Holy Redeemer Renewal Centre, Umroi

Towards the end of 1996, the MSFS Congregation purchased a plot of land with a house in Umroi, about 10 km away from the Guwahati–Shillong (G.S.) Highway and close to the Shillong Airport. Initially, the place was intended to serve as a Minor Seminary for candidates from the North East, so that they would not have to travel to Thamarassery for their formation.

A building was constructed for this purpose and named MSFS Seminary, “Lum Mermier.” The seminary functioned there until early 2001, accommodating three batches of seminarians, after which it was shifted to Medziphema.

During the Provincial Chapter of 1999, the confreres of the Province discussed the need to establish a Retreat Centre. The Provincial Administration decided to move forward with this initiative and identified Umroi as a suitable location.

In the early years, Fr. Chacko Varapadavil began conducting monthly conventions, organizing retreats, and undertaking outreach programmes. In 2001, Fr. Reji Kizhakkethalackal, who was appointed as the Mission Preacher of the Province, joined Fr. Chacko to assist in the preaching ministry.

Gradually, the monthly conventions became a regular event, attracting a large number of participants. On average, around one thousand people attended these conventions regularly, as the ministry gained recognition and acceptance across the region. Retreat programmes at the centre also began attracting participants from outside the state. The centre soon started conducting weekly residential retreats.

To accommodate the growing number of participants, a new retreat hall and a dormitory for men were constructed in 2001.

Growth of the Ministry

Sr. Blandina Momin MSMHC (2000–2006), who had been supporting Fr. Chacko in his preaching ministry even before the centre was formally established, joined the preaching team in 2000 and served faithfully until 2006.

In 2006, Fr. Chacko went to Rome for a renewal course, and Fr. Devasia Manalel was appointed as the Director of the centre. During 2006–2007, Fr. Johny Kuttikottayil served as the Superior and Administrator of the centre. The ministry continued with great momentum through retreats and monthly conventions.

In the same period, Sr. Smitha (2006–2009), a member of a secular institute from Kerala, joined the preaching ministry and contributed significantly until 2009.

As the ministry expanded and the number of priests and staff increased, a new residence for the priests was constructed during 2007–2008.

After returning from Rome in 2007, Fr. Chacko Varapadavil resumed his preaching ministry at the centre. As the number of programmes and participants increased over the years, more priests were appointed to assist in the ministry. Fr. Joby Kurikilamkattu joined the centre in 2007, followed by Fr. Jude Poovakulathu in 2008, both serving as assistants in the preaching ministry.

During 2015–2016, the centre underwent further development and beautification. A new Adoration Chapel was built, new statues of the Way of the Cross were installed on the campus, and the approach road was cemented, giving the centre a renewed and welcoming appearance.

Ministries of the Centre

The Holy Redeemer Renewal Centre offers a wide range of spiritual ministries, including:

• Monthly Charismatic Conventions

• Weekly Healing and Deliverance Ministry

• Daily Prayer and Healing Services

• Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

• Redeemer’s Youth and Kids Ministry

• Word of God Ministry

• Ministry to the Sick and the Poor

• Retreats and Residential Retreats

• Directed Retreats for Religious

• Counselling Ministry

Along with the permanent staff of the centre, many volunteers and intercessors generously assist in the various programmes and ministries conducted throughout the year.

Collaboration of MSMHC Sisters

The MSMHC Sisters renewed their collaboration in the ministry in 2011. Since then, they have been actively involved in various aspects of the centre’s mission, including:

• Preaching ministry

• Counselling

• Intercessory prayer

• Music ministry

• Outreach programmes

• Assisting in the daily administration and functioning of the retreat centre

Their presence and service have greatly enriched the spiritual life and ministry of the centre.