The Commission for Faith Formation organized the Annual Retreat for Diocesan Catechists from 15th September to 18th September 2026. The retreat was conducted under the guidance and leadership of Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Commission for Faith Formation. Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza, Priest in Charge of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth Church, Gardolli, served as the retreat preacher.

Three diocesan catechists participated in the three-day spiritual programme, which provided them with a valuable opportunity to step away from their routine activities and devote time to prayer, reflection and listening to the Word of God. The retreat aimed at renewing their faith and strengthening their commitment to the ministry of catechesis.

The retreat centred on several themes related to the vocation and spiritual life of catechists, including the Vocation of Catechists, Formation and Faith Formation of Catechists, Transformation of Catechists, Mission of Catechists, the Ministry of the Word and Eucharist, Reconciliation, the Fruits of Forgiveness, Holiness of Catechists, the Significance of Grace, and the Sacraments, with special emphasis on the Sacrament of Marriage.

Through prayer, reflection, silence and spiritual conferences, the catechists were encouraged to look more deeply into their vocation and personal relationship with Christ. The reflections helped them recognize that effective catechetical ministry flows from a life rooted in prayer, faith and a sincere witness to the Gospel.

The participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the Spirit-filled retreat, describing it as a time of grace, inner renewal and strengthening of faith. The days of prayer and reflection enabled them to experience God’s presence more deeply and receive fresh inspiration for their mission as catechists.

At the conclusion of the retreat, the catechists expressed their sincere gratitude to Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, for his continued support and encouragement. They also thanked Rev. Fr. Cyprian Silva, Director of the Commission for Faith Formation, for his guidance and for organizing the retreat. Special appreciation was expressed to Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza for his inspiring, prayerful and enriching preaching.

The Annual Retreat of Diocesan Catechists was a grace-filled experience that concluded with renewed faith, greater spiritual strength and a deeper commitment to serve the Lord and the Church through the ministry of catechesis.