The past two months were a remarkable renewal time for the Kerala-born Catholic Christians across New Zealand, with the renewal Retreat tour of internationally renowned Kerala Capuchin Priests Fr Joseph Puthepurackal and Fr Thomas Thalakkulam.
Their four-day Renewal Retreat sessions began in Auckland in early June, and then moved to Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch.
They later visited Dunedin and Hastings, before returning to Kerala for a break.
They travel around the world conducting similar retreats.
Though Fr Joseph and Fr Thomas had conducted their retreats in many parts of the world including Africa, Europe, the Middle East and US, it was their first visit to New Zealand.
The Kerala community received them with warmth and reverence.
In Christchurch, about 150 Kerala Catholic Christians attended the four-day Retreat (from July 4 to 7). It was a great prayer time and many people have claimed special blessings from the Lord.
Dr George Abraham is our South Island Correspondent based in Christchurch.
