My husband was upset. How could I make it, he asked, without knowing either the language or anything else about the place. But the Lord would come to my aid, I was sure. There were plenty of people going to DRC by Parasuram Express. I had only to follow them. On 25th May, 1996, when I got out of the train what was my delightful surprise to see my husband’s cousin walking ahead of me! I just followed her to DRC where another surprise awaited me. There was my sister with her family come for the retreat! It was all in God’s great plan.

When I entered the retreat hall, the first thing that touched me was the picture of Jesus with his arms open wide welcoming me. I cried looking at Jesus and I felt a cool sensation within me. I asked Jesus one question, "Why did you take my mother away?" I got no answer but the same cool sensation was there within me.

The retreat started, but I was not praying or listening to the word of God; neither did I feel like raising my hands and praising God, because I knew I had come for the retreat not to raise my hands and pray, but only to fulfil my mother’s wish. Till Wednesday I was most of the time sleeping and scribbling on the hymn book, where we had to write the Bible quotations. Sr Carmila AC had given a talk during my retreat, but I didn’t concentrate on it and till today I don’t know what she spoke on. The only time I was attentive was during the singing, the Holy Mass, and during the Adoration. But my Lord had been waiting for his time to touch me. During the inner healing on Thursday, I was called by name by Fr. Augustine Vallooran, "Maria D’souza, after your parents’ death, you felt like an orphan; you are no more an orphan, Jesus is with you, he is blessing you and healing your wounded heart". When I heard these words I felt a very cool sensation within me, the same coolness I felt on the first day. Yes, my pain exploded and Jesus entered within me. The Holy Spirit started working in me and suddenly, raising my hands, I started praising and thanking Jesus. The next two days, I was very attentive, thanking and praising my loving Saviour Jesus. When I was leaving the retreat centre, I was feeling light, bubbling with life and wanted to dance for joy. I did not cry for my mother after reaching home, instead I thanked my Lord, because, through my depression, I came closer to God and experienced my Saviour’s love for me.

I am a Christian, but I didn’t have a deep faith. Now my faith in my Lord has strengthened and I just place everything in his hands. Since then he has been doing marvellous things in my life. After I attended the retreat and came closer to God, my family has been blessed abundantly. Jesus saved my son from a major car accident. His cycle was totally smashed and my good Lord put his angels in charge of him and lifted him and his cycle from under the car wheel. Thank you Jesus, for protecting my son. Jesus also gifted us with a house of our own.

Now every year from May, 1996, I have been going to DRC for the retreat during the summer vacation with my children, and my husband makes it at some other convenient time. I thank you Jesus for bringing me and my family closer to you. Jesus, we don’t have enough words to thank you for the wonderful grace you have bestowed upon us.
 
Praise you Jesus! Thank you Jesus.