Priests of the Pekhon Diocese gathered for their annual retreat from October 26 to 29, 2026, held at the temporary diocesan center in Santa Maria Parish’s Hall in Pekhon Diocese. The three-day spiritual gathering was led by Rev. Fr. Thomaso Chit Thar, project coordinator of the diocese, who served as retreat preacher.

Opening the retreat, Bishop Felice Bahtoo spoke about the importance of the annual retreat for priests. He acknowledged how hard they work and how busy they are with pastoral care and social services, especially during this critical period.

“It is a great opportunity to renew and recharge our energy to be a more fruitful and better pastoral activity in the near future,” Bishop Bahtoo said. “You, priests, are really working hard in the diocese, you are really busy with pastoral cares and social services, especially in this critical period. So, take rest for a while, and then, let us move on with new commitment and impetus.”

The retreat program covered key areas of priestly life across three structured days.

On the first day, with the theme “Take Care of Yourself,” Fr. Thomaso Chit Thar outlined four vital pillars for personal well-being.

For health, he said physical soundness is essential to sustain active labor and ministry.

For the heart, he stressed that emotional maturity requires learning to channel emotions properly.

For the intellect, he said ongoing learning and knowledge updates are necessary to answer the questions of the faithful and guide them effectively.

For the soul, he cautioned priests to safeguard their own spiritual life while striving to save the souls of others.

On the second day, the focus shifted to “Take Care of Your Sheep.” Fr. Chit Thar highlighted the deep impact of a priest’s presence among displaced communities, framing it in three dimensions: physical, spiritual, and sacramental.

“We are entrusted by God to take care of His sheep,” he said, reminding the clergy that they are sent to stay, pray, suffer, and rejoice alongside the faithful.

On the third day, the retreat turned to fraternal love and brotherhood, drawing from the book Priests Need Priests.

Fr. Chit Thar noted that only priests truly understand the unique mysteries and challenges of their vocation. He called on the clergy to be “Apostles of Mercy”—to listen to, understand, forgive, and encourage one another.

The retreat ended with penitential rites, followed by the impartation of the Papal Blessing.

For the priests of Pekhon Diocese, the three days offered more than rest. They were a chance to step back from daily duties, look after their own health and faith, and remember that they do not walk their path alone.

As one of the retreat’s themes made clear, priests need priests—and the bonds they build with one another help them serve God’s people with renewed hearts.

By RVA Kayan Service