Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 30: The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany, Mangalore Province, is preparing to celebrate its Ruby Jubilee through a series of renewal programmes being organised at eight centres across the province. The programmes are aimed at providing the sisters with a time of spiritual renewal, reflection and deeper commitment to their religious vocation.

Renowned Catholic Charismatic preacher Fr Franklin D’Souza is serving as the resource person for these renewal programmes.

The second batch of the ruby jubilee renewal programme was held on September 29, at Rosa Mystica Convent, Kinnikambla, Mangaluru. A total of 74 sisters from Rosa Mystica Convent, Kinnikambla; Pompei Convent, Kowdur; Nazareth Convent, Bajpe; and St Joseph Convent, Subadha, participated in the programme.

The day began with a prayer service, followed by a warm welcome address by Sr Leena Pereira, Superior of Rosa Mystica Convent, Kinnikambla. She welcomed Fr Franklin D’Souza and all the participating sisters and expressed her joy at hosting the renewal programme.

The first session commenced with Fr Franklin reflecting on ‘Crisis in religious life and rediscovering Jesus through scripture.’ Drawing inspiration from Luke 5:1–11, he invited the sisters to examine the challenges confronting religious life today and to rediscover the person of Jesus through a deeper encounter with the Word of God.

The Holy Eucharist became another significant moment of grace and reflection. In his homily, Fr Franklin spoke on ‘Looking at our conscience,’ drawing from Mark 6:17–29. He encouraged the sisters to make an honest examination of their lives and to remain faithful to the call and mission entrusted to them by God.

Following the lunch break, the afternoon session began. Fr Franklin led the sisters into a reflection on ‘Forgiveness and the Eucharist,’ based on Matthew 18:21–35 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–32. He highlighted the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation and worthy participation in the Eucharist as essential elements of authentic Christian and religious life.

The programme reached its spiritual culmination with a healing and anointing adoration. In an atmosphere of prayer and surrender, the sisters were invited to place their personal struggles, wounds and concerns before the Lord and to experience His healing presence.

The renewal programme concluded with a profound experience of prayer and spiritual rejuvenation. The day offered the sisters an opportunity to renew their relationship with Jesus, deepen their spiritual commitment and rediscover the joy and meaning of their vocation as consecrated women.

As the Bethany Sisters journey towards their Ruby Jubilee, the renewal programmes serve as meaningful moments to look back with gratitude, live the present with renewed faith and move forward with hope and a deeper commitment to their mission and vocation.