In preparation for the Feast of Pentecost, the Annual Retreat 2026 was prayerfully held at St. Henry’s Cathedral in Helsinki on 16 May and at Holy Cross Church in Tampere on 16–17 May.

 It was a blessed occasion during which the faithful gathered to seek the Lord, grow in faith, and be renewed through prayer, worship, and fellowship.

The retreat was led by Br. Jose Kuriakose, a full-time lay missionary of AFCM, UK. The theme, drawn from Proverbs 16:20, invited all to listen to the Word of God with obedient hearts and to place their complete trust in the Lord.

The retreat in Helsinki began with the Holy Rosary, followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Benoy Jose, Rector of St. Sigfrid’s Seminary, Sweden. Thereafter, Br. Jose shared an inspiring retreat message, encouraging the faithful to deepen their spiritual lives and prayerfully prepare their hearts for Pentecost.
The day concluded with a solemn time of Eucharistic Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, offering participants a grace-filled opportunity for silence, prayer, and deeper communion with the Lord.

In Tampere, the retreat continued at Holy Cross Church on 16–17 May in the same spirit of prayer, worship, and Christian fellowship. On Saturday, the faithful gathered for the Rosary, followed by the Holy Qurbana and a Charismatic Retreat Session that gently led participants into a deeper experience of God’s presence and spiritual renewal.

During the latter part of the session, participants entered into Eucharistic Adoration, during which each person received an individual blessing. The evening concluded with dinner, offering a joyful opportunity for fellowship, sharing, and the strengthening of community bonds.

On Sunday, 17 May, the Charismatic Retreat Session continued, and participants also had the opportunity for personal counselling and prayer with Br. Jose. This made the Tampere gathering especially meaningful for those who came seeking spiritual guidance, encouragement, and the comforting touch of the Lord.

At both Helsinki and Tampere, participants shared heartfelt testimonies of healing, spiritual renewal, and a deep experience of God’s loving presence. It was truly a grace-filled occasion, strengthening the faith, hope, and unity of all who took part.