Vincentian-run retreat center in India draws huge crowds, heals many

Published: 2008-05-22

MURINGOOR, India (CNS) -- After being seriously injured in a bike accident, a 36-year-old Hindu man had lost the ability to speak and was virtually paralyzed on his right side. He was unable to move his hand. Walking was impossible. Despite visiting several hospitals and being treated by neurologists, A. Parthan had little relief. He opted for voluntary retirement from the Indian army because of his disability. But a spiritual retreat changed his life. "I can speak now and I can move my hand. Praise the Lord," Parthan told Catholic News Service, raising his hand at the end of a week of prayer and devotion at the Vincentian-run Divine Retreat Centre. Sitting on the bed from which he participated in the retreat, Parthan said it was because of the repeated plea of his Hindu father-in-law that he turned to the Catholic retreat center 28 miles north of Cochin, in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. "Jesus has worked wonders here," said Parthan, who said he felt a "sudden healing" during one of the retreat's eucharistic adoration sessions. "I cannot believe it."

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