From 17th to 27th February 2025, a transformative retreat and training program was held at DBIDL (Don Bosco Institute of Development and Leadership), Dimapur, Nagaland. The program brought together 40 participants from various parts of India, with a significant representation from the Northeast region. The retreat was designed to equip participants with essential tools for ministry, focusing on preaching the Word of God, spiritual counseling, charisms of the Holy Spirit, inner healing, and deliverance. The sessions were led by a team of experienced facilitators: Fr. Jerry VM SDB, Fr. Francis D’Souza, Br. Christopher Correya, and Br. Jeril Antony.

Unique Approach: A Journey-Based  Retreat

Unlike traditional theme-based retreats, this program followed a journey-based approach, centered on the Tapping Retreat methodology. This innovative approach enabled participants to embark on a deep personal spiritual journey. It allowed them to identify and break free from the illusions of the evil one. These illusions had trapped them in spiritual bondage. The retreat emphasized self-awareness. It highlighted the necessity of repentance and renewal. These principles guided participants through a process of inner healing. They fostered spiritual growth.

Key Themes and Sessions

The training program covered a wide range of topics, each designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of ministry and sanctification. The sessions were interactive, practical, and deeply spiritual, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools for their ministry. The key themes included:

1. Preaching the Word of God:
   Participants were trained in effective methods of proclaiming the Gospel, with an emphasis on clarity, relevance, and the power of Scripture to transform lives. The sessions highlighted the importance of personal preparation, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit in preaching.
2. Spiritual Counseling:
   The training equipped participants with the skills needed to provide compassionate and effective spiritual guidance. Topics included active listening, discernment, and helping others navigate spiritual challenges.
3. Charisms of the Holy Spirit:
   The sessions explored the various gifts of the Holy Spirit and their role in building up the Church. Participants were encouraged to identify and nurture their own charisms for the service of others.
4. Inner Healing and Deliverance:
   A significant focus of the retreat was on inner healing and deliverance. Participants were guided through the process of identifying wounds, forgiving others, and receiving God’s healing grace. The sessions also addressed the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of deliverance ministry.
5. The Seven Principles of Ministry:
   The retreat introduced participants to the seven principles of ministry. These serve as a foundation for effective and Spirit-led service. These principles include humility, obedience, faithfulness, and reliance on God’s grace.
6. Means of Sanctification:
   The program emphasized practical tools for personal sanctification, including:

• Tapping: A prayer-based method for surrendering past hurts, sins, and struggles to God and receiving His healing.
• Spiritual Fencing: Techniques for protecting oneself from spiritual attacks and maintaining a strong spiritual life.
• Meditation: Deepening one’s relationship with God through contemplative prayer and reflection on Scripture.

Personal Spiritual Journey

One of the highlights of the retreat was the personal spiritual journey that each participant was able to undertake. Participants engaged in guided reflections, group discussions, and one-on-one counseling. They were able to confront their own spiritual struggles. They identified areas of growth and experienced profound healing and renewal. This journey not only transformed their own lives. It also equipped them to guide others on a similar path in their future ministry.

Introduction to the Ministry of Deliverance

Fr. Francis D’Souza, the official exorcist of the Bangalore Archdiocese, and Br. Christopher Correya, a member of the International Association for Deliverance, led impactful sessions on the ministry of deliverance. They addressed critical topics such as the need for deliverance ministry, the entry points through which the evil one gains access to our lives, and the preparation required for engaging in deliverance ministry. They also delved into the meaning and effects of curses and provided practical guidance on how to break them. Their teachings were both enlightening and empowering. They equipped participants with the knowledge and spiritual tools to confront and overcome spiritual bondage. This strengthened their ability to serve in this vital ministry. These sessions were deeply appreciated and left a lasting impact on all attendees.

The retreat had a profound impact on the participants, many of whom described it as a life-changing experience. Here are some of the key outcomes:

• Deepened Relationship with God: Participants reported a renewed sense of closeness to God and a deeper understanding of His love and mercy.
• Healing and Freedom: Many participants experienced inner healing and deliverance from past wounds, addictions, and spiritual bondage.
• Empowerment for Ministry: The training equipped participants with practical tools and spiritual insights to serve more effectively in their ministries.
• Community Building: The retreat fostered a sense of unity and fellowship among the participants, who came from diverse backgrounds but shared a common mission.

Conclusion

The journey-based Tapping Retreat approach was a powerful tool for personal and spiritual transformation. It enabled participants to break free from the illusions of the evil one. Participants embraced a life of holiness and mission. As the participants return to their respective ministries, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills they gained. They also carry the personal experience of God’s healing and grace. This retreat has sown seeds of renewal that will bear fruit in their lives and in the lives of those they serve. The program stands as a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. It transforms hearts and equips His people for the work of the Kingdom.