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Clergy of the Diocese of Vellore gathered at the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health, Velankanni, for their annual retreat, a week-long programme dedicated to prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The retreat, held from the ninth to the fourteenth of November, provided priests with sustained opportunities to strengthen their fraternal bonds, deepen personal holiness, and reflect on their missionary calling. Central to the programme were moments of communal worship, scriptural meditation, and opportunities for confession and adoration. Bishop P. Ambrose, along with all diocesan clergy, presided over a Mass in remembrance of deceased priests, honoring their pastoral contributions and dedication. The retreat fostered a sense of continuity and gratitude within the presbyterium, highlighting the enduring influence of those who have served faithfully and the responsibility of current clergy to uphold the Church’s mission with compassion and integrity.
The Eucharistic celebration on the final day was presided over by Bishop A. Sagayaraj of Thanjavur, who encouraged the clergy to remain steadfast in their vocation, emphasizing the importance of reflecting Christ’s compassion, simplicity, and pastoral zeal in every aspect of parish ministry. Retreat preacher Fr. Anthony Raj OFM Cap. led conferences and scriptural reflections throughout the week, focusing on personal holiness, fraternal communion, and discipleship. His teachings resonated deeply with the clergy, inspiring renewed commitment to service and spiritual discipline. The retreat also included moments of community, fostering unity and mutual support among priests. The structured programme allowed participants to contemplate their roles in the Church, reaffirm their dedication to ethical and pastoral responsibility, and prepare spiritually for their work in parishes across the diocese.
In his final address, Bishop Ambrose encouraged the clergy to “rewind, reset, and refocus,” reminding them to realign themselves with God’s call and to integrate faith into every aspect of their pastoral ministry. He emphasized that God dwells within each person and that clergy are called to embody this presence in their interactions with the faithful. The retreat provided a rare space for reflection away from administrative duties, enabling priests to reconnect with their spiritual purpose and with one another. Through prayer, study, and communal support, the retreat strengthened the bonds of fraternity within the presbyterium and reinforced the importance of mission-driven service, ethical leadership, and pastoral vigilance. The week-long programme highlighted the Church’s commitment to nurturing clergy formation, spiritual growth, and the cultivation of a community guided by faith and mutual care.
