About

Divine Retreat Centre, Somersby

One of the evangelisation centres of the Vincentian Congregation, and a retreat centre of the Diocese of Broken Bay.

“For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

Isaiah 56:7

Divine Retreat Centre, Somersby is one of the evangelisation centres of the Vincentian Congregation, and the retreat centre is under the Diocese of Broken Bay. People from many different walks of life come here to know something of God’s mercy and power. Let us pray that all who come may experience God’s abundant love.

The Vincentian Congregation

The Vincentian Congregation is a religious and clerical society, founded on 20 November 1904 in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Kerala, India. It was established by Fr Varkey Kattarath together with three diocesan priests, on the common guidelines of St Vincent de Paul, and was raised to pontifical status on 11 February 1968.

Its motto — “The Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18) — was a source of inspiration to St Vincent himself, and the pre-eminent purpose of the Congregation is the evangelisation of the poor. It upholds that mission through parish retreats, preaching, and missionary work in its charitable, social and educational apostolates.

The Congregation is divided into three provinces with more than 500 priests between them, and ministers throughout the world. Divine Retreat Centre, Somersby continues that ministry of evangelisation here, and in dioceses across Australia.

The community at Somersby

Fr Sam Samuel VC

Director

Fr Sam Samuel VC, ordained to the priesthood on 18 June 2009, has been serving as Director of Divine Retreat Centre, Somersby since September 2024. Before coming to Australia, Fr Sam was Director of Divine Retreat Centre Toronto for eight years, and spent six years as a missionary in North East India as Director of Divine Retreat Centre Gumto. The joy and love of Christ that radiates in Fr Sam’s ministry draws the faithful closer to the presence of the Lord in praise and adoration.

Fr Juby Chacko VC

Assistant Director

Fr Juby Chacko VC is from the state of Kerala in India, and was ordained to the priesthood on 1 January 2014. He joined Divine Retreat Centre in 2023 and is well into his mission of evangelisation and of celebrating Christ’s love — as he puts it, “the greatest of these is love”. Fr Juby’s priesthood is a service of love: a ministry springing from love, aiming at love, and making visible the saving love of Christ to all.

Come and see for yourself.

The surest way to know whether this place is for you is to spend a weekend here.

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