The First Annual Spiritual Retreat of the Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, commenced on 2 July 2026 at Siloam, Umiam Khwan, Ri-Bhoi, bringing together Salesian confreres for six days of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

The retreat was formally inaugurated by the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, who welcomed all the retreatants and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the retreat preacher, Rev. Fr. Biji Thomas, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Kolkata, for graciously accepting the invitation to animate the retreat.

In his inaugural address, Fr. Sebastian congratulated Fr. Biji Thomas on his recent appointment as the Vice Provincial of Kolkata and wished him God’s abundant blessings in his new responsibility. He also encouraged all the participants to make the most of this sacred time of silence, prayer, and discernment, praying that the retreat would become a grace-filled experience of personal renewal and a deeper encounter with the Lord.

The Rector of the Retreat, Rev. Fr. Joy Kachappilly, SDB, welcomed the retreatants on behalf of the Province. He introduced the programme and invited everyone to enter into the retreat with openness, recollection, and a spirit of fraternity.

Throughout the retreat, Fr. Biji Thomas will lead the participants through daily meditations, conferences, Eucharistic adoration, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, personal prayer, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The retreat programme is designed to offer the Salesians a meaningful opportunity to deepen their spiritual life, strengthen their commitment to their vocation, and renew their zeal for the mission entrusted to them.

The First Annual Spiritual Retreat will conclude on 8 July 2026, with the Provincial celebrating the concluding Holy Eucharist before the retreatants depart for their respective communities.