It is a matter of immense joy that the Sehion Retreat Centre, Thavalam, of the diocese of Palghat has created a website by name Sehion Priests. Beyond all superficial assessment of its usefulness, this website is important for its purpose, above all, of contributing to the mutual understanding, interpersonal relationship and fraternal communion of priests so that they may be better strengthened in their vocation, sustained in priesthood and committed to ministry. Moreover, this website may lead all those who visit it to such a proper or realistic understanding of priests that their importance not only consists in what they do but also in their status of life. In this way, the website excels in the post-modern world as a possible means and a relevant instrument in effectively utilising the fruits of the technical and technological advancements for vitalizing and re-vitalizing the spiritual realm. Considering all these, we may be able to say in a certain sense that the entry of this purely religious site in the worldwide network may open the way to counteract t evils in the cyber world of today.

    It is very significant that the website Sehion Priests is inaugurated at the very outset of the ‘Year of Priests’, declared by Pope Benedict XVI. This offers a zealous occasion to evaluate the existential awareness of priests, theology of the Catholic priesthood, the extraordinary significance of priestly vocation and mission in the Church and in the world. Priests are supposed to consider this as an important opportunity for their internal renewal. Relevant technological instruments may aid in this endeavour. I would say that the new website is a gift in the Year of Priests from the diocese of Palghat to the world of priests.  

    I do hope and pray that the purpose of this website as mentioned above be realised. I take this opportunity to congratulate all those who took the trouble with creativity and imagination for the successful completion of this praiseworthy attempt. I also wish all the best to each and everyone who visits this website. May Christ, the Eternal Priest, bless us all.

                                                        Mar Jacob Manathodath

                                                                     Bishop of Palghat