What Happened When 1,000 Intercessors Gathered in Kerala for Prayer and Mission?

Around 1,000 intercessors from across India gathered at the Divine Retreat Centre in Muringoor, Kerala, from September 18 to 20 for PUSH-2026, a national gathering focused on prayer, intercession and missionary service. Organised by CHARIS India–CNSC in collaboration with KCSC, the gathering was held under the theme “Pray Until Something Happens.” The programme aimed to provide spiritual formation, renewal and preparation for missionary service. The gathering followed the progression “Intimacy → Intercession → Transformation → Mission,” encouraging participants to view intercession as more than occasional prayer and to understand it as a disciplined Christian vocation rooted in a relationship with God. The programme included Holy Eucharist, the Rosary, praise and worship, teaching sessions, testimonies, workshops, prophetic intercession, spiritual warfare and Eucharistic adoration. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the role and responsibilities of intercessors and to pray for individuals, families, communities and the Church. Bishop Alex Tharamangalam delivered the keynote address, highlighting the connection between effective intercession and a deep relationship with God. Fr Johnson, KCSC coordinator, also reflected on the particular role of those involved in intercessory ministry. Several sessions addressed the formation and challenges associated with intercession. Bro Sebastian spoke about difficulties faced in the ministry, while Sr Elsis Mathew discussed the charisms of the Holy Spirit, including the gift of prophecy, followed by a practical workshop. Chevalier Cyril John led sessions on prophetic intercession, while other speakers addressed subjects including suffering, misconceptions about intercession and the responsibilities involved in the ministry. Bro Linus D’Costa spoke about maturity in intercession and encouraged participants to develop a disciplined prayer life. Bro Shaji Scaria reflected on redemptive suffering, while Victor Joans explored the spiritual dimension of intercession and the importance of remaining rooted in Christ while praying for others. Eucharistic adoration was another important part of the gathering. Fr Augustine Vallooran led an Infilling Adoration, while Fr Johnson conducted a special Intercessory Adoration for the nation. Prayers were also offered for prayer groups and service teams. The gathering also connected intercession with evangelisation. Joy Antony spoke on “Our Role as an Intercessor – Evangelisation via Intercession,” highlighting how prayer can support the Church’s missionary work and those involved in proclaiming the Gospel. Fr Thomas Tharayil also reflected on the role and responsibility of intercessors in the life of the Church. Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal presided over the concluding Eucharistic celebration. Participants were then sent back to their prayer groups, families, parishes and dioceses with a renewed commitment to prayer and mission. PUSH-2026 ultimately sought to connect spiritual renewal with missionary action, encouraging participants to continue their intercessory ministry through prayer and service within the Church and society.