Annual Lenten Retreat Held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Akola

Akola, Maharashtra, April 14, 2025 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Akola, a parish under the Diocese of Amravati, hosted its annual Lenten Retreat on April 12 and 13, 2025. The event drew hundreds of parishioners for two days of spiritual reflection and renewal. Led by Rev. Fr. Onil Gonsalves and Rev. Fr. Crisler from the Bishop’s House in Amravati, the retreat helped participants make a meaningful preparation for Holy Week.

A special Holy Mass was celebrated on the evening of April 11 to prepare the faithful for the retreat. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. William D’Britto SJ, a canonist from the Papal Seminary in Pune.

During the two days of the retreat, Fr. Onil and Fr. Crisler led sessions focused on themes of repentance, reflection, and renewal. These sessions helped the faithful to reconnect with their faith. A significant highlight of the retreat was the Taizé prayer service held on the evening of April 12. Conducted by Rev. Fr. Rupesh Dabre in collaboration with the Parish Youth Group, the prayer service featured meditative chants, silence, and candlelight, fostering a deeply contemplative atmosphere. Rev. Fr. Crisler noted that this was the first time a Taizé prayer service was held in the diocese, making it a historic moment for the community.

Day 1 of the retreat concluded with a special blessing from Rev. Fr. Joselyn, the parish priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

The second day of the retreat, April 13, coincided with Palm Sunday and began with the Sunday Liturgy, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The day featured sessions of praise and worship, Eucharistic adoration, and the Sacrament of Confession, allowing attendees to experience God’s mercy and grace in a profound way.

The retreat ended with a healing prayer and final blessing from all the priests present. Participants left the church spiritually uplifted, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their faith through the enriching retreat experience.

By Nelson Alphonso