‘Showers of Blessings’ Retreat Inspires Spiritual Renewal Among Youth in Jammu-Srinagar Diocese

Jammu, June 26, 2026: Nearly 100 young Catholics from parishes across the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar gathered at Maitri Bhawan, Smailpur, for a three-day youth retreat that offered participants an opportunity for prayer, reflection and a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.

The retreat, titled Showers of Blessings, was organised by the diocesan Youth Commission in collaboration with Jesus Youth India and was held from June 19 to 21. Bringing together 37 young men and 33 young women, along with priests, volunteers and members of the Jesus Youth mission team, the programme focused on spiritual renewal and strengthening the faith life of young people.

The retreat was animated by the Jesus Youth National Team and featured sessions led by Baptist Sunny Gudino, National Coordinator of Jesus Youth India, together with Abhishek Joseph, Bro. Emmanuel and Sunita Didi. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Fr. Jafat Masih, Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Shaiju, Fr. Peter Paul and Fr. Upendra.

Throughout the retreat, participants reflected on key aspects of Christian life, including Jesus Christ as Saviour, the Word of God, personal prayer, repentance, reconciliation, the Holy Spirit, inner healing and Christian mission. The sessions were designed to help young people deepen their understanding of faith while encouraging them to live as committed disciples of Christ.

Eucharistic Adoration and Healing Prayer emerged as particularly prayerful moments during the gathering, drawing participants into a deeper experience of worship and spiritual reflection.

One of the most significant highlights of the retreat was the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Organisers noted that almost all participants approached confession, many of them after several years. For numerous young people, the experience became a deeply personal moment of healing, renewal and reconciliation with God.

Holy Mass, faith-sharing sessions and fellowship activities also formed an integral part of the programme, fostering a sense of community and strengthening relationships among participants from different parishes of the diocese.

As the retreat concluded, many participants expressed a renewed commitment to prayer, Christian witness and active involvement in the life of the Church. Organisers described the event as a powerful experience of grace that reflected the growing enthusiasm and engagement of youth within the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar.

The retreat underscored the Church’s continuing efforts to accompany young people in their faith journey and provide opportunities for spiritual formation, community building and missionary discipleship.

By Babu Bunty

Catechist and Jesus Youth, Jammu and Kashmir