address to the retreatants, he invited them to experience God in a personal way and carry this enriching experience further to others.
The theme, 'Primacy of God' is an inspiration from Matthew chapter 6 verse 33- "Seek first the kingdom of God and all the rest will fall in line." 
Fr. Felix, in his introductory talk, invited the confreres 'to come now as you are'; 'to be silent and listen to the well spring of life that is within'; 'to allow to be touched by God' and 'to hope in the Lord'.
Using the imagery of the clay in the potter's hand (Jeremiah 18:1-7), the preacher invited the gathering to experience intimacy with God by allowing Him to make us soft like clay and allow Him to mould their lives according to His plan. Fr. Felix concluded the introductory talk by inviting the confreres 'to remove their shoes and enter the holy ground where the Lord is' (Exodus 3:5).