Asansol Clergy Deepen Spiritual Renewal at Annual Retreat in Bandel Basilica

Bandel, West Bengal, November1, 2025: The clergy of the Diocese of Asansol gathered at the historic Basilica of the Holy Rosary, Bandel, from October 26 to 31, 2025, for their annual clergy retreat, a week marked by prayer, reflection, and fraternity.

The retreat, directed by Fr. Rudolf Raj Pinto, OCD, National Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, brought together 43 priests, two bishops, and a deacon in a profound journey of spiritual renewal. Rooted in the spirit of communion and contemplation, the retreat offered clergy an opportunity to pause from their pastoral engagements and renew their vocation in the light of Christ’s call to discipleship.

In his opening reflection, Fr. Rudolf invited the retreatants to embrace the retreat not as a passive exercise but as an active encounter with the Lord. “The fruit of a retreat depends not on the preacher but on the openness of the participants,” he said, reminding them to rediscover the beauty and responsibility of their priestly vocation.

Through the daily rhythm of Eucharistic celebrations, morning and evening prayers, adoration, and the Holy Rosary, the retreat cultivated a prayerful atmosphere conducive to silence, listening, and grace. Drawing from the conversion of St. Paul, Fr. Rudolf emphasized the need for continuous interior renewal, humility, and missionary zeal in priestly life. He reflected on the priest’s role as an extension of the bishop’s pastoral ministry, called to serve with love, authenticity, and compassion.

The retreat delved into vital aspects of priestly ministry — the primacy of prayer, the pursuit of holiness, fidelity to the Word of God, and the centrality of preaching. Fr. Rudolf’s reflections resonated deeply, inviting priests to live as instruments of God’s mercy and to embody His compassion through daily service.

The retreat concluded with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Elias Frank, of Calcutta and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Asansol. In his message, the Archbishop encouraged the clergy to “carry the grace of this retreat into their ministry, drawing strength from Christ to serve His people faithfully.”

The 2025 Asansol Diocesan Clergy Retreat stood as a moment of spiritual grace and pastoral renewal, reaffirming the unity of the presbyterate and their shared mission to lead, serve, and sanctify God’s people with renewed zeal and devotion.

By By Fr. A Devadoss