The Syro Malabar community of Auckland observed a Family Renewal Retreat at Ellerslie Church from March 19 to 22. The retreat was held as a part of the Lent Celebrations, which was attended by 600 people every day.
Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter in the Christian calendar and its starts with Ash Wednesday. It is said to be the season of reflection and preparation for the Easter celebrations.
The event was hosted every day from 5 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. by Father Mathew Elavumkal VC, director of Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, India, which is the largest retreat centre in India. The centre conducts retreats in Malayalam, Tamil, English, Hindi, and Konkani around the year. Father Mathew Elavumkal was previously the director of Kamba Ashramam in Mumbai and was also the director of Divine Retreat Centre in Delhi.
The retreat includes Mass, healing prayers, preaching the word of God, and Adoration every evening. A special prayer for purification of the family tree, especially for previous and future generations was conducted on March 21.
The purpose of the retreat is spiritual upliftment and self re-orientation, and it is believed to have the power to heal one’s illnesses.
The retreat will continue at five other locations in New Zealand until April 7. Hamilton will host the next retreat between March 24 and 26, Hastings will conduct from March 27 to 29, Palmerston North on March 30 and 31, Wellington from April 1 to 3, and the journey will be concluded in Christchurch from April 5 to 7.
The retreat at different locations in New Zealand is hosted by New Zealand Syro Malabar Catholic Mission led by Father Joy Thottamkara C.Ss.R and Assistant Chaplain Father Thomas Cherukanayil.
The Auckland Syro Malabar community consists of more than 500 families who meet every Friday and Sunday at Ellerslie Church for prayers and mass and conduct Catechism classes for children up to 12 years on Sundays from 3.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.