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Kodaikanal, July 20:
Emmaus Retreat Equips Catechists and Youth for New Evangelisation
News reported by: Clan Zackariyas [INT]
Christodayam, the Catechetical Department of the Salesian Province of Trichy, in collaboration with Don Bosco Aid, Ireland, organised a three-day Catechists Certificate Course, Emmaus Retreat, at Shenbaganur, Kodaikanal, from July 17 to 19. The programme brought together 28 catechism teachers and young people from the Madurai Zone as part of the province's New Evangelisation initiative.
The certificate course served as a key formation module aimed at deepening participants' faith, fostering an experiential encounter with the Risen Lord through Sacred Scripture, and preparing catechists and youth to become missionary disciples who can strengthen their parish communities.
Participants from the parishes of Kalavasal, Madurai, and Dindigul—including catechism teachers, youth, and children—took part in the residential programme, which sought to strengthen Christ-centred communities through Scripture-based formation and Marian spirituality. The serene setting of Shenbaganur fostered prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal, helping participants return with greater commitment and purpose.
The retreat was animated by members of Koinonia John the Baptist, Pushpagiri (Krishnagiri), who received their formation at KeKaKo, Rome. Through Scripture-centred sessions, participants reflected on the Emmaus journey and learned to recognise the presence of the Risen Christ amid life's struggles and disappointments.
Interactive sessions included a dramatised Synagogue experience illustrating the fulfilment of the Old Testament in Christ, Scriptural reflections, and a concluding celebration centred on the breaking of bread. Many participants described the retreat as transformative, saying it rekindled their faith and deepened their understanding of God's Word, with clear effects on their spiritual growth.
Organisers said the programme is expected to strengthen parish catechetical ministry as the trained catechists and youth return to their communities equipped with renewed enthusiasm, sound biblical knowledge, and contemporary catechetical approaches to advance the mission of New Evangelisation and have a stronger impact in parish life.
The programme was supported by the Salesian communities of Kalavasal, Madurai, and Dindigul. The organisers expressed gratitude to Fr. Doss Kennedy SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Trichy; Fr. Riccopar Rayan SDB, Economer; and Fr. Ashok SDB, Coordinator of the Cauvery Department, for their leadership and encouragement in making the formation programme possible.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
