The Latin Catholic Church of Cyprus held its Jubilee Year 2025 diocesan retreat in Paphos from 14 –16 November. Led by Bishop Bruno Varriano and Fr. Ivan Benaković from Croatia, the fully booked retreat gathered faithful from across the island under the theme “Hope, Anchor of our Soul.”
The weekend opened on Friday with prayers, introductions, and a reflection on Romans (5:5) about Christian perseverance and hope.
Saturday included morning prayer, a teaching on Revelation (21:5) about God renewing all things, quiet time for personal reflection and confession, and an introduction to Lectio Divina focused on forgiveness. Participants then visited important Christian sites in Paphos, including Agia Solomoni Catacombs, the Monastery of Agios Neophytos, and the Pillar of Saint Paul, concluding the day with Mass.
On Sunday, Fr. Ivan spoke about Christian mission and perseverance based on 2 Corinthians (4:4–18), encouraging trust in God and hope in the resurrection. Participants shared moving testimonies before the retreat ended with Sunday Mass and a communal lunch.
This event marks the first major project of the new Diocesan Commission for Pilgrimages, with more retreats and pilgrimages planned for 2026, including a post-Easter journey through Greece following the footsteps of Saint Paul.
