From 20th to 28th October 2025, thirty-four sisters from five religious congregations participated in an eight-day Ignatian retreat at Vinayalaya Retreat House, Andheri (East). The retreat was directed by Fr. Gerard Rodricks, SJ, and coordinated by Fr. Wesley D’Costa, SJ. 

In his introductory session, Fr. Gerard emphasized the importance of generosity, openness, silence, and prayer. Fr. Gerard humbly reminded the retreatants that the Holy Spirit was the true director. The retreat followed the traditional structure of the Spiritual Exercises—the Love of God, Repentance for Sin, Life of Christ, Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and the Contemplation to Attain Love—enriched with special inputs on the Eucharist and Servant Leadership.

Fr. Gerard spoke with passion and depth, using stories, humour, and creative acronyms to make the sessions engaging. He guided participants in discovering their personal vocation, calling it “the secret to an integrated life.” Daily Eucharist, adoration, and opportunities for spiritual direction deepened the retreat experience. Spiritual direction was provided by Frs. Caesar Froz SJ, Ozy Gonsalves SJ, Joaquim Tellis SJ, and Wesley D’Costa SJ.

The serene ambience, prayerful chapels, and supportive atmosphere helped the sisters encounter God more intimately. The retreat concluded with a Thanksgiving Eucharist on the theme “To Be With Him”, expressing gratitude to Fr. Gerard, the assisting priests, and the Vinayalaya staff. Filled with joy and renewed zeal, the sisters returned to their missions, inspired to live the Ignatian spirit of MAGIS.

- By Sisters of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary ( DHM )

The Ignatian retreat and workshop on Discernment in Daily Life, held on the 6th and 7th of September at Vinayalaya Retreat House, was truly transformative. Under the guidance of Fr. Keith D’Souza SJ, the retreat offered 14 participants a space to pause, step back, and reorient the fundamental direction of our lives.

Fr. Keith guided us with great wisdom and gentle humour, using clear and insightful presentations that made the concepts of spiritual discernment easy to follow. The handouts he provided were immensely helpful, and I look forward to revisiting them as I continue my journey of discernment in daily life. Through prayer and reflection, I learned to recognize consolation and desolation—and how to respond to them. The retreat also walked us through the steps of discernment, helping me see how God is present even in the smallest choices we make. 

What touched me most was how personal the experience felt. In moments of quiet, especially in Mother Mary’s chapel, I found both deep peace and a sense of freedom. Group sharing reminded us that we are all fellow pilgrims seeking clarity and grace, and that the journey itself is as meaningful as the destination. I returned from this retreat with a renewed desire to seek God’s will in all things, and with heartfelt gratitude for the wisdom shared by Fr. Keith D’Souza. I am also deeply thankful to everyone at Vinayalaya Retreat House especially Fr. Wesley D'Costa, Veronica, and all who ensured our stay was comfortable and well organised. The retreat space itself, with its beautiful surroundings, was a gentle invitation to slow down and reflect deeply.

By Mrs Rashna Desai

From 29th to 31st August, I had the privilege of attending a Silent Ignatian Retreat at Vinayalaya Retreat House, titled “In the Stillness, God Speaks.” The retreat brought together 24 participants and was led by Fr. Sumit SJ through his talks, with spiritual direction by the Jesuit Fathers of the community and logistics coordinated by Fr. Wesley SJ. It offered us a valuable chance to step away from daily noise and deepen our relationship with God.

The first day highlighted the purpose of a retreat—caring for our spiritual well-being just as we do for our physical and emotional health. Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the retreat invited us into silence, personal prayer, and openness to God’s grace. Guided sessions with reflection questions helped us recognize moments of consolation, desolation, and light.

On the second day, the focus shifted to our stressors and inner balance. The “Wheel of Life” exercise helped us reflect on harmony between self, family, work, health, relationships, and God. Through Lectio Divina, Scripture spoke personally to our hearts, while writing our own Magnificat became a beautiful expression of gratitude with Mary.

Spiritual direction and the closing spiritual conversation reminded us that God speaks in silence, inviting us to align our lives with His will. This retreat was a profound reminder that life is not a race but a journey of walking with God in stillness and trust.

— Sr. Mary Shruti SND

A very diverse group of about 35 people which included religious nuns, school leaders, teachers, nurses and NGO volunteers gathered at Vinayalaya Retreat House on the evening of August 26, 2025 for a day and a half seminar cum training program on how to protect Minors and Vulnerable Adults.

The resource person Fr Konrad Noronha SJ, in his own indomitable style led us through the sensitive and delicate matter in his own interactive way that kept us alert and relaxed at the same time. Through his well-prepared PowerPoint, he shared 16 guidelines that were broadly based around four key areas – guidelines for responding to survivors, guidelines for prevention, guidelines for responding to allegations and guidelines for supervision. Fr. Konrad also touched upon the various Laws and Acts that are in place at present. His presentation was enriched by his case studies and personal examples as well as his responses to the numerous queries that were raised by the participants.

The excellent arrangements made by Fr Wesley D’Costa and his team for our food and stay were highly appreciated by all the participants. It made us feel at home and as part of the larger Jesuit family. I personally came away from the training program greatly enriched and more aware of the correct procedures to be followed.

-Mr Ralph Pereira

Vinayalaya Retreat House, Andheri, hosted the Pastoral Leadership Program – Discerning Leadership for Mission Partners on 15–16 August 2025. Designed for Parish Pastoral Council members, association leaders, choir conductors, Eucharistic ministers, and other lay collaborators, the two-day program focused on forming spiritually grounded and discerning leaders for today’s Church.

Resource persons included Fr. Gerard Rodricks SJ, who drew from his vast Ignatian and pastoral experience, and Mr. Adrian Rosario, a lay expert in leadership and pastoral management. Sessions covered Ignatian principles for leadership, servant leadership, personal vocation, teamwork, communication, and skills for decision-making and conflict management.

Participants came from Jesuit parishes—St. Anne’s Mazgaon, Holy Family Andheri, St. Michael’s Manickpur, and St. Ignatius Ambadi Road—as well as other Mumbai parishes. The program combined prayer, input sessions, spiritual conversations, and Eucharist, leaving participants enriched, encouraged, and better equipped to serve their communities with vision and commitment.

Students of Xavier’s Institute of Engineering (XIE) visited the Eco Hub at Vinayalaya Retreat House on August 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th as part of their Environmental Studies (EVS) practical excursion. Each day, a different batch from the various streams of engineering participated in the program. The visit was part of the initiatives of the Eco Hub in promoting Eco-Spirituality at Vinayalaya.

The program was coordinated by Fr. Wesley along with EcoPals Mrs. Melba and Mrs. Pramila, and ably assisted by the Pre-Novices. The program began with Mrs. Melba welcoming the students, followed by a tour of the campus where coordinators and Pre-Novices explained the ecological practices at the Eco Hub. Students saw composting units, solar panels, kitchen gardens, food waste composters, and other interventions to reduce the carbon footprint.

Mrs. Pramila explained the community’s collaborations with organizations such as RURA and Project Mumbai for waste recycling and disposal, while Austin Rodrigues highlighted daily eco practices at Vinayalaya. To engage the students, Nishant D’Almeida conducted a Kahoot quiz, with prizes of mixed seeds in newspaper sachets. The sessions were closely aligned with the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference, Caring for Our Common Home. The visit concluded with sharing, reflections, and tea.

"Pack as many distractions as you can,” I told my 10 year old, as we left for a Family Retreat at Vinayalaya Retreat Centre, Mumbai. Before you judge my parenting skills, let me clarify - I was only making sure my daughter would not be bored (as children sometimes tend to be) while attending a two day spiritual retreat with her parents. But we were in for a big surprise!

This retreat was conducted as a 3 in 1 module - the children, youth and adults had parallel sessions, each catering to their age and understanding. These sessions were led by Fr Gerard along with members of the MFC of Holy Spirit Church, and supported by Fr Wesley. This approach of segregating each group for certain sessions allowed adults to focus on deepening their connection with Christ, as well as with their spouses, while the children and youth enjoyed celebrating the Lord and learning the value of family and prayer time in a playful and engaging way.

Topics such as the importance of daily family prayer, reconciliation and healing, unity in marriage and finding peace took centre stage, appealing deeply to the psycho-spiritual needs of urban families, who are often technologically overwhelmed but spiritually starved.

Several moments stood out from this Retreat - children excitedly handing over Parents Day cards to delighted mothers and fathers during the Eucharist, young adults bonding with their parents and seeking mutual forgiveness and finally, families praying through Holy Hour on a rainy moonlit night - creating memories that will be cherished for a long time to come.

Every family needs this kind of a spiritual reset. Family retreats are a wonderful way to create rich and vibrant Faith communities and lay the foundation for a Domestic Church in every Christian home.

Amidst the relentless noise of daily life, there arises a deep need to pause and reset. From 4th to 6th July 2025, a three-day silent Ignatian retreat led by Jesuit priest Fr. Jeevan Mendonca SJ offered just that—a much-needed shift from constant motion and worry to being fully present in the moment. Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, Vinayalaya Retreat House welcomed us into nature’s quiet embrace. Its serene surroundings invited not only physical rest but also deep spiritual renewal—a quiet, introspective journey grounded in stillness and faith.

Under Fr. Jeevan’s gentle and wise guidance, the retreat was not centered on active learning or group discussions, but on a personal encounter with God. Each day unfolded in sacred silence, interspersed with reflective scripture readings and brief yet profound talks. These moments invited us to contemplate God’s unconditional love, His gentle call, and His healing forgiveness—to desire a new heart and a renewed spirit.

Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the retreat offered rich spiritual nourishment through guided meditations and insights that encouraged deep personal discernment. Time was set aside for personal prayer, reflection on scripture, journaling, and peaceful walks through the tranquil grounds. In the silence, we were invited to simply be in the presence of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak gently to our hearts. Freed from external distractions, we grew in awareness. Questions surfaced—some welcome, others unsettling—but all became invitations to an honest dialogue with God. At the heart of each day was the celebration of the Eucharist—the source and summit of our faith. In the stillness, the presence of God became tangible, offering strength, consolation, and unity.

The silence was not empty. It became a vessel filled with meaning, emotion, and direction. The absence of noise made space for a unique interior journey, leading to peace, clarity, and a deeper connection with the Spirit dwelling within. The retreat reminded us that true rest is not found in inactivity, but in surrendering to the gentle embrace of God. By the end of the three days, we emerged changed—renewed in clarity, softened in heart, and more attuned to God’s quiet workings in our lives. The silence had spoken, and in it, we had heard His voice.

- Ms Wynne Almeida

From the 10th to the 12th of May, the Logos Weekend Retreat, led by Fr. Gerard Rodricks SJ, welcomed 26 participants. This retreat focused on living a meaningful life through various enlightening sessions. Key themes included seeking forgiveness, discerning God's will, and, most importantly, discovering one's purpose and meaning in life. These sessions offered participants a profound opportunity to reflect on their spiritual journeys and find clarity and direction.

From March 28th to 30th, an Ignatian Silent Lenten Retreat for the laity was held at Vinayalaya, with 22 participants immersing themselves in prayer and reflection. A highlight of the retreat was the Way of the Cross at the Reconciliation Park, offering a deeply moving experience. Talks, guided prayers, and the Eucharist, led by Frs. Gerard Rodricks SJ, Vincent Saldanha SJ, Sean Cardozo SJ, and Wesley D’Costa SJ, were well received by the retreatants.

Christmas is a time of external festivity, but it also calls for deep internal preparation. To help participants ready their hearts for the coming of our Lord, an Ignatian Advent Retreat titled Come, Lord Jesus was held at Vinayalaya Retreat House from December 20th to 22nd. The retreat welcomed 28 participants who engaged in Ignatian practices such as the Examen, contemplation, spiritual conversation, spiritual direction, Eucharist, and adoration. Valuable inputs were shared by Jesuits and Mr. Maxim D’Cruz, enriching the participants' experience and reflection. As the retreat concluded, participants departed with hearts filled with joy, gratitude, and a renewed spirit, embracing the Advent call to prepare inwardly for Christmas. This Ignatian experience served as a profound journey of hope and spiritual renewal in the light of Christ’s coming.

From October 25th to 27th, twelve participants joined a weekend retreat led by Fr. Gerard Rodrigues, SJ. The retreat featured inspiring talks, spiritual conversations, Eucharistic adoration, and an introduction to Ignatian prayer methods, including the Examen. Fr. Gerard's guidance allowed participants to experience a profound sense of peace and purpose, making the retreat a memorable and transformative experience.

From February 2nd to 4th 2024, the Vinayalaya Retreat House welcomed 22 participants for the Ignatian Inner Healing Retreat. This unique gathering combined Ignatian spirituality with charismatic healing prayer, offering attendees a transformative experience. Led by Frs. Wesley, Vincent, and Br. Seby, alongside assistance from Frs. Gerard and Learoy during Mass and adoration, the retreat focused on themes of brokenness, forgiveness, healing, and renewal.

Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in guided meditations and received insightful teachings, fostering deep introspection and spiritual growth. The atmosphere was serene, providing a space for attendees to explore their inner selves and find healing. As the retreat concluded, participants expressed gratitude for the profound impact it had on their lives.

Looking ahead, many attendees eagerly anticipate future retreats, eager to continue their spiritual journey. This retreat served as a beacon of hope, inspiring all to embrace faith and inner healing.

The "A New Beginning" retreat, led by the Vinayalaya team from January 5th to 7th, 2024, welcomed 25 participants. Focused on Ignatian meditation, the event featured talks by Frs Gerard, Learoy, Vincy, and Wesley. Br Seby's guided meditations introduced attendees to Ignatian Spirituality and new prayer methods. Positive feedback emphasizes a collective sense of renewal and spiritual awakening from this impactful weekend. Participants expressed gratitude for the enriching experience.

On October 14th 2023, we conducted a highly successful workshop titled "Discover the Treasure Within You" on Ignatian values for educators and formators. The event drew 30 participants from prestigious institutions like Holy Family, St. Xavier's College, Divine Child, and Canossa.

This workshop was enriched by the invaluable contributions of Frs Lisbert Dsouza and Vincent Saldanha, who shared their profound insights, deepening the participants' understanding of Ignatian values. Mr. Vincent D'Souza effectively facilitated the program, ensuring active engagement and meaningful interactions. Fr. Wesley D'Costa provided essential Ignatian inputs, shedding light on the core principles.

The workshop received high praise from the participants, underscoring its impact and success. The positive feedback affirmed the quality of content and discussions, highlighting its effectiveness in enriching the understanding and practice of Ignatian values among educators and formators.

We express our sincere gratitude for the encouragement, prayers, and support extended to make this event possible. This workshop played a pivotal role in fostering a deeper appreciation of Ignatian values, equipping participants to integrate them into their roles as educators and formators, and will undoubtedly continue to inspire positive change in their communities.

On the 22nd of July 2023, we organized a one-day seminar titled ‘Discernment in Daily Life’. It was held at Vinayalaya Retreat House. We received an overwhelming response. It began at 10 am and went on till 4pm. The total number of participants was 120, out of which around 95 were lay persons and 25 were religious. In spite of the heavy rains, people came from long distances in order to know more about discernment. Fr Anil Pereira encouraged the gathering by giving the inaugural address. Sessions were then given by Dn. Sumit D’Souza, Frs. Learoy Rodrigues, Vincent Saldanha, Wesley D’Costa and Gerard Rodricks. The audience were very attentive. They were a mix of people from different age groups and from different parishes. Many were encountering Ignatian Spirituality for the first time. They all gave very positive feedback about their experience and went away completely satisfied by the sessions and program of the day.