COME , COME ,TO POTTA AND SEE FOR YOURSELF Thousands of faithful travel regularly to Divine Retreat Centre (DRC) Potta, Kerela for 6 days spiritual renewal, in fundamental behavior , attitudinal and lasting transformations . Indians of all religions from many States find solace, peace and happiness at the DRC, encouraging everyone with special arrangements respecting their sentiments., Priests, religious, nuns and brothers, form different congregation, youth from many countries are frequent visitors to DRC.The route is tortuous and circuitous for Goans, if weekly direct train to Potta from Goa is not available., which is heavily booked in advance., The same train brings back the retreatants at the end of the week. The demand for more trains to cope with crowds has fallen on deaf ears over the years. Travel from Goa by private buses is an option but not comfortable and costs more. Even Mr. Churchill Alemao had intervened in the past for more train travel facilities , but to no avail . Presently more easy travel to TABOR, another centre by DRC in Mumbai is an option for Goans for 3 days confinement.. There is no separate room’ facility but dormitory type accommodation at Tabor. The people searching for peace, joy and happiness and renewal are a legend, are convinced about the numerous testimonies, miracles, mental and physical healings, revival of broken family relationships, gifts of conceiving, life partners, success in jobs and examinations etc, as after effects of attending the sessions at Potta.. Many have been healed of physical incurable diseases and personal addictions of drugs, alcohol smoking and other vices with inspiring testimonies.. No amount of obstacles can deter the faith seekers from undertaking the arduous, indirect journey . Pota fathers have been donated a huge land close to Carmel College at Nuvem. They have been pleading ever since with the ecclesiastical authorities of Goa Diocese to grant them the formal approval. Potta. Fathers are operating popular Retreat Centres in many states of India and have expanded on demand outside India, and also conduct retreats on invitation. Pope has declared Potta DRC as the the centre for proselyting in Asia. They conduct special retreats for priests, nuns,religious, youth, faith promoters. Bible study courses of various durations They look after the Aid patients , orphans old people,and widows among diverse activities . Children attending with the parents have a special programmes.. Medical facilities are provided on the premises. They have publications, in many languages religious articles l music CD`s , religious books and a newly opened God T,V centre for the propagation of faith. At a time even 30 thousand are catered for in different languages with clock like precision, unbelievable efficiency in distributing meals and refreshments. The Superior DRC, personally visited Goa and with the intercession of some political catholic bigwigs who tried to take the issue of establishing a centre in Goa , but to no avail.. There are many lay brothers and converts in Goa , who are organising such retreats, even in the Catholic parishes and inviting Potta teams. Without any objections from ecclesiastical authorities..The qualifications, theological authority , competence with experience and orientation courses at DRC and expertise of some brothers/sisters conducting retreats for gains are highly suspect. , compared to the priestly studies of 14 years and involvement in the Ministry of Christ. The adoration of Eucharistic healing services, visions, testimonies are a great attractions, emphasized, publicized and glorified, Faithful seem to take these healings aspects ,relief from mental and physical disorders more seriously along with the fulfillment of other material needs of common and general nature. There are private retreat centres commanding catholic audiences far greater than some churches in many parts of Goa and without authority functioning for personal gratification, glorifying old testament, fear of punishment, retributions, restitutions souls of ancestors and no Eucharistic celebration or confessions no accent on faith, belief, trust and love of Christ, with selective references to Bible
There are some retreat centres e, g at old Goa, new retreat centre Jesuits house at Baga, Pilar Society, S.V.D fathers at Raia in Goa organising , periodical. Retreats, apart from churches conducting Lenten retreats in Goa The retreat at Potta is not financial burden the food is varied , more than satisfying in every respect ,at the very nominal price The emphasis is never on economics and they do not induce donations in any way. The accent is not definitely on financial matters. . Non catholics are not bared from attendance and there is no discrimination except restrictions to receive Holy Eucharist. Potta Fathers do not propagate against the dogmas of the church or catholic tenets. Why is it the Church in Goa is being so averse to their presence? Is it afraid of their influence and loss of their pre eminence in the religious matters many diocesan schools and churches are now managed by other religious orders. The selflessness, of Potta Fathers, their captivating preaching , specific expertise is their hall mark Allow them to share in this mission.. Competition in all fields breaks monopoly, exploitation and provides a good option and an alternative, which can supplement the efforts of the Goa Diocese The undue delay in granting permission for Potta fathers to open a centre in Goa should not become a bone of contention based on illusory fear of migration and popularity of their mission. Goans flock in large numbers at DRC frequently in spite of trouble of travel and will continue to do so for what they perceive as beneficial exercise in depening beleif, faith alove and trust in Jesus.Goa centre at most will become a convenient centre and not competition to Diocese Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
