I will Make Everything New
Retreat 2012 :: Don Bosco College Maram

D Matia *

Don Bosco College Maram does take into account the holistic development of each of its student. The Spiritual Convention that is conducted every year is a good example of the importance given to the emotional and spiritual development of students. This year, the event was made extremely special by animators who were chosen for three days. The speakers were the powerful Vincentians who are known for their spiritual animation and retreats all over the world: Fr. Bobby, the Director of Divine Retreat Centre, Margherita, Assam ; Fr.Dinny, Divine Retreat Centre; Mr. Johns, Musician.

The preparations for the great event was coordinated well beforehand under the farsighted guidance of the management of the college comprising of the very own Salesian fathers of DBCMaram. A huge pandal rose up in the courtyard of DBCMaram, just for the smooth flow of the retreat.

The rest of the responsibilities were distributed to the entire college which included the seat arrangement in the pandal, the pandal decoration, stage decoration, music, intercession ministry and liturgical preparations. The Bosconians did showcase their most sincere efforts and participation.

The Jesus Youth, Campus Ministry and AICUF etc did an extremely good job in the overall coordination of the event. Fr. KO Sebastian was the event manager of the entire programme. Kudos to him for his thoughtfulness and coordination.

Now about the cream of the event. The first day began auspiciously with the blessings from the Eucharistic Celebration. And then the students were thoroughly prepared for the very important sessions to be followed. The animators could make the first impact strike in the bulls eye. Fr. Dinny helped the students open their minds completely by urging them to 'remove the rock from the way'.

Fr. Bobby enabled the students to do a self evaluation by emphasizing the fact that the sufferings and problems in life are not necessarily God's will and that it is in most cases, one's own decision to stay clear of God's intervention due to our worldly inclinations.

The second day addressed most of the situations that most of the students went through and were prepared for an indeed good confession so that they may find out for themselves the solution of all their sufferings and that nothing hinders them from experiencing the eternal peace and joy. Since we were dealing with a large crowd of students, confession for all of them were provided that entire day and even the next day. The Salesians from neighboring areas were generous enough to lend a hand and make themselves available.

The third day was the concluding day of the spiritual retreat. It was solemnized by the Archbishop of Imphal His Grace Dominic Lumen who celebrated the concluding mass along with all the rest of the priests. The session ended with the anointing with the Holy Spirit and healing. Most of the students experienced healings both spiritually and emotionally and many miracles took place in DBCMaram.

The students were really involved in the event that most of them didn't want the convention to be concluded. Immense gratitude should be given firstly to God Almighty for pouring out His amazing grace during these three days and to the management of the college for making the retreat possible for all the students and Staff and a good number of neighbours who attended the retreat

More on DBC Maram:

Don Bosco College Maram
Senapati Dist
Manipur - 795 105
Please visit our site: www.dbcmaram.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dbcmaram
Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/dbcmaram?feature=watch