India: Indore Diocese Opens 15th Bible Convention With Focus on God’s Mercy

The Diocese of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, central India, opened its 15th three-day Bible Convention on October 18 at St. Paul Higher Secondary School, bringing together priests and the faithful for Bible-based reflection, prayer and healing.

The convention’s theme is “A Year of Grace of the Merciful God through the Gospel.”

Bishop Thomas Mathew of Indore inaugurated the event by releasing a rosary made of blue and white balloons. Parishioners of Infant Jesus Church in Nandbagh welcomed participants with a dance and a procession carrying a statue of Mary and 100 handwritten copies of the Bible.

Bishop Thomas Mathew, Bishop Emeritus Chacko Thottumarickal of Indore, the convention’s main preacher, Fr Vineet Pereira, Fr Sanjay Kujur SVD, and Vicar General Fr Simon Raj jointly lit the ceremonial lamp during the opening ceremony. The program continued with a Bible reading and an opening prayer by Bishop Thomas, who welcomed Fr Pereira and his team.

In his sermon, Fr Pereira emphasized that knowing God must be accompanied by faith in God’s love.

“God loves us. It is not enough for us merely to know God; it is also important to believe in His love. Let us surrender our lives to the Lord. Our lives are not meant for ourselves; they are meant for God. This life belongs to God,” he said.

During the Mass, Bishop Emeritus Chacko Thottumarickal reflected on the power of the Word of God, drawing on the opening verses of the Gospel of John.

“The Word of God is powerful and mighty. That is why the Word of God draws all of us towards Him,” he said, adding that hearing the Word helps people establish a connection with God.

The first day concluded with Eucharistic adoration and prayers for the healing of the sick. Participants also received prizes for a Bible-writing contest held as part of the convention.

(With inputs from Mr. Sumit)