Mangalore, July 11, 2025:
The first batch of the Annual Clergy Retreat 2025 of the Diocese of Mangalore concluded on Friday, July 11, at the Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Centre, Bajjodi. The retreat, held from July 6 to 11, provided a sacred space for the diocesan clergy to step away from their pastoral routines and enter into deeper communion with the Lord through silence, prayer, and spiritual. Around 86 priests of the diocese participated in the retreat.
The retreat was preached by Rev. Dr Gilbert D’Lima, a distinguished theologian and spiritual director, who currently serves as Rector of St Pius X College, Goregaon (Mumbai). Ordained on April 16, 1983, Fr Gilbert holds a Doctorate in Systematic Theology from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, with a specialization in the theology of the Kingdom of God through local Church and Basic Christian Communities. With over 34 years of teaching experience at major seminaries and ecclesial institutions in India and abroad, his presence brought theological depth and spiritual clarity to the retreatants.
Throughout the week, Fr Gilbert led the priests in scriptural meditations, daily Eucharistic celebrations, guided reflections, and moments of personal contemplation. His talks focused on priestly identity, the call to holiness, and the mission of the Church today, echoing the heart of the Gospel with pastoral sensitivity and intellectual rigor.
“The retreat is a time to savour the loving presence of the Lord,” Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reminded the priests in his concluding address.
“A retreat is a sacred time to encounter the Lord and to rediscover ourselves in His presence. This divine experience not only renews our interior life but also prepares us to encounter God in the people we serve. It rekindles the fire of our pastoral ministry and deepens our compassion for the holy people entrusted to our care,” said the Bishop.
The structure of the retreat offered a harmonious blend of prayer, adoration, silence, fraternal sharing, and rest, fostering both spiritual nourishment and priestly fraternity. Priests experienced a strong sense of communion and expressed gratitude for the pastoral environment at Shanthi Kiran, which was conducive to deep reflection.
The retreat was coordinated by Rev. Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, Director of the Pastoral Centre, with the dedicated support of the Shanthi Kiran team, who ensured a prayerful atmosphere, smooth logistics, and fraternal hospitality throughout the week.
The retreat concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr Paul Sequeira (Balkunje), who expressed appreciation to the Bishop, preacher, and organizing team. Fr Naveen Pinto shared his personal experience, describing the retreat as a moment of grace, divine encounter, personal reflection and restoration.
The second batch of the Annual Clergy Retreat is scheduled for the first week of December 2025, in preparation for the Advent season.
Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC
