“Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
On the 29th of March, the clergy of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI) gathered for a transformative Lenten retreat led by Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Pathmathayalan, the Bishop of JDCSI. This retreat, held at the diocesan office, was designed to provide a deep spiritual renewal and a time for the clergy to reflect on their calling and ministry.
The retreat unfolded in three meaningful sessions, each aimed at enriching the clergy’s spiritual life and deepening their understanding of their roles within the church and society.
Session One: Holy Communion and the Significance of Lent
The retreat began with a solemn Holy Communion service, during which Bishop Pathmathayalan delivered a sermon that highlighted the importance of Lent as a season of spiritual growth. He reminded the clergy of the need to prepare their hearts for the journey toward Easter, emphasizing the power of repentance, renewal, and prayer in strengthening one’s walk with God.
Session Two: Bible Study on Key Topics for Ministry
The second session focused on an in-depth Bible study that covered ten essential topics that are central to effective Christian leadership. These topics included:
- Leadership rooted in humility
- Spiritual warfare in a modern context
- Understanding the times and discerning God’s will
- The importance of refining Gospel work in our communities
- Mutual respect and the fostering of healthy ministry relationships
- Unity within the Body of Christ
- Spiritual growth through constant prayer and worship
- The centrality of the cross in Christian identity
- Revival through the power of intercession
Bishop Pathmathayalan encouraged the clergy to immerse themselves in these biblical truths and apply them in their daily ministry, fostering a renewed passion for spreading the Gospel.
Session Three: Counseling and Personal Reflection
The final session was dedicated to counseling and self-examination. Bishop Pathmathayalan guided the clergy in personal reflection, encouraging them to look inwardly and assess their spiritual journey. He stressed the importance of self-awareness and the ongoing need for deepening one’s relationship with God, urging each clergy member to make time for quiet reflection, prayer, and spiritual nourishment.
The retreat was a time of deep spiritual renewal for all those involved. The JDCSI clergy returned to their ministries with a renewed sense of purpose, strengthened for the work ahead, and spiritually prepared for the upcoming Easter season.
As theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “The church is the church only when it exists for others.” The Lenten retreat served as a reminder to the clergy of their mission to serve with humility, love, and a deep commitment to Christ’s call, transforming lives in the process.
Let this season of Lent be a time of genuine spiritual renewal, drawing closer to the heart of God and recommitting to His service with renewed vigor and joy.
– JDCSI Communications
