The Lenten Retreat Day 4 commenced at 4:00 p.m. with a meaningful praise and worship session led by our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo.

The theme for the day was:

“The Catholic Church, established by Jesus, is One, Holy, Apostolic, and Catholic.”

The retreat preacher, Rev. Fr Praveen Joy Saldanha from Jeppu Seminary, delivered a deep and enlightening reflection on the origin and mission of the Holy Catholic Church. He explained that the Church was established by Jesus Christ through His life, suffering, death, and resurrection. The mission of the Church, though rooted in Christ’s earthly ministry, was powerfully manifested during the event of Pentecost, when the Church began its public mission.

Fr Praveen highlighted that the Church is not merely an institution but also a sacrament, a visible sign through which God’s grace and salvation are made present to humanity. He emphasized the importance of:

The Word of God

The Sacraments

The Grace of God

He further explained the four marks of the Church:

One – United in faith and mission

Holy – Because Christ and the Holy Spirit are holy

Apostolic – Built on the foundation of the Apostles

Catholic – Universal, embracing all people

The session invited the faithful to live according to these marks and remain rooted in the teachings of the Church.

At 6:00 p.m., the Holy Mass was celebrated by RevmFr Praveen Joy Saldanha and concelebrated by Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza.

As the day also marked the feast of Saint Joseph, the homily beautifully reflected on his life. It was highlighted that the angel appeared to St Joseph four times, and each time he responded with obedience. He was described as:

A peaceful man

A selfless servant of God

The faithful were encouraged to imitate St Joseph’s humility, obedience, and selflessness in their daily lives.

Following the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration was held, during which special prayers were offered for the sick and suffering.

At the conclusion, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr Praveen Joy Saldanha for his inspiring preaching and for helping the faithful deepen their understanding of the Holy Catholic Church.

The retreat concluded with the Angelus and the Thanksgiving Hymn, leaving the faithful spiritually enriched and renewed.

Photography & Report

Meena Serrao Barboza