Imphal, 29 June–4 July 2026: Thirty-six women religious representing thirteen congregations participated in a six-day annual retreat organised by the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Manipur Unit, at Mantripukhuri Retreat Centre. The retreat offered the participants a time of prayer, reflection, spiritual renewal, and deeper communion with God.
The sisters were welcomed on their arrival by Fr. John Seisou, Director of the Retreat Centre, and the resident sisters. At the beginning of the retreat, Fr. Benny James SDB, President of the CRI Manipur Unit, welcomed the participants, outlined the programme, assigned responsibilities, and introduced the retreat preacher, Fr. John Kandathinkara VC.
The retreat centred on the theme of Faith: Journey from Belief to Total Surrender. Through ten conferences spread over six days, Fr. Kandathinkara invited the sisters to deepen their relationship with Christ and strengthen their commitment to consecrated life. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, practical experiences, and inspiring testimonies, he reminded the participants that authentic discipleship begins by “tuning our lives with the Lord in order to walk and live faithfully.”
The daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist formed the heart of the retreat. The Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Benny James SDB; Fr. John Seisou; Fr. Paul Ngaoni, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Imphal; Fr Varghese Velikakam, VG; Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon; and Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal.
A special highlight was the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation on 2 July, during which several priests made themselves available for confessions, offering the sisters an opportunity for spiritual healing and renewal.
Although the participants came from thirteen different congregations and spiritual traditions, the retreat fostered a deep sense of unity, fraternity, and shared mission. In his concluding conference on community life, Fr. Kandathinkara encouraged the sisters to become builders of peace by respecting one another’s uniqueness, offering support without domination, and speaking words that inspire and bless.
The retreat concluded on 4 July with a Solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal, and concelebrated by Fr. John Kandathinkara VC and Fr. Benny James SDB. In his homily, Archbishop Linus called on the sisters to become “new wineskins” through continual renewal and to remain steadfast beneath the Cross with unwavering faith and hope.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the participants expressed their gratitude to Archbishop Linus, Fr. John Kandathinkara VC, Fr. Benny James SDB, Fr. John Seisou, the CRI organising committee, and the MSMHC sisters for their generous service and hospitality. A token of appreciation was presented to the retreat preacher before the sisters shared a fellowship meal and returned to their respective communities.
Voices from the Retreat
“The retreat was a grace-filled experience that helped me look deeper into my faith. Through the talks, prayer, and moments of silence, I was challenged to let go of my fears and trust God completely. It became a time of renewal, healing, and encouragement.”
— Sr. Vanditha Miranda, SRA
“The retreat was very insightful and strengthened my trust in the Lord and my surrender to His will. Praying together with sisters from different congregations, especially during the common prayers, Eucharistic adoration, and group sharing, made the retreat deeply enriching and spiritually fruitful.”
— Sr. Elsy, SU
Prepared by Sr Merlyn Rongmei MSMHC
