A three day Catholic revival retreat was conducted at St Joseph’s Church, Middlesbrough on 11th-13th August 2008. The programme was in the Malayalam language and around 200 Indian Christians attended this event. The retreat was led by Rev Fr George Panackal VC. He is the director of Divine Retreat Centre, India, the largest of its kind in the world.

Parish priest Rev Fr Patrick Keogh inaugurated the retreat by lighting the lamp. The preacher emphasised the need to lead a Christ-centric life in the modern world and encouraged the audience to bring others to Jesus by their words and deeds. Many people received healing from different types of physical and mental ailments and have given their testimonies.

Mgr Gerard Dasey, Vicar General of Middlesbrough Diocese, came to the programme on the concluding day and gave an inspiring message on behalf of Bishop Terence Drainey. In his speech, he described the Indian Catholics as missionaries in the UK and wanted an active participation in the parish activities. The retreat was concluded with Holy Mass and a healing service.

The organisers thanked everyone who supported this event and plan to arrange a programme in English in the coming year.