Lenten Retreat Held at St Dominic Savio Church in Tongana, Assam

Dibrugarh, Assam, March 17, 2025 – St Dominic Savio Parish in Tongana hosted a four-day spiritual retreat from March 13 to 16 as part of its Jubilee 2025 programmes. Led by Master John and his team from Dibrugarh, the retreat engaged over 2,000 participants in prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The event, which took place at the parish church, aimed to deepen the faith of the community through preaching, sacramental participation, and acts of reconciliation.

The retreat commenced on March 13 with an opening Mass presided over by Fr William Horo, the parish priest of St. Dominic Savio Parish. In his homily, Fr. Horo emphasised that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving form the foundation of Lenten spiritual discipline. He also noted that a retreat enhances prayer life by offering an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God.

Master John, a distinguished preacher who transitioned from a career in the Indian Air Force to ministry in 2013, led the sessions during the retreat. Since receiving permission to preach from then-Bishop Rev. Joseph Aind of Dibrugarh, John has conducted over 250 retreats across Northeast India. During the four days of this retreat, he was assisted in his preaching sessions by Mr Deben Oraon, Mr Raphael Kujur, Mr Deepak Ekka, and Mrs Rosline Surin Ekka.

The retreat included Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament, the Stations of the Cross, confessions, anointing with the Holy Spirit, family reconciliation, and fasting. The final Eucharistic celebration on March 16 was also led by Fr Horo, who encouraged participants to persevere in their renewed faith, saying, “The effect of the retreat is seen in your faces.”

Among the many testimonies of healing and spiritual transformation that took place during the retreat, one story stood out—a couple, Alphonse and Rina (names changed), who were on the brink of separation and despair, found reconciliation through the retreat. Their public testimony of restored faith and family unity received a heartfelt round of applause from the congregation.

Reflecting on the retreat, another participant, Mr Rajesh Barla, remarked, “Seeing thousands receive the Sacrament of Confession, I believe the purpose of Lent has been fulfilled. This year, all the faithful of our parish will receive Holy Communion at Easter in a worthy manner.”

By Fr. William Hori