St. Francis College For Women, Hyderabad Hosts Annual Retreat for Spiritual Renewal

Hyderabad, February 11, 2025— St. Francis College for Women, Telangana, organized its Annual Retreat from January 11 to 13 at its college campus in Begumpet. The event featured esteemed preachers Ajin Joseph and Sr. Paulina Melita conducting insight-filled sessions, and Sr. Rakhi and Sr. Elisabeth offering personal counseling sessions. During the three days of the event, students and faculty experienced profound spiritual renewal.

The retreat commenced with an inaugural ceremony, including a welcome address, the lighting of the lamp, and an introduction by the organizers. The first day opened with a vibrant session of praise and worship, setting a deeply spiritual tone. This was followed by a session that emphasized God’s immense love for His children and reminded participants of their unique identity in Him. Discussions beautifully illustrated the divine purpose behind human existence, fostering a deeper understanding of faith.

A significant highlight of the day was the exploration of marriage as a sacred covenant. The session provided biblical insights into the sanctity of marriage and its role in fostering love and stability. Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on God’s vision for humanity and the importance of understanding one’s place in His divine plan. A special segment offered glimpses of heaven, instilling hope and a sense of divine beauty. The day concluded with Holy Mass and the Jericho prayer, where participants walked around the campus in a collective spiritual expression of faith.

The second day commenced with another uplifting session of praise and worship, followed by an inspiring talk by Sr. Paulina. She spoke about God’s divine intention in creating human beings—to multiply and fulfill a greater purpose on Earth. The discussion addressed the sensitive yet essential topic of sexual desires as part of God’s creation, emphasizing their celebration within the sacrament of marriage. The session also explored the power of the human body to express love and the sacredness of this gift.

Another pivotal topic discussed was the contrast between the “culture of life” and the “culture of death.” Ajin Joseph passionately addressed how practices such as abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and genocide undermine the sanctity of life. He also highlighted the dangers of contraception in preventing life, urging participants to embrace God’s plan for creation. A deeply moving session on the gift of confession shed light on the transformative power of repentance and God’s mercy. Participants reflected on the spiritual changes that occur before and after confession, followed by the opportunity to receive the sacrament, facilitated by ten priests. The day ended with a solemn adoration session, allowing for deep contemplation and connection with God.

The final day of the retreat focused on the gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit. The sessions explored the graces received during baptism and the critical role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers through life. Participants were encouraged to discover their vocation and understand the purpose God has for their lives. Themes of repentance and faith were revisited, with a strong emphasis on the necessity of forgiveness—both for oneself and others.

During the adoration session, many participants experienced profound inner healing. This sacred time included prayers for the charisms of the Holy Spirit, which brought immense spiritual nourishment to all present. The retreat concluded with a deep sense of renewal and joy, as participants felt more connected to God and empowered to lead faith-filled lives.

St. Francis College expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sisters of St. Francis for their unwavering support and prayers, which contributed to making the retreat a spiritually uplifting and transformative experience for all.

By Esha Joshna