“Jesus went with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers” – Mk 3: 7-8
As part of the faith formation program, the Jokbahla Parish organized a three-day Charismatic Retreat for the parishioners, from 11th March to 13th March. Fr. Philip Kujur SAC [Palotine] of Bilaspur and his team animated the spiritual animation program.
Just as large crowd flocked to Jesus to hear the Word of God, Jokbahla witnessed a similar scene during the retreat days as more than 1500 faithful, excluding children, came to take part in the retreat. People came from near and far away villages in great number eagerly looking for an experience of God, to listen to God’s Word, to experience healing – physical, psychological, and spiritual – and above all for a spiritual renewal in their life. The season of lent became a more opportune time for such an experience. Each day began with the praying of the Rosary at 9 AM and ended with Holy Eucharistic celebration at 4 PM.
Lively singing and the scene of thousands of raised hands heavenward in prayer and worship, chanting the Holy Words like ‘HALLELUIA’, Yesu Masih ki Jay, Pita Parmeshwar ki stuti ho made the atmosphere of Jokbahla Parish campus very holy, very religious and very prayerful.
Along with the Lenten themes, various other themes were taken up by the preacher for the animation, particularly the themes on Christian family, family prayer, responsible Christian parenting, and essential elements of a Christian family spirituality.
One could evidently witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the retreat days. The last day was exclusively dedicated for the sacrament of Reconciliation. The result of organizing such a program was clearly witnessed when people lined up in hundreds to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation; as more than ten priests listened to the confessions of the people for almost five continuous hours. People with tears in their eyes poured out their hearts and experienced the grace of reconciliation first with God, then with others and with themselves.
The Charismatic Retreat was fittingly ended with the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 3:30 pm, presided over by the preacher Rev. Fr. Philip Kujur.
Fr. Chonhas Kujur
Jokbahala