by Agnel James
NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, NOVEMBER 6, 2014: The annual retreat for the brothers was held at Divyadaan Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nashik from October 26 to November 1, 2014. The 
community was animated by Fr. Cleophas Braganza sdb. The central theme of the retreat was 'A Spiritual Journey with the Word of God'. The preacher guided the participants to look into their personal lives in the light of the major events mentioned in the Old as well as the New Testament.
Explaining the meaning of retreat in the first session, the preacher put the participants into the mood of prayer and reflection. The whole retreat comprised of a spiritual journey into which the animator led the participants with his thought provoking talks. He disclosed the connection between the Old and New Testament events highlighting the evens of the Old Testament as the prefiguration of what was to take place later.
The single thread running through the story of Genesis to the salvific plan of God through death and resurrection of Jesus was creatively presented by the animator. The 
conclusion of every talk was marked with challenging questions that invited the brothers to discover their own roles in the fulfillment of God's plan in the light of the particular theme of the talk.
The creative animations of the Eucharist and other para-liturgical services such as meditation, adoration, way to the Cross, way of the Nativity, Via Lucis and Taize prayer helped to create, a prayerful atmosphere and at the same time, enriched the spiritual life of the community. Each day ended with an inspiring film that had relevance to the theme of the day. In short, the retreat was an occasion for spiritual enrichment and reinvigoration.