The priests of the Mary Queen of Apostles Province of the Heralds of Good News gathered for their annual retreat from 24 to 28 February 2025 at Sacred Heart College, Shenbaganur, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. This year’s retreat held special significance as it was placed within the context of the Ruby Jubilee of the Congregation, marking forty years of its mission in proclaiming the Good News.
Rev. Fr. A. Hermans Raj, Provincial Superior, inaugurated the retreat by situating it in the broader context of the Ruby Jubilee, emphasizing how the call of the Heralds of Good News resonates with the spirit of Vatican II. He invited the priests to see themselves as ‘pilgrims of hope’ in light of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, urging them to make an 'inward journey' to rekindle their commitment to evangelization through the wisdom of the Council’s teachings.
Guided by the learned and insightful reflections of Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, the CCBI National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, the retreat centred on the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council: Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation), Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy), and Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World). The theological, biblical, and pastoral dimensions of these landmark documents were explored in depth, offering the 40 participating priests a renewed vision for their missionary vocation.
The retreat days were marked by profound scriptural reflections, theological expositions, and pastoral applications, leading the priests into an atmosphere of deep prayer and discernment. Each of the Four Constitutions was presented in a way that connected their doctrinal insights with contemporary pastoral challenges.
One of the participants, Rev. Fr. Gnanasekar Kulandai, shared his experience: “This retreat was an eye-opener, helping us reconnect with the vision of Vatican II in a way that makes it relevant for our missionary work today. We are called not just to preach but to live the Gospel in communion with the people we serve.”
Another priest, Rev. Fr. Selvakumar, expressed how the retreat reshaped his understanding of the liturgy: “Sacrosanctum Concilium reminded me of the transformative power of the Eucharist. It renewed my commitment to making the liturgy more participatory and meaningful in my parish.”
As the retreat concluded, the participating priests collectively pledged to be ‘pilgrims of hope’ in their pastoral endeavours, embracing the call of the Jubilee Year and beyond. The retreat served as a moment of spiritual rejuvenation, enabling them to rediscover their vocation in the light of the Church’s teachings and the urgent demands of the modern world.
With hearts renewed and minds enlightened, the priests of the Mary Queen of Apostles Province returned to their respective missions, carrying forward the spirit of Vatican II and the hope of the Gospel. Their commitment to being heralds of good news stands as a testimony to their faithfulness to Christ and the Church.
Fr. A. Britto, Fr. S. Maria Antonyiar, Fr. S. Agustin, and Fr. Maria Antony Velladurai, the members of the Provincial Administration organised the retreat.
Photos courtesy: HGN Mary Queen of Apostles Province Media Team