India: Ecumenical Lenten Retreat in Secunderabad Unites Christians Across Denominations

In a beautiful expression of Christian unity and shared faith, an Ecumenical Lenten Retreat was held on March 23 in Secunderabad, in the southern Indian state of Telangana, bringing together more than 200 faithful from diverse Christian denominations.

Bishops, priests, pastors, religious men and women, and lay faithful took part in the retreat, which became a powerful witness to communion, prayer, and spiritual renewal during the Lenten season.

The half-day retreat was hosted at Good Shepherd Church in Medchal, a suburb of Secunderabad, and was followed by a fellowship meal.

The ecumenical Lenten retreat was jointly organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) Commission for Ecumenism, the Good Shepherd Church of India, the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council (TCBC) Commission for Ecumenism, the Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC), and the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.

The bilingual prayer service, conducted in English and Telugu, encouraged active participation from leaders and faithful of different Church traditions. The choir of the Good Shepherd Church enhanced the atmosphere with melodious praise and worship, leading the congregation into a deeply reflective and uplifting encounter with God.

A central highlight of the retreat was the spiritually enriching reflections delivered by two prominent Church leaders.

Bishop Pilli Anthony Das, Coadjutor Bishop of Nellore and Chairman of the TCBC Commission for Ecumenism and FTC, spoke on the call to be faithful and fruitful during Lent. He encouraged the faithful to cultivate a deeper desire for Christ, seek the good of others, and live lives marked by compassion, inspired by Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross.

Bishop Josh Lawrence D’Souza, Bishop of the Good Shepherd Church of India, Central Diocese, reflected on the theme “Christ, the Source of Eternal Life.” Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the life of St. John the Apostle, and the teachings of the Church Fathers, he emphasized that the call to eternal life flows from a loving relationship with Christ rather than mere adherence to laws and rituals. He invited the faithful to seek what is above and embrace spiritual renewal.

As the retreat concluded, representatives from various denominations shared greetings, reaffirming the importance of Christian unity and ongoing ecumenical collaboration. The gathering ended with a final prayer and a collective blessing imparted by the bishops, leaving participants spiritually strengthened and inspired.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Fr. Anthaiah Kondaveeti, Secretary of the CCBI/TCBC Commission for Ecumenism. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, with special appreciation to Bishop Josh D’Souza and the Good Shepherd Church of India for their generous hospitality, as well as to all collaborating organizations for their efforts in making the retreat a meaningful and successful event.

The Ecumenical Lenten Retreat stands as a shining example of unity in diversity, an inspiring reminder that, despite differences, Christians are called to walk together in faith, love, and hope.