(Sacred Heart College, Tirupathur) – Retreats have the power to improve our lives because they allow us to reflect on who we have been, who we are now, and who God wishes us to be in the future. It also provides us with a unique opportunity to focus on prayer more than we do in regular life. The management of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur District, provided one such opportunity for their faculty to clear their lives of obstacles that prevent them from loving God fully by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and a chance to reconcile with God through prayer and conversation. This two day annual retreat was conducted for catholic staff at the ‘Fountain’, a Capuchin Institute of Counselling Psychotherapy and Research, Sundampatti, Krishnagiri District.
The retreat was led by Rev. Fr. Joy Kurian SDB, who highlighted spiritual rejuvenation, introspection, and prayer. 101 faculty members took part in this retreat and had the chance to spend more time in prayer, reflection and renewal of one’s connection with God. Speaking to the faculty on the significance of the Solemnity of Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Holy Mother of God, was Rev. Fr. Joy Kurian, SDB.
He pointed out that the actual power of the rosary is that it immerses the soul in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This joins the soul to Him who has paid for our rewards in everlasting life, and it also unites our hearts to Our Blessed Mother, in her most perfect love.
Each faculty member had time during the two-day retreat to disconnect from the outside world and spend quiet time in prayer with the Father. It provided faculty with the chance to refuel themselves by imitating Christ and reestablishing a spiritual connection with God through prayer, sacrament, confession and Holy Mass. It gave them the chance to step out of their normal routine and live on God’s time, consecrating every moment to Him and to the Blessed Mother. Dr. S.R. Xavier Rajarathinam, Head, Dept. of Chemistry delivered the vote of thank for the annual retreat.