Bethany Sisters Focus on Spiritual Renewal Ahead of Ruby Jubilee Celebrations

Mangaluru, November 9, 2026: The Mangalore Province of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany organised its fifth Ruby Jubilee Renewal Programme at Maryvel Convent, Kinnigoli, on November 7, bringing together 42 Sisters from ten convents for a day of reflection on consecrated life and community living.

The programme was part of a series of spiritual renewal initiatives being conducted at six centres across the Province in preparation for the Congregation's Ruby Jubilee celebrations.

Fr. Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director of the Diocese of Shimoga and a Catholic Charismatic preacher, led the sessions. The programme began with a prayer service and a welcome address by Sr. Venisha BS, Assistant Provincial Superior.

Addressing the theme "Crisis in Religious Life and Rediscovering Jesus through Scripture", Fr. Franklin drew on Luke 5:1–11 to encourage the Sisters to renew their personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God and confront the challenges facing consecrated life.

During the Eucharistic celebration, he reflected on the "15 Diseases of the Community", a theme drawn from Pope Francis' 2014 Christmas address to the Roman Curia. He urged the Sisters to identify attitudes that undermine community life and cultivate humility, mutual understanding and a spirit of service.

The afternoon session focused on forgiveness and the Eucharist, drawing inspiration from Matthew 18:21–35 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–32. Fr. Franklin emphasised forgiveness and reconciliation as essential to religious life, calling on the participants to build relationships grounded in love and communion.

The programme concluded with a Healing and Anointing Adoration in the evening, offering the Sisters an opportunity for prayer and personal spiritual renewal.

Sr. Lolita Prema Pereira BS proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the resource person, Provincial Leadership, organising community and participants.

The renewal programme was one of six initiatives planned across the Province to prepare the Sisters spiritually for the Ruby Jubilee and strengthen their commitment to the Congregation's charism and mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter