The Annual Retreat of the Vice Province of Majella was held at Dasya, Goa, with 34 confreres participating. The retreat was preached by Rev. Fr. Praveen D’Souza, OFM, a biblical scholar, who guided the confreres through five days of prayer, reflection, and renewal.
Right from the introductory talk, Fr. Praveen set the tone for the retreat by quoting the hymn: “May what is false within us before your truth give way. May steadfast faith sustain us, and hope made firm in you. The love that we have wasted, O God of Love, renew.” These words became an invitation to look honestly into our inner selves as Redemptorists and to allow God’s truth and love to renew whatever may have become weak or neglected.
The retreat was centred on the Letter of St Paul to the Ephesians. Reflecting chapter by chapter, Fr. Praveen helped the confreres rediscover, with gratitude, the joy and privilege of belonging to Christ. His reflections addressed various dimensions of religious and priestly life and were enriched by apt stories and personal experiences, making them both relatable and practical.
The morning meditations invited the confreres to develop a deeper sense of wonder and gratitude for the gift of their own humanity. One thought that particularly resonated was: “There are forces that keep us from praying; therefore, we need to force ourselves to pray.” This reminded us that prayer often requires a conscious decision and deliberate effort.
As the preacher had carefully prepared and organised the entire programme, the confreres were able to enter fully into the rhythm of prayer and reflection. Many spent time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, allowing the reflections of the day to sink deeper into their hearts.
Fr. Praveen’s simplicity, humility, and Franciscan spirit added a special quality to the retreat. The five days at Dasya were a journey of gratitude and rediscovery. It was truly a time to draw closer to the Lord, appreciate anew the gift of our vocation and allow God’s truth and love to renew our lives.
Fr. Henry Fernandes,C.Ss.R.
Majella Vice Province
