Cenacle 2025: A Transformative Experience in Faith and Leadership

Cenacle 2025 was a unique and spiritually enriching retreat held from Friday, August 1 to Monday, August 4, 2025, at the serene Carmelite Retreat Center in Darien, IL. With the theme of Servant Leadership rooted in Luke 22:25-30, the event offered attendees a transformative experience of faith, leadership, and community.

The retreat kicked off on Friday afternoon with registration, followed by icebreakers that helped attendees connect and get to know one another. A welcome dinner was followed by a session outlining the objectives and expectations of the retreat. Rev. Fr. Michael Edathil, the Director of Family Apostolate, and Rev. Sr. Jocelyn Edathil were also present, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the retreat.

Saturday – “Serving God First”

The first full day centered on “Serving God First.” The day began with a powerful session by Rev. Fr. Joby Joseph, who spoke on building a personal relationship with Christ. The morning continued with separate talks for men and women on understanding God's purpose through the lens of the Theology of the Body, led by Binu Abraham, Matt Kuriakose, Linda Kuriakose, and Anjitha Cherunilam. Participants also took part in a Charisms Questionnaire, with the results discussed later by Anjitha Cherunilam in her session, “Charism Code: Cracking Your Divine Design.”

Linda Kuriakose’s session, “Healed to Be Whole,” offered profound insights into the importance of healing and forgiveness. The day culminated with a moving adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, during which each participant held a piece of incense, and after Adoration, deposited in an "alabaster jar" to be used as incense during Holy Qurbono, symbolizing their prayers and offerings. The evening was marked by a Bonfire, inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, fostering a spirit of fellowship and unity.

Sunday – “Serving God’s People”

Sunday’s theme, “Serving God’s People,” began with a session titled “Servant over Status” led by Rev. Fr. Joby Joseph. Following this, Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos celebrated the Holy Qurbono, with members of the Chicago Syro Malankara Catholic Parish joining in the sacred service. This was followed by an agape lunch that further strengthened community bonds.

In the afternoon, Tessy Philip led a session on “Communication and Speaking with Love,” focusing on how to build positive, compassionate relationships. The day continued with Matt Kuriakose’s talk, “From Lambs to Leaders,” which emphasized cultivating new leaders for the church and community. Rev. Fr. Jerry Mathew then addressed the signs of burnout and provided practical advice on how to recognize and recover from it. The evening concluded with another adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a roadmapping activity where participants collaborated to plan a year of MCYM events for their parishes.

Monday – Reflection and Commissioning

The final day of Cenacle 2025 offered participants a chance to reflect and share the graces they received throughout the retreat. During a Sharing of Graces session, participants broke into groups to discuss their personal experiences and insights. Volunteers from each group shared their testimonies with the larger gathering. The retreat concluded with a Commissioning of Leaders by Bishop Philipos Mar Stephanos, who blessed each participant individually, empowering them to be servant leaders in their communities.

Throughout the retreat, participants were encouraged to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and had the opportunity for one-on-one conversations and prayers with the retreat speakers.

A Blessed Success

Cenacle 2025 was a remarkable and transformative experience, with 54 participants actively engaging throughout the four days. Attendees from various churches forged new friendships, strengthened their faith, and were spiritually nourished by the event. The Eparchy extends heartfelt thanks to the MCYMNA Board and its Director, Rev. Fr. Jerry Mathew, for organizing this spiritually enriching and impactful retreat.