The Catholic students of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, from classes IX to XII attended a retreat from 29^th October 2016 – 1^st November 2016 in Bandel. The retreat was conducted by Rev.Fr. James Mathew SDB, Sr.Jones MSMI. The retreat was a very powerful one in which all could experience the Lord’s touch in their lives.

Fr.James helped the girls to discover, contemplate, experience and live in mercy. He helped us realize that no matter what happens on earth, no matter who rejects us, we are always, the children of God; ‘the friends of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit’.

In the midst of singing, dancing, games and  Diwali celebrations, there was an incredible amount of prayer and devotion that made this retreat a memorable and fruitful one. There were inner healing sessions, counseling, adoration and prayer. We got to know about three important things from which we need to get rid off through prayer – disobedience, disturbance from silence and wrong accusations. We learnt how sins are accompanied always by four things friends, fear, sorrow and guilt. We realized the power of trusting the Lord through the life of St. Faustina, who was a normal girl like any one of us – partying, enjoying etc. – When God gave her his call… We learnt that the Blessed Virgin never leaves any prayer unanswered, through personal experiences.

He narrated to us a number of miracles performed by the Lord in the lives of people. This increased our faith and helped us to seek the Lord’s grace with faith and love. We realized that nothing could separate us from the love of Christ. The testimonies of Brother Amit and sister Priya touched our hearts because we could clearly see how beautifully and powerfully the Lord had been guiding both of them in their lives every day. Sr. Jones counseled all those who wished to clear their confusions and doubts. She taught them more about the Lord. The experience was a beautiful one.

Fr.James taught us about how Mary Magdalene being a sinful woman received the Lord’s immense mercy in her life and thus became an example and assurance to all mankind that God’s love and mercy is unconditional. We played many games which Father related to our spiritual life. Father taught us the three simple steps to be taken to attain excellence – to relax, to concentrate and to be positive. If we would follow them, then we would surely attain excellence in all we do with the Lord’s assistance. Everyone made beautiful confessions because of which our hearts were lightened. It was as if some burden was lifted off our shoulders. We could experience the Lord’s mercy through our confessions.

Father spoke to us regarding obedience and purity in our lives. He explained to us how we could practice obedience and also told us how much our Lord Jesus was pleased with us. We all attended beautiful praises and worships conducted by Amit brother and Priya Sister. All could experience the Lord’s presence during adoration.

The retreat was a blessing for all the youngsters and it helped them to rise spiritually and cling on to the immeasurable love of Christ. All the students were very grateful to Sr. Esther, the Principal for giving them the opportunity to be a part of this retreat and also to all the teachers who took out time to be with them during the retreat. It was completely the Lord’s love and grace which made this retreat a success.

Sheeba Pillai  XII C & Snigdha Battacharyya XI C