Prarthana Bhawan Retreat Centre was founded in 1999 under the visionary leadership of the late Bishop Symphorian Keeprath, then Bishop of Jalandhar, as a spiritual renewal and charismatic centre. Established under the aegis of the Diocese of Jalandhar, this sacred space has become a beacon of hope and healing for many over the years.
Bishop Symphorian appointed Fr. Basil Mookkanthottathil as the centre’s first director. Under his prayerful and dedicated guidance, the centre began to flourish. Fr. Basil was supported by the dedicated priests of the Diocese, including Fr. Simon Kalladayil, Fr. Joseph Chirappara, Fr. Paul Roy, Fr. Joseph Thakadiel, Fr. Jose Sebastian, Msgr. Daniel Gill, and Fr. Jose Mukkunnal. Through Fr. Basil’s tireless efforts, fervent prayers, and fasting, the centre earned its name Prabhu Yeshu Da Prarthana Bhawan and became a pilgrimage centre known as Our Lady of Prarthana Bhawan.
As the centre continued to grow, the DM Sisters joined the mission, and Fr. Basil introduced three-day prayer services, First Friday Night Vigils, and retreats for different groups of people. Sundays became special at the centre as large crowds began to gather for worship and prayer. The annual feast, celebrated on 7 October (Our Lady of the Rosary), draws countless pilgrims from far and near, with many experiencing healings, miracles, and signs of God’s grace. Outreach programmes to nearby villages and parishes helped bring even more people to the centre.
In 2015, Fr. Basil was transferred, and Fr. Agin took over. In 2016, the leadership was passed on to Fr. Varghese Kachpilly and Fr. Peter Hans, who continued leading retreats and further expanding the centre’s ministry.
On 8 June 2019, Fr. Simon was appointed as the director, with Fr. James Chacko and Fr. Arun OSH joining him in ministry. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the centre continued to offer spiritual support to the faithful. After Fr. James Chacko was transferred to Jalandhar, Fr. Jibin Joseph took over for a year before being succeeded by Fr. Peter Shergill.
Today, the centre is led by Fr. Parveen, along with a dedicated team of priests, sisters, catechists, and lay faithful who uphold the tradition of round-the-clock intercessory prayer. Prarthana Bhawan Retreat Centre remains a place of spiritual renewal, healing, and hope, bringing God’s love and grace to all who seek it.
Prarthana Bhawan’s Mission and Role
Prarthana Bhawan plays a vital role within the Diocese, embodying a holistic vision of spiritual and community development. Under the dedicated leadership of Father Simon, the centre continues to serve as a beacon of faith and spiritual renewal for Catholics across the region.
The centre offers a diverse range of programmes centred on spiritual healing, prayer services, training sessions, and specialised retreats designed for various groups, including priests, religious, catechists, youth, families, and intercessors. Through regular retreats, Prarthana Bhawan nurtures the spiritual growth of Catholic communities, helping participants strengthen their faith and gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs.
Beyond individual spiritual enrichment, Prarthana Bhawan fosters a sense of community, providing a space where people can come together, share in their faith journeys, and build lasting connections rooted in their shared belief in Christ. This broader mission of faith and fellowship ensures that the centre remains a cornerstone of spiritual life in the region.
Location and Accessibility
Prarthana Bhawan Retreat center is located in Ludhiana, Punjab. It is about 9.31 kilometers away from the Govindgarh railway station.
