About Us
Our Mission, History & Leadership
Our Mission
Following the path shown by Jesus Christ, who came to the world to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God, the Church today continues with its primary ministry of Evangelization. Mount Nebo Eparchial Retreat Center, situated at the scenic mountains of Vagamon, is one of the major ministries undertaken by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palai, under the banner of its Evangelization Department.
Under the Diocese of Palai
Mount Nebo Retreat Center operates under the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palai, as part of its Evangelization Department. Located at Vagamon, Kerala, India, we serve as a beacon of spiritual renewal and faith formation.
Evangelization
Proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God
Spiritual Formation
Guided retreats for deepening faith and renewal
Community
Building fellowship through shared spiritual experiences
Sanctuary
A peaceful haven in the scenic mountains of Vagamon
Our Journey
From humble beginnings to a thriving center of spiritual renewal
Mission Inauguration
Mission officially inaugurated by H.E. Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of Palai
St. Sebastian Church, Vagamon
Foundation Stone Blessing
Foundation stone blessed by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselius Cardinal Cleemis
Bharananganam
Laying the Foundation Stone for ABBA BHAVANAM
Foundation stone blessed by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselius Cardinal Cleemis
Bharananganam
ABBA BHAVANAM Inauguration
Mount Nebo Abba Bhavanam blessed by Mar Joseph Kallarangatt. Residential retreats started from December 2022.
Today & Beyond
Mount Nebo Retreat Center continues to serve as a vibrant center for spiritual renewal, hosting regular one-day and residential retreats. We welcome hundreds of pilgrims each month seeking deeper communion with God in the peaceful embrace of Vagamon's mountains.
Our Leadership
Spiritual guides dedicated to evangelization and faith formation
Rev. Dr. Thomas Vazhacharickal
Appointed Director
March 28, 2015
Education
PhD in Spiritual Theology, 2015
Rev. Dr. Thomas Vazhacharickal did his ecclesiastical studies at Good Shepherd Minor Seminary, Palai and St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor and was ordained a priest on 26 December 1985 by H.E. Mar Joseph Pallickaparambil.
He holds bachelor degrees in English Literature and Education. After twenty five years of ministry as teacher and priest in various parishes under the Eparchy of Palai, he did his Masters in Theology and PhD in Spiritual Theology at St. Peter's Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru, earning his Doctorate in 2015.
His doctoral thesis is 'Spirituality of Exorcism: An Analytical Study on Satanology and Exorcism from a Spiritual Perspective.'
Fr Thomas, during his pastoral ministry of 30+ years has conducted more than hundred retreats at parish and diocese levels. He is involved in 'Exorcism' services under the Bishop of Palai and has also taken part with late Fr. Gabriele Amorth (Official Exorcist, Vatican) in his services at Rome.
Fr. Mathew Kadankavil
Appointed Assistant Director
May 1, 2024
Fr. Mathew Kadankavil serves as the Assistant Director of Mount Nebo Retreat Center, supporting the spiritual formation and administrative operations of the center.
Connect with Our Leadership
Have questions about retreats or spiritual guidance? Our team is here to help you on your spiritual journey.
Contact UsLocation & Facilities
Find us in the serene mountains of Vagamon, Kerala
Address
Mount Nebo Retreat Center
Vagamon, 685 503
Idukki, Kerala
Phone
Our Facilities
Mount Nebo Retreat Center, also known as Abba Bhavanam, provides all the amenities needed for a peaceful and spiritually enriching retreat experience.
Prayer Hall
Spacious worship area for Mass and communal prayer
Accommodation
Comfortable rooms for residential retreat participants
Community Dining
Shared meals fostering fellowship and community
Natural Setting
Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Vagamon hills
About Vagamon
Nestled in the Western Ghats at an elevation of approximately 975 meters, Vagamon is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, rolling meadows, and cool climate. This tranquil hill station provides the perfect setting for spiritual contemplation and renewal.
Altitude: 3,200 feet above sea level