Lenten Retreat held at our Church

Report and Pictures: Cynthia Pinto, Secretary PPC.

Commission of Liturgy.

Lenten Retreat was held at our lady of Fatima Church Pernal from 17 to 20 March, 2023 from 3 to 6 PM. The preacher for the retreat was Rev.Fr. Cyril Lobo, Director Divya Jyothi Udupi Diocese provided the parishioners with the wisdom of God’s Word. He led the praise and worship with Rev. Fr. Pascal Menezes and the choir members by his side. 

Opening the door to a stronger and intimate relationship is the goal of a spiritual retreat. Each day of the retreat was centered around a distinct subject that aided in recharging inner spiritual energies for a devoted Christian life. The first day of the retreat was based on the importance of Bible in our life and how Jesus loves us. On the second day, he narrated how to pray to the God. He also discussed how prayer helps people become closer to God.  On the third day, he dwelt on the power of the Holy Spirit and the fourth and the last day of the retreat Fr. Cyril Lobo spoke about Pardoning, Mercy and Reconciliations means of obtaining pardon from God for sins for which sinner is truly remorseful, and brings the sinner back in. There were confessions for the attendees. Our Varado priests were there to listen the confessions. He used testimonies and scriptures to illustrate his sermons. Eucharistic mass was celebrated every day followed by Holy Adoration. Around 200 Parishioners were participated in the Retreat and took the spiritual benefit.

Incidentally Fr. Cyril was having his Birthday on Friday 17^th March. Parishioners are celebrated his Birthday on Sunday, March 19 by cutting cake and singing Birthday Song. Rev. Fr. Pascal Menezes wished him “Happy Birthday” on behalf of all the attendees and praised him the talents what he has and the missionary work he is doing. Also wished him best wishes for his future missionary work. At the end cake was distributed to all devotees at the exit gate of the church. The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) arranged this surprise celebration.

On the concluding day of the retreat, Rev.Fr. Cyril Lobo expressed his gratitude to all those who had participated in the retreat and made it a fruitful one. Church PPC Secretary Mrs. Cynthia Pinto thanked Fr. Cyril Lobo for the meaningful retreat on behalf of all parishioners.