Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr Franklin Dsouza

Shivamogga, Sep 17 : Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao Sj organised an annual retreat for the clergy of the Diocese of Shimoga at "Sannidhi" (Centre for Pastoral Renewal) from September 11th to 16th, 2022.

Most Rev. Dr Ignatius D'Souza, Bishop of Bareilly preached the retreat.

On September 11th at 6:30pm , Bishop Francis Serrao welcomed the clergy and wished all of them a fruitful retreat. Sannidhi Director Rev. Fr Duming Dias introduced Bishop Ignatius D'Souza the preacher.

Topics dealt in the retreat were:

1. Why do priests need retreat? And Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
2. Character matters, Lessons from Joseph (Genesis 37:1-6).
3. How to resurrect a dead conscience (Genesis 41:54-42:8).
4. Lessons for our priestly life from King Asa (2 Chronicles 14 - 16).
5. How to discover spiritual contentment (Psalm 32:1-11).
6. The mysterious God and the prison of his purposes (Jeremiah 32:1-15).
7. God calls us for impossible tasks (Ezekiel 37:1-14).
8. How to overcome our disappointments (Haggai 2:1-9).
9. Samson entangled in a web of sin (Judges 16:1-3).
10. Do I give very best to God ( 2 Chronicles 12:1-6).

On Thursday September 15th, Confessions were organised. After the confession, Bishop Ignatius D'Souza led the anointing session and prayed over the priests.

On Friday September 16th at 11:00am, Bishop Francis Serrao Sj addressed his clergy. Then he celebrated Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist at 11:30am.

Monsignor Felix Joseph Noronha Vicar General of the Diocese of Shimoga thanked Bishop Ignatius D'Souza for the meaningful retreat. He also thanked Sannidhi Director for the arrangements as well as Bishop Francis Serrao for organizing Bishop Ignatius D'Souza as retreat preacher.