Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 23: A day of retreat on December 20 preached by Redemptorist Fathers allowed the parishioners of Neermarga parish the time and space to celebrate Christmas spiritually and provided an opportunity to for them to reflect upon and experience a new and deeper sense of faith.

Fr Prem Prakash presented the first talk on the importance of the Word of God. "The Word of God comforts us, confirms us, gives us knowledge of God and opens the door of salvation," was prettily exemplified through life situations.

The 'Five-Finger Prayer' used as a guide when praying for others was elucidated effectively through Biblical references by Fr Rohan Dias in his talk on the importance of prayer.

The family – The first laboratory of relationships, the first school of love and family values were effectually explicated through narration of facts and anecdotes by Fr Prem Prakash in his session on 'The Family – A Source Par Wisdom'.

After the family, the faithful experience the Church first in the parish where bonds of charity begin and where the worshiping community takes shape. This occurs through communion, communication, cooperation, coordination, adjustability, the sharing of faith and the union of the larger body. Each point was detailed with concrete examples by Fr Prem Prakash.

The retreat also gave the participants ample time for personal prayer, opportunity for confession and eucharistic celebration.

Fr Anil D'Mello, parish priest is due immense thanks for being instrumental in planning and organizing the retreat that gave the participants a golden opportunity to be with the Lord, setting aside all the drudgeries and hardships of life.