Shillong, 7 July 2026: More than 300 children from Rambrai Parish and its surrounding villages gathered at Mount Calvary Church for a three-day Children’s Retreat held from 3–5 July 2026, offering them a unique opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus through prayer, the Sacraments, and joyful Christian fellowship.
Inspired by the words of Jesus, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14), the retreat sought to nurture the faith of young participants by creating an environment where they could encounter Christ in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.
The retreat was animated by Br. Arkidon Kharmawphlang, Br. Firstborn Jyrwa, Br. James Gilbert Marbaniang, and Br. Midnightstar Khongsit, under the pastoral guidance of Fr. Gilbert Bhoi, Parish Priest, assisted by Fr. Barnabas Syiem and Fr. Anthony Lurshai Wahlang. Their dedicated accompaniment reflected the Salesian conviction that the heart of youth ministry is to lead young people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
Throughout the three days, the parish campus came alive with prayer, music, laughter, and learning as children enthusiastically participated in a well-balanced programme of spiritual formation and interactive activities. Each day included Praise and Worship, Action Songs, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayer services, group activities, and faith-sharing sessions, allowing the children to experience the joy of belonging to the Church.
The retreat also featured a series of catechetical sessions designed to help the children understand the foundations of their Catholic faith. Br. Arkidon Kharmawphlang introduced the participants to the meaning of a retreat, reflected on the reality of sin, and explained the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Br. Midnightstar Khongsit spoke on God’s unconditional love, inviting the children to recognise themselves as beloved sons and daughters of God. Br. Firstborn Jyrwa presented the mystery and significance of the Holy Eucharist, encouraging the children to develop a deeper appreciation for Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. The final session, led by Br. James Gilbert Marbaniang, focused on holiness, challenging the participants to become young saints by living lives rooted in prayer, kindness, and Christian values.
To make the learning experience engaging and memorable, the retreat incorporated creative activities, games, discussions, and action songs centred on themes such as the Bible, Mother Mary, Christian virtues, and discipleship. These participatory methods helped the children not only understand their faith intellectually but also experience it with enthusiasm and joy.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the retreat was the active involvement of the children in every programme. Their reverence during the Eucharistic celebrations and Adoration, their joyful participation in singing and prayer, and their eagerness to learn reflected the fruits of a vibrant faith experience. The atmosphere throughout the retreat echoed the preventive spirit of St. John Bosco, where education in faith is nurtured through a family spirit, joyful participation, and loving accompaniment.
The retreat concluded with hearts filled with gratitude as the children returned to their families spiritually renewed and inspired to live as faithful disciples of Christ. It also served as a reminder of the Church’s mission to invest in the faith formation of children, helping them grow into responsible Christians and good citizens.
The success of the retreat was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the parish priests, the commitment of the Salesian brothers who animated the sessions, the generous support of parents and volunteers, and above all, God’s abundant grace. As Don Bosco often reminded his Salesians, “It is enough that you are young for me to love you very much.” The retreat beautifully embodied this Salesian charism by creating a space where every child felt welcomed, loved, and encouraged to encounter Christ with joy.
Reported by Br. James Gilbert Marbaniang
