Biblical Understanding Essential for Authentic Preaching, Says Bishop of Mysore

Mysuru, March 16, 2026: Stressing that authentic preaching must be firmly rooted in Sacred Scripture, Bishop Francis Serrao of the Diocese of Mysore called on Charismatic preachers to deepen their biblical formation and exercise responsibility in ministry.

The Bishop made the appeal while addressing Charismatic preachers and members of the diocesan Service Team at the Catholic Centre, Mysuru. The gathering brought together 92 participants from various parts of the diocese and focused on strengthening biblical understanding and responsible ministry within the Charismatic Renewal.

In his address, Bishop Serrao emphasised that preaching should not be undertaken without a proper understanding of the biblical background, context and meaning of Scripture. He noted that the Word of God must be proclaimed with clarity and fidelity so that the faithful receive its true message. Those who have not undergone formal formation, he added, can still contribute to prayer meetings by leading praise and worship.

Clarifying the distinction between leading worship and preaching, the Bishop explained that while many can animate prayer gatherings through praise and worship, preaching requires deeper formation and theological understanding. Preachers, he said, must be familiar with the historical, cultural and spiritual context of the Bible in order to communicate its message accurately.

He also cautioned that preaching should not instil fear or unnecessary guilt among the faithful but should highlight God’s love and mercy. Referring to the parable of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke, the Bishop said the central message of the story is the compassionate love of the Father who welcomes the repentant sinner. Preaching, he noted, should guide people towards hope, repentance and renewed faith.

The Bishop further advised that preaching during retreats and spiritual gatherings should take place in the presence of a priest to ensure that the message remains faithful to the teachings of the Church. Priests, he said, have a responsibility to guide the preaching ministry and safeguard its fidelity to Catholic faith and tradition.

Calling for stronger formation, Bishop Serrao proposed a structured six-month training programme for Charismatic preachers. The course, he suggested, should include formation in Sacred Scripture, spiritual life, communication skills, pastoral ministry and responsible leadership so that preachers can serve effectively at diocesan, deanery and parish levels.

Addressing the ministry of counselling, the Bishop stressed that those involved in spiritual counselling must undergo proper diocesan training. Counselling, he said, requires maturity, pastoral sensitivity and spiritual discernment and should not be undertaken without adequate preparation.

Highlighting the importance of interpreting Scripture correctly, he referred to the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin in the Gospel of Luke, explaining that their deeper meaning becomes clearer when the cultural and social context of biblical times is understood. In this regard, he cited the ancient Jewish tradition of the ketubah—a marriage covenant gift given by a father to his daughter—to illustrate the cultural value attached to coins and family honour.

Encouraging preachers to guide young people in faith, the Bishop suggested drawing inspiration from biblical figures such as Jacob, Moses, David and Joseph to help youth understand God’s guidance in human life.

He also reflected on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, reminding the faithful of their Christian responsibility to care for the poor and marginalised. The story, he said, warns believers against ignoring the suffering of others and calls them to practise compassion and justice.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Charismatic preachers and members of the diocesan Service Team to reflect on their mission and renew their commitment to proclaim the Gospel with deeper understanding, fidelity and pastoral responsibility throughout the diocese.

By Catholic Connect Reporter