by BIS Correspondent
AHMEDNAGAR, MAR 10, 2018: A spiritual retreat for 250 parishioners of Saint John Parish, Ahmednagar was organised on March 4, as a holy exercise for the season of Lent.
The main preacher was Father Benjamin Alphonsa ofm, Rector and the parish priest of Songaon parish, Ahmednagar. The retreat commenced at 8 am with the Way of the Cross, animated by Brother Julius Rodriguez ofm.
The one day retreat was divided into three parts. The first part was about Prayer. The retreatants were told about the necessity of prayer in their daily lives in order to be close to Jesus, who suffered and died for their sins.
The second part was about the Holy Rosary. The preacher spoke of inculcating a devotion to the Rosary. In his talk, he mentioned that the Blessed Mother has appeared to many and healed them, yet people fail to believe in Mother Mary and the power of her Rosary. The preacher emphasised on the apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, Lourdes, Vellankani, Haregaon and called each one to believe in Her.
The third part of the retreat was about the devotion to the Holy Eucharist. The preacher called the faithful to participate in the Holy Eucharist spiritually and sincerely. He also prepared the people for the Sacrament of Confession. He spoke about the gift of Confession, after which all had the opportunity to avail of it. Father Vishwas Pereira sdb, Father Baptist sdb, Father Vishal Lopes sdb were available at the confessional.
The retreatants felt rejuvenated and spiritually invigorated with the experience. They were grateful to the Parish Priest, Father Thomas D'Costa sdb and Father Alphonsa who animated the retreat.