Fr. Sam Samuel VC, ordained to the priesthood on June 18th, 2009, has been serving as the Director of Divine Retreat Centre Somersby since September 2024. Before coming to Australia, Fr. Sam served as the Director of Divine Retreat Center Toronto for 8 years and 6 years as a missionary, working in North East India, serving as Director of Divine Retreat Centre Gumto. The joy and love of Christ which radiates in Fr. Sam’s ministry draws the faithful closer to the presence of the Lord in praise and adoration.
Who We Are
A catholic healing centre celebrating Christ’s love, through His Divine Mercy
Divine Retreat Centre is a place of healing, A place to grow with God, A place to find the real you!
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW, offers a peaceful sanctuary for individuals and families seeking spiritual growth and healing. Nestled in a picturesque landscape, this Catholic retreat Centre was established in 2013 by the Vincentian Congregation.
As the first Divine Retreat Centre in Australia, it emphasizes the message of Christ’s Divine Mercy, welcoming people from all walks of life to experience joy, peace, and renewal through retreats and pilgrimages. The centre features prayer halls, adoration chapel, Way of the Cross, Rosary path and serene walking paths for prayer and meditation.
Each month, we host residential retreats as well as one-day prayer services and personal retreats aimed at helping individuals cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ. We also have confessions available and spiritual direction by appointment.
Eucharistic Chapel
The Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus Christ within our midst. Words of Jesus to St Margaret Mary “I have a burning thirst to be honored by men in the Blessed Sacrament.” Our Eucharist Chapel is open for all to adore, and pray to the Lord.
St. Faustina Shrine
The Divine Mercy Of Christ was given to the world through St. Faustina of Kowalska. In 2022, Divine Retreat Centre opened a Shrine in her honor with her 1st Class Relics on display for veneration & intercessory prayer.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Shrine
St. Teresa of Calcutta is the Saint of our times, living the perfect example of love and charity toward the poor. With a Holy Shrine in her Honor, her 1st Class relics are on display for veneration and intercessory prayer.
Prayer for Divine Retreat Centre
“Heavenly Father, let your eyes be open night and day upon the Divine Retreat Centre, Somersby.
May your Holy presence fill this house of prayer.
In this your temple, may the rejected feel accepted, the depressed, find hope and the wounded find healing.”
Calvary
Divine Retreat Centre holds one of the largest Outdoor Calvary scenes in Australia. A scene of inexhaustible love and compassion of the God that loves us.
All are welcome to come as pilgrims to pray at the foot of Christ’s cross honoring Christ during His final hours and agonizing death on the cross.
Spiritual Retreats
Divines Spiritual Retreats are spiritually filled weekend retreats to reignite, renew, and grow deeper into a personal relationship with God. Unleash the heavy weight of burdens causing despair, anxiety, and depression. Break the chains of anger and unforgiveness, and begin a new chapter in your life with joy and peace.
Healing Retreats
Our healing retreats are a calling out to Christ’s Mercy for physical, mental, and emotional healing. From addictions to relationship problems, self-brokenness, and despair, The Lord can heal all pains even those of rejection and abuse. “Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened,” Matthew 7:7.
Mission
A call to a new evangelization
Through our healing ministry, we spread christ’s love & mercy, as he calls each person to be submerged into His Divine love of forgiveness & healing.
Values
Continuing the mission of St Vincent De Paul
As catholic priests of the St Vincentian Congregation, we commit to sharing the love of the gospel; so others may live in the light and joys of Christ.
Beliefs
Christ dwells amongst us.
Jesus Christ is the Living God and a healer. Through the charism, and sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church, Christ works miraculous wonders! Alleluia!
Spiritual Growth
A new relationship with God
Our retreats through the Holy Gospel teach how to open the heart and soul to receive God’s blessings and gracious love to grow spiritually and fruitfully in Christ.
Healing
Everyone has a story to be shared
Our past and present experiences change who we are meant to be. Divine healing retreats through the Merciful heart of Jesus calls each person to the healing of mind, body, and soul.
Family Friendly
We are all children of God
A family-focused community, with many events and weekend retreats suitable for families. Our youth and children ministries are included in our couples retreat.
Our Priests
Father Juby Varghese VC
Assistant Director
Originating from the state of Kerala, India, Fr Juby celebrated His Holy Ordination to the priesthood on the 1st of January 2014. Joining Divine, Sydndey in 2023, Father is well into his mission of evangelization and celebrating Christ's Love, as he quotes, "The greatest of these is Love". Father 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.