The annual Youth Retreat organized by St. Anthony’s College concluded on Sunday after three days of prayer, reflection, and fellowship at the St. Anthony’s School grounds. Held from September 5 to 7, the retreat drew unprecedented participation, with more than 4,000 young people attending on the first two days and a record crowd of over 6,000 on the final day.
Father Daniel Poovannathil and his team led the retreat from the Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Trivandrum. Sessions focused on Christian identity, repentance, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. A notable moment came with the testimony of Mohini, also known as Christina, a popular 1990s cine actress, who shared her personal journey of faith and conversion to Catholicism.
On the opening day, Father Daniel spoke on living as children of God, followed by Holy Eucharist celebrated by Father Devasia Vazhayil, SDB. The evening concluded with Eucharistic adoration. Day two highlighted repentance and reconciliation, with Father Daniel stressing the grace of confession. More than 80 priests heard confessions from nearly 3,000 young people. The day concluded with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong, who also released Kumno Lada, a Khasi translation by Sir Gregorius Kharumnuid of Father Joby’s book, If Only… Imagining the Gospels through AI.
The final day centred on the action of the Holy Spirit, with Father Daniel celebrating the concluding Mass that focused on inner healing. The retreat ended with an anointing service during Eucharistic adoration, during which priests prayed individually over the participants.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response and the faith-filled atmosphere. “The joy and devotion visible throughout the gathering testified to the vibrant faith of the youth of Shillong,” they said, underscoring the retreat’s role in strengthening young people’s relationship with Christ.
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