The Sisters of the Little Flower, Bethany, Northern Province, held their first Bible convention on October 25–26, bringing together 73 sisters and 18 candidates for two days of Scripture reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal in the northern Indian state of Haryana.
The convention, held at the auditorium of St. Theresa’s Convent School in Karnal, centered on the theme, “Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet and a Light to My Path” (Psalm 119:105). It aimed to deepen the participants’ relationship with God’s Word and strengthen their consecrated lives and apostolic mission.
Fr. Franklin D’Souza, spiritual director of the Karnataka Regional Charismatic Renewal Movement and youth director for vocation promotion and formation in the Diocese of Shimoga, served as the resource person. Sr. Diana Serrao BS and Sr. Ophilia Lobo BS facilitated the sessions on the first and second days, respectively.
In her welcome address, Sr. Reena D’Souza, first councilor of the Northern Province and principal of St. Theresa’s Convent School, highlighted the importance of gathering around Scripture as a source of guidance and strength in religious life.
Sr. Arpan Carvalho, provincial superior, encouraged the sisters to make the Word of God the foundation of their personal spirituality, community relationships, and apostolic commitments.
Drawing on the Gospel account of the miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:1–11), Fr. D’Souza opened the sessions by reflecting on “Crisis in Life and Rediscovering Jesus in One’s Faith.” He invited participants to trust Christ amid uncertainty and challenges.
During the Eucharistic celebration, he reflected on the question “How Alive Is Your Conscience?” based on Mark 6:13–29, encouraging the sisters to examine their conscience and remain faithful to Gospel values.
Other sessions explored the transforming power of Scripture through the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), and the role of forgiveness in healing personal and community relationships, drawing on Matthew 18:21–35.
The first day concluded with Eucharistic adoration and a healing session, during which participants were invited to bring their personal struggles and burdens before Christ.
On October 26, the program began with praise and worship, followed by a guided meditation titled “A Letter to Jesus.” A session on “Fifteen Diseases of Our Lives,” based on Psalm 32:1–7, encouraged participants to recognize spiritual obstacles, acknowledge their weaknesses, and seek God’s forgiveness.
Five priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during a period of confession and Eucharistic adoration. The convention concluded with a session on the infilling of the Holy Spirit and anointing adoration, followed by Benediction and the closing Eucharist.
A vote of thanks acknowledged Fr. D’Souza, the provincial leadership, facilitators, priests, organizing committee, and others who contributed to the event.
The convention encouraged the sisters and candidates to carry the insights of the two-day gathering into their communities and ministries, drawing on Scripture, the Eucharist, and prayer to strengthen their witness to Christ through compassion, forgiveness, and service.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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