NOTORIOUS GANGSTER’S LIFE TRANSFORMED (SYLVESTER M., Bangalore, India )

My first retreat at Divine was in 1993. Until this time, I was a notorious rowdy. I did not have any place for God in my life. I used to drink, smoke and had many bad habits as well. Divine Retreat Centre, the House of God, changed my life. The Word of God preached here and the good teachings and principles of this place made me realize that my life was not pleasing to God. I truly repented and asked Jesus for His Mercy and Compassion.

Today by the Grace of God and because of Divine, my life has changed. I am totally a different person today. I thank and praise Jesus for accepting me as His Own. Alleluia!

NON-CHRISTIAN REFORMS ALCOHOLICS THROUGH WORD OF GOD (D. RAVI, BANGALORE )

I am a non-Christian and have been visiting Divine for the last three years. For the last ten years I have been helping alcoholics to give up their drinking habits by prescribing medicines. Last year while I was attending the retreat at Divine, on 15.September 2005, I heard the Lord telling me to give the Word of God to every person coming to me for medicines.

Since then I have been doing this without fail. I tell them to promise Jesus every morning when they wake up that they would not drink on that day and surrender the day to Him. I tell them to live one day at a time and Jesus will set them free from this bondage. I also teach them to recite this prayer every night, which was an inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Many have been set free from the bondage of alcohol through the Word of God.

Lord Jesus I praise you.
Lord today you blessed me with the grace not to drink alcohol. Lord I thank you that today you have kept me away from this bad habit. You helped me to keep up my word.
Lord I praise and thank you everyday and every night.
O loving and compassionate God keep me safe this night.
Good Night Jesus.

MAN’S REPENTANCE HEALS WOUNDS! (ANTHONY RAJ, BANGALORE )

I have attended three retreats at Divine. I had many vices and evil habits. Jesus touched me during the retreat and convicted me of my sinful nature. I repented with all my heart for all the sins that I had committed. I promised Jesus that I would lead a clean and holy life. I had a wound on my feet and knee. Whenever I used to have my bath, the wound would start itching. It was unbearable and I used to scratch due to irritation and then it would start bleeding. The itching continued despite my medical treatment. I was tired of this problem for no medicines helped me. Jesus the Greatest Healer knew my sufferings.

During my third retreat I suddenly noticed that the itching had stopped, as I did not experience it after my bath. I did not have this problem all through the days of my stay at Divine. I knew it was the Hand of my Jesus who had mercy on me. Alleluia!

HINDU WOMAN'S 99% HEART BLOCKAGE HEALED! (SARA, BANGALORE )

I was born in a Hindu family. I was suffering from blockage in my heart. I had 99% blockage and my condition was very serious. I was taken to the doctor and they told me that my condition was very bad and hence I should be operated immediately. The operation was very expensive and we could not afford it. We were drowned in debts. The doctors also told me that even if I underwent a surgery they would not guarantee my life. Every thing looked dark and uncertain. It was during this time that some one advised me to visit Divine. I decided to come over here and pray to Jesus to heal me. I had just begun to know about Jesus. I prayed and cried to Him to come to my rescue. Though I did not know this God, He knew me and loved me.

After the retreat I went back home and visited another hospital where heart surgery was done freely. I also registered my name there and luckily I was called. The doctors took my scan and were surprised that I was living for so long as I had 99% block. The operation was fixed for the next day and I came home to prepare myself for the operation. That night I surrendered my life to Jesus and went to bed. I had a very strange dream. Jesus appeared in my dream and he stretched his hands and removed something from my heart. They appeared like tubes filled with blood. I saw them being thrown on the ground. I suddenly woke up and realized that it was dream, but a firm voice within me said that I was healed. I was also confident that I was healed!

I told my husband and he said let’s go to the hospital. I went and the doctors had made all arrangements for the operation. I was taken to the operation theatre and the main doctor came in. He suddenly said, “let us take another scan,” and so I was taken out of the operation theatre for a second scan. To the utter surprise of the doctors, my reports showed everything wasnormal! All the blocks were gone!! The doctors once again referred to the old reports and could not believe their eyes about the outcome. They said it was impossible - only God whom you trusted could have done this. I knew it was no one else but my dear Jesus whom I love very much has done this for me! I came to Divine to thank and praise my Lord for healing me.

During those days we were also going through a lot of financial crisis and our debts were mounting up due to the huge interest that we had to pay to the bank and other moneylenders. This time I asked the Lord to help me come out of my financial problem. I asked the Lord to change the mind of the moneylenders that they may not collect interest from me. Back home once again this Wonder Worker worked a miracle for me. The moneylenders told me to pay only the principle amount and that they did not want any interest for the loan.

Today I have cleared all my debts and I am also free from my heart problem. I am leading a normal, happy and holy life. My husband and I have accepted Jesus as our family God and we have become His Children. We do not worship any other God but Jesus. Alleluia!!

JESUS HEALING MAN WHO HAD LOST HOPE (Thomas D’Souza, Mumbai )

I was working on a Rig in Iran. AT the time of my accident, I was signalling to the crane operator. Suddenly, the pipe of the crane dashed my helmet and the pulley hit my head. As a result, I fell to the ground, injured my head and was unconscious. I was bleeding profusely on the stretcher.

I was on the Rig for 8 hours as there was no helicopter available at night. I was taken to a hospital in Iran and was operated on my head. I was completely paralysed on the right side and also in a coma. A special helicopter was chartered from Germany to bring me back to Mumbai.

A filter has been fitted near my heart to avoid thrombosis. I was hospitalised for 6 months. Due to stoppage of some medicines, my left was considerably swollen and my right leg was reduced in size. It was at this time that I heard about Divine Retreat Centre. This is my 4th retreat in Divine!

During all these retreats, my back pain and knee pain has cured completely. My feet have partial improvement. I am also improving slowly from my brain problems. My regular visits to Divine Retreat Centre have transformed me spiritually and in my health. I request everyone who has lost hope and to whom doctors have give up on to visit Divine and to pray to God our Father and Jesus – the Divine Physician! I thank and praise the Lord for His Loving and Healing Touch. Alleluia!

WOMAN HEALED OF UTERUS TUMOUR (Mingelina, Goa )

I want to proclaim the Healing Power of Jesus! I was suffering from a tumour and had heavy bleeding. The doctor advised I had to have an operation to remove my uterus but since I was only 29 years old, he was not ready to do so.

With faith in Jesus, I came to Divine and prayed to Him. When I returned home, the doctor advised me to go for the operation. Every preparation was ready and all the medicines were brought in but at the last moment, the operation was cancelled as the doctor said there was no need to do the operation. It was truly a miracle! I have come back to Divine to thank Jesus and to testify of His Healing for me to everyone.

CHILD HEALED OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE! (Menino & Carolina D’Souza, Morjim, Goa )

When our daughter, Maria Olinda, was 4 months old, she was admitted to hospital. It was discovered that she had a congenital heart disease and needed an operation. We admitted her to Goa Medical College and with our Medi-Claim later took her to Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. After all the medical tests were taken, the doctors in Hinduja Hospital advised it was impossible for them to conduct the operation as they could guarantee our child’s life. They told us to tae our child to Chennai. We made a sad return to Goa.

Jesus said, “Come to me all who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We did not take our daughter to Chennai but brought her to Divine Retreat Centre in 2001 instead. From that year until now, she is no longer sick and does not need to take any more medicine. We thank God for our daughter’s healing!

GOD SHOWERS BLESSINGS ON FAMILY(Cristalina Coutinho, Goa )

I am married and have two children. I have attended 5 retreats in Divine Retreat Centre. Ever since I have been attending these retreats, God has been showering His Blessings upon us. I had stones in my gall bladder and I prayed fervently to God during my previous retreat in September 2005. During the Inner Healing session, my name was called out with the message that I was healed!

Upon returning home, I underwent another scan and there were no longer any stones in my gall bladder. I had a great longing to own a house and God blessed me with one too! After 14 years, God blessed me with another baby girl. That was not all. My husband who had lost his job was offered a job as a mechanic in Dubai 6 months later!

I will always thank and praise the Lord for intervening in my life and transforming me into a new person who has courage and strength. Alleluia!

Surrender to God Heals Woman (Elvira Clemente, Goa)

A few years back, I met with a serious bus accident, as a result of which I lost complete sight in my right eye. Gradually, the sight in my other eye also diminished. I could not hear well with my right ear. My hand was fractured and a steel plate was inserted. There were many injuries all over my body. I was fed up of my life.

In this desperate state of life, I attended the retreat at the Divine Retreat Centre in the first week of July 1995. There I received a message that “God touches a family, the wife of which has become physically handicapped following a major accident.” From this time, I began to listen to the Word of God in a deeper way and thus I came to know that God has a plan for me.

I changed my life, learned to forgive and pray for others. I began praying with groups of people and shared my joy with them. Surrendering my life totally into the hands of the Lord, I prayed that His Will may be done in my life.

In December 1998, I attended the retreat for the fourth time along with my husband. My eyesight was restored and I could also hear clearly with my right ear. The pain in my body disappeared totally. I praise the Lord for His healing touch.

Prodigal Son Returns To God (M. Rosario, Maharashtra)

“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

(Heb.3: 15).

My father attended the retreat at Divine in 2003. He is a Roman Catholic but had left the church since 2001.He used to speak against the church but from the very first day of his retreat, he felt the Lord was speaking to him. On the day of confession he did not confess but met a priest in the evening and told him that he was not a Catholic. The priest gave him a word of encouragement and said, “very good, I’ll pray for you.” While going to his room, he heard a voice saying, “If you hear the voice of God, harden not your hearts.” The next day was counselling and it was very encouraging. The counsellor told him to think of his parents. This gave him the final push. He remembered his father’s words at the time of his death. “I can see the Immaculate Conception.” Then he was cleared of all his doubts and made a confession. My mother and all our family members, friends and all the religious at Solapur had prayed for his return to the church. Yes he did return to the church and he says, “I am like a prodigal son who returned to the Father. All praise, thanks, glory and honour to God. Thanks also to the Divine team for their prayers.” I will turn my steps to the altar of God, the gladness of my life” (Ps.43: 4).

Healed Of Throat Cancer (Rev.Fr.Arul A. Arockiam, Tirunelveli)

I am the Director of the Pastoral Centre and co-ordinator of all the commissions of the diocese of Palayamkottai, Tamilnadu. I suffered from throat cancer for nine months in the year 1995. I was given Chemotherapy treatment but doctors gave up all hopes as I had crossed the second stage. On the other hand, while I was studying PhD in counselling psychology at Manila in the Philippines, the people there started praying for me and sending encouraging messages. It is then that I decided to visit Divine and this is my second retreat of priests and religious. Praise the Lord for I was healed miraculously! After returning home, the medical check-up proved that there are no symptoms of cancer in my body and I’ve stopped all treatment. I also received healing from all other ailments in my body and had experienced the power of the Lord within my whole self especially during the anointing session. Now I take courage to strengthen the people who come to me with this deadly sickness and share the healing power of Jesus with them. “For this I will extol you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name” (Ps.18: 49).

Calling the Name of Jesus Saved Me (Lloyd Gomez, Mumbai)

I reside at Ambernath, a suburb about sixty kilometers from Mumbai. I used to work at a container yard, which is fifty-five kilometers away from home. The only means of transport I had was my motorcycle. I rode everyday, up and down a very busy road, the Thane-Pune highway, also called ‘the killer road.’ Everyday there are accidents on that road.

On the 21^st of February, as I was returning home, my bike began to give me trouble. Both the wheels needed to be repaired. So I halted at a small shop in a village to repair the bike. As I got off my seat, I felt my head spinning and aching. I was not able to walk. Little did I realize that I had got a paralytic stroke and my right side was not functioning normally!

This had happened at about 4:30 p.m. But until 10 p.m. I was lying in that shop. The owner informed my family. They came and took me straight to the hospital in Ambernath. On admission (it was about midnight) the doctor said that the most crucial hours had passed. But my blood pressure was very high and only when it came down, could he say something.

All the while I knew my Jesus was working in me. Praise the Lord! My blood pressure came down within hours. The next day, I was sent for a brain scan, which showed fresh bleeding and clots.

When I got this attack on the road, I had just called out to Jesus, “Lord, You save me, I do not know what is happening to me.” It is Jesus who did save me. I am now back with my family and back to work. The Lord gave me this illness only to glorify His name.

“When Jesus heard it He said, ‘this illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.” (John 11:4-5)

I am perfectly healthy now, the clots have vanished and I am completely normal.

Healed of Childhood Polio Limp (Miss. Mariolo Furtado, Kuwait)

Leg braces had become a part of me ever since I began using them as a tiny one year old. A severe attack of Polio had affected my left leg, stunting its growth and gradually shortening its length by nearly three inches. My left leg was very much thinner than the other. I had to wear heeled leather boots and grew up walking with a prominent limp to the left side.

When I first encountered Jesus in my life, I learnt to surrender all my problems at His feet. Accepting my handicap as part of God’s plan for my life, I began to walk with the Lord in faith… it was the beginning of my spiritual growth. He has always stood by my side and never left my hand since. My faith in the Lord has also remained strong as ever.

I am working in Kuwait and had to fly down to Kerala to attend a retreat at Divine Centre in February 1996. My Lord touched me and I experienced his glory during the Adoration. Feeling a painful sensation in my right leg, I came to know the wonder that was taking place… the Lord had begun to heal me.

My left leg had miraculously grown longer and healthier. My limp had also greatly improved and become less painful. Jesus had indeed manifested His glory in all its majesty from the day of my arrival here. He has healed me step by step. Now I can stand on my own two feet for the very first time.

Before I returned to Kuwait, I cast away my calipers and boots, since I did not need them anymore. It was a scene of utter amazement, joy and jubilation that greeted me there. My family, friends, acquaintances and my doctors were unanimous in their proclamation that this was nothing but the glory of the Lord, manifested through this great miracle.

I could only shout “Alleluia” to the Lord. I proclaim the wonder of His work wherever I go. At prayer meetings, at my work place and during social visits, I testify that the Lord’s mercies will never cease. Several prayer groups in Kuwait have learnt of my recovery. In February 1997, I came once again to the Divine Retreat Centre. This time it was only to thank and praise the Lord for all His mighty blessings.

Eucharistic Celebration Healing (Rosalind D’Costa, Mumbai)

“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praises shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)

In late 1996, I had a fall. I bumped my head, fell on my back and hurt my right thigh. Immediately, I praised and thanked God that there was no head injury but only severe pain in my back and on the right thigh. I had great difficulty to get on to my bed that night.

I was advised to get myself admitted to the Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai for an X-ray. But I decided not to go to the hospital. Laid up in bed for almost two weeks, I could barely stand or sit down for a long period of time. My lower back and thigh ached while walking to the dining room for my meals.

During those days, I continued to praise and thank God for the situation that I was in. my daily prayer was: “Jesus, You are a mighty God, a mighty Healer, the Divine Physician; Jesus, You are my rock and fortress. I do believe that You can heal me without being admitted to hospital and thus reveal to everyone that nothing is impossible with You, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Meanwhile, I attended a three-day convention led by a team from the Divine Centre at the Sacred Heart Church, Santa Cruz. I participated in all the services from morning till night.

On the first day of the retreat, at the Eucharistic Celebration, I felt that I was healed of all my aches and pain. I was able to sit the whole day. I could also stand up, clap my hands and sing hymns of praise to my Lord.

I was thrilled that Jesus my Divine Healer had worked this miracle for me. That night, I was able to walk home to my brother’s residence without any difficulty, praising God silently.

Complete Healing of Spondylitis (Celeste D’Silva, Navi, Mumbai)

In the year 1982, I was diagnosed as having spondylitis of both the cervical and lumbar regions. I was treated with strong painkillers for the severe pain. But the medicines started affecting my nerves. Due to the pain, I was unable to sit or hold my head up for long. I had to use a belt to support my back.

I came for a retreat at the Divine Centre in the first week of November 1997. On the first day itself, I was relieved of all my pain. I stopped taking the painkillers and also discarded my belt after that. Praise the Lord!

“For thou, O LORD, hast made me glad by thy work; at the works of thy hands I sing for joy.” (Psalm 92:4)

Healing Through Forgiveness (Magret D’costa, Goa)

I was suffering from fits and used to take sleeping tablets for more than 12 years. Now I have stopped taking the tablets for the past one year that is from February 2003 to March 2004. I am also healed of fits. I attended the retreat during the third week of February 2003. . I received the healing through forgiveness and my mother’s prayers. I am here along with my mother to thank and praise God for touching and healing me. “The Lord is good; his love is eternal and his faithfulness lasts for ever”(ps.99:5)

Priest's Heart Deeply Touched During Retreat (Fr.Gregory Gomes. S.J., Patna)

Praise be the name of Jesus! I thank the Lord for the beautiful experience at the Divine Retreat Centre. Thank you for the prayers, sermons and counselling during my retreat at the centre. It was a touching experience with the Lord and I wish to share some of them with you.

There were many moments during the retreat where the Lord touched me deeply. I firmly believe now, God is powerful and it is through God's word that we can surrender ourselves to Him. The devotional songs touched me and at one time when the hymn, 'what a friend we have in Jesus' was sung, I wept profusely. The Lord blessed me with His assurance as a Friend and to pour out all my agonies to Him.

A number of passages inspired me namely: Is 49:15, Is 43:4, Psalm 27:10. The words that struck me were; 'Your heart is made to be filled with God's Love'. 'Love will conquer. Go after the Healer and healing will follow'. -'If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink' (John 7:37). 'For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be' (Lk.12: 34). 'GOD MUST BE FIRST IN OUR LIVES'. 'My Word is life' (John 6:63).

Another deep experience I had was the forgiving love of the Father. I sat for confession from 9.30am to 8 pm with a short break. It was such a beautiful experience- I wept many times as I absolved people and in between I felt inspired to go and confess whole heartedly. It was truly a touching experience of how infinite the Love of the Father is. His mercy is all caring and loving. I truly experienced His presence. God did speak to me that He cares and loves me and His love has no end.

The witnesses of the healing and merciful love of God had a great impact on me. I could feel God's touch flowing in my heart as persons shared their experience of prayer. 'When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst', these words became a reality. The whole house became His presence and each one experienced this. Even though there were so many children yet the house was quiet and filled with prayer and God's presence. Thank you and praise you Jesus, Alleluia! "Give Me Life So That I May Praise You; May Your Instructions Help Me"(Ps.119: 175)

Our Experience Of God's Love (Subi Abraham, Auckland)

By the grace of God our family and friends were blessed by the Lord and I myself started to see life in a different perspective; leading us to a prayer filled, simple life. The following are the miracles, which God did for us.

1. My friend Steven from Baptist denomination had come to drop his father for one of the evening retreats while Fr.Augustine was in Auckland. After listening to the talk for 15 minutes he turned to leave, at that time he fell unconscious and was carried by people outside the church and given water. When he gained consciousness after few minutes he was told by all of us not to drive the car and was forced to sit and listen to the talk. During the healing session Father announced that a person with neck pain in one side is being healed. Steven was suffering a severe neck pain for the last couple of weeks making it difficult for him to move his head. The next day he realized that he could move his head easily and felt that he was the one forced to stay in the church by Jesus to get healed and he sent an email to all his friends and to us about the joy he felt for the strange way, this miracle happened to him.

2. I was having severe pain on the left side of my back for the last 3-4 years and found it difficult to do house hold work as each year passed. In May, Fr.Mathew Naickomparambil visited Auckland for 2 days at Christ the King Church. As I got out of the car I felt severe back pain and cried to God to heal me. During the Malayalam retreat father announced that a person with pain on one side of the back is being healed. I felt hot air passing through my body. The next day Father announced that 20 people are healed of back pain. I claimed the healing. I do lots of work but I don't feel the nagging pain anymore. After the retreat I am also experiencing lot of peace of mind which I did not feel before.

3. My husband was promised a promotion and salary hike for the last one-year but nothing happened. This made him feel depressed and used by his organisation. After the retreat in May by Fr.Naickomparambil, my husband got his promotion with good salary hike. By these miraculous experiences we draw closer to God and through our lives we give witness to His marvelous presence among us. "The One Who Brought These Calamities Upon You Will Rescue You And Bring You Everlasting Joy." (Bar.4: 29)

God Was With Us (Ena.A, West Africa)

I was engaged in the year 1996. In December 1997 I got married. I was unable to conceive. I consulted many doctors, traditional healers, but nothing worked. I was getting old and desperate. I continued praying. In the year 2000 while I was in France, I went for three days retreat to Lourdes to pray to our Mother Mary. The second day of my visit I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit around me. I understood that Mother Mary heard my prayer.

In June 2000, in Paris I solicited a fecundation in- vitro and it was not successful. I left in mid July to join my husband. On the way to Rwanda, (Central Africa) where my husband lives, in the aeroplane, I was crying and asking for God's mercy to forgive my sins. In the month of July I went for a test and the result was positive. I thanked and praised God. After a month during my first prenatal visit the doctor did an ultrasound and wrote in the report that "it is a clear egg". I cried, I visited another doctor and this one too confirmed what the first doctor told me and advised my husband and me, not to try to keep it but to abort it. I did not lose hope, In June 2001; I went to France again to try another fertilization in-vitro.

Finally I wrote to Father Augustine. In his reply, he wrote, "Rejoice because God is near". I believed that, and I continued praying. In August 2001, I missed my period again. This time, I did the pregnancy test at home and it was positive. God answered my prayer. The result I got after my first prenatal check up was encouraging. Nine months later, I got a healthy baby boy by caesarean. In the operation room, I did not cease to pray to our Mother Mary. I bled a lot; the team of medical personnel got scared that I would die. Here too God saved my life.

My baby is two years old now. I believe that God is great. "When God opens a door, nobody can close it". I remember always what Jesus says; "Ask and you shall receive". I am grateful to Divine Retreat Centre, Father Augustine and Sr.Eula in Nazareth School in Ethiopia. Thank you Jesus, Praise you Jesus. Alleluia! "I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adverities" (Ps.31: 7)

13-Year Stammer Healed (Savio Mascarenhas, Goa)

I am a Seaman. I experienced a special power in the inner healing retreats at Divine. So I attended for the third time a retreat on 20th June 2004 at Divine Retreat Centre. I thank and praise God for his mighty miracles in my life and blessing my family and me abundantly. My first retreat was in the year 2001. I made a good confession and surrendered all my worries to Jesus and at the time of inner healing Fr.Augustine announced that Jesus is setting free many people from alcohol and smoking. I claimed the healing and started praising and thanking God. It is three years that I have completely given up smoking and drinking. Praise the Lord! I also experienced the love of God. I was suffering from stammering problem for the past 13 years. During the inner healing after surrendering all my hurt feelings to Jesus my heart sensed a great pain going out. After that Fr.Mathew announced that God is healing a person from stammering. I claimed the healing and continued to praise and thank the Lord freely. Jesus also blessed my brother and me with good jobs. Praise you Jesus! Thank you Jesus! "PRAISE THE LORD, ALL LIVING CREATURES! PRAISE THE LORD! (Ps.150: 6)