by Fr Renold Lemos for BIS Mumbai

The holy season of Lent is a time for spiritual renewal, reflection, and drawing closer to God. To enrich the faith of the parishioners and foster a sense of community, a four-day Spiritual Retreat was organized at Jyoti Mata Church, Jyoti from 26 to 29 April, 2025. This retreat provided a powerful experience of prayer, worship, and healing, touching the hearts of many faithful. The retreat, held from 26 to 28 April, was open to all and took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. People from not only Jyoti Parish but also from neighbouring parishes came in large numbers, eager to participate in this Spirit-filled retreat. Each day, more than 1000 faithful gathered to seek spiritual nourishment. 

The retreat was led by Father Allwyn Misquitta, a renowned preacher known for his powerful sermons and deep spiritual insights. Accompanying him was Mr Prashant Alhat, who led the congregation in soulful praise and worship through music and singing. Together, they created an atmosphere of deep devotion, allowing attendees to experience the presence of God in a profound way. The retreat was structured around Praise & Worship, the Holy Eucharist, healing, and adoration services. The faithful immersed themselves in heartfelt prayers, hymns, and the Word of God each evening. Many attendees testified that they felt a deep sense of healing- both physically and spiritually. One of the faithful shared her testimony saying: “I came to this retreat with a heavy heart, burdened by worries and pain. But I leave this place feeling healed, renewed, and deeply blessed.” 

On 29 April, a special retreat was organized exclusively for the youth of Jyoti Parish and neighbouring parishes. A total of 54 young participants took part in this enriching experience. The theme of the youth retreat, “To be Youthful, Stay Useful,” emphasized the importance of using one’s youthful energy and talents in a meaningful way. The sessions focused on faith, personal growth, the challenges faced by today’s youth, and how to remain spiritually strong amidst worldly distractions. Apart from the insightful discussions, the retreat also included praise & worship, the Holy Eucharist, and interactive activities. The participants were encouraged to open their hearts, ask questions, and share their struggles. One of the young attendees expressed, “This retreat was truly life-changing. I realized how important it is to stay connected to God, even in our busy lives. I hope more such retreats are organized for the youth!” 

This four-day retreat served as a time of personal transformation, as many individuals experienced inner peace, renewed faith, and newfound strength to face life’s challenges.