Shimoga Diocese Holds Annual Clergy Retreat

Shimoga, September 19, 2026: The Diocese of Shimoga held its annual clergy retreat from September 13 to 18 at Sannidhi Pastoral Centre, Shimoga, focusing on spiritual renewal, healing, emotional maturity and deeper intimacy with Christ.

Held under the theme “HOLYDAY WITH THE LORD,” the six-day retreat brought together diocesan priests for prayer, reflection, self-examination and renewal of their priestly vocation.

Bishop Dr. Duming Dias, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shimoga, initiated and accompanied the retreat. Fr. Dr. Gregory Pinto, SVD, served as the principal resource person.

Opening the retreat, Bishop Dias invited the priests to enter into the experience through seclusion, silence, solitude and serenity, encouraging them to set aside pastoral responsibilities and distractions and honestly examine their lives before God.

Fr. Pinto began his reflections with the question, “What are you looking for?” His sessions encouraged the priests to move beyond external activity towards greater interior awareness, presenting silence as a space for healing, discernment and transformation.

The retreat addressed several dimensions of priestly and human life, including self-awareness, emotional wounds, relationships, forgiveness, communication, addictions, discipleship, sexuality, priestly identity, holiness and intimacy with Christ.

Sessions on self-awareness explored the psychological and spiritual dimensions of knowing oneself. Reflections on the “divine DNA” of the human person highlighted human dignity and the importance of healthy relationships. The priests were also encouraged to identify unhealthy patterns in their lives and seek appropriate support in confronting addictive behaviours.

Healing from hurt and disappointment formed another major component of the retreat. The sessions examined how unrealistic expectations, rejection, criticism and misunderstandings can affect personal relationships and pastoral ministry. Fr. Pinto presented forgiveness as a path to freedom and introduced Nonviolent Communication as a practical approach to dealing with conflicts and strengthening relationships.

The priests also reflected on the theme “The Love of Christ Impels Us,” with emphasis on discipleship, holiness and growing intimacy with Jesus. The sessions stressed the need to integrate human and spiritual dimensions of priestly life while cultivating emotional maturity, healthy relationships and appropriate boundaries.

The retreat concluded on September 18 with a reflection on “Our Pentecost,” inviting the priests to seek a renewed openness to the Holy Spirit and to carry the spiritual fruits of the retreat into their pastoral ministry.

By Catholic Connect Reporter