Participants of the Annual Spiritual Retreat of St Joseph's Co Cathedral Parish, Panbazar.
The parishioners of St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Panbazar, experienced three days of profound spiritual renewal during the Annual Parish Retreat held from 3rd to 5th October 2025 at Holy Child School, Chandmari, Guwahati. The retreat was animated by Rev. Fr. Vivek Lakra, SDB, Vice Principal of Don Bosco College, Diphu, whose talks and reflections deeply touched the hearts of all participants.
The retreat, an annual spiritual tradition of the parish, drew a large number of faithful who gathered each day in prayer, reflection, and devotion. Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Vincent Xalxo, SDB, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, the retreat was meticulously organized to ensure that every participant benefited spiritually. “It is a moment of grace and blessing for the parish,” Fr. Vincent shared, expressing his gratitude to all who participated and helped make the retreat a success.
Throughout the three days, Fr. Vivek Lakra spoke passionately on various themes centered on Christian family life, the importance of nurturing faith within the home, and raising children to be God-fearing and prayerful. He emphasized the sacred role of parents as the first educators of faith, urging them to build homes where love, forgiveness, and prayer become the foundation of daily living.
Special attention was also given to Marian devotion, as the retreat coincided with the Month of the Rosary. Fr. Vivek invited the faithful to deepen their relationship with the Blessed Mother and to rediscover the power of the Rosary in family prayer life. Each session included moments of adoration, confessions, spiritual counseling, and group prayers, allowing parishioners to reflect on their personal relationship with God.
The three-day retreat concluded with a solemn Holy Mass, during which the participants renewed their commitment to live out their faith more faithfully. The parish community expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Vivek Lakra for his spiritual guidance and to Fr. Vincent Xalxo and the organizing team for their dedication in making the retreat a time of grace and renewal.
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