Ecumenical Spiritual Renewal Programme Held at Lombard Memorial Hospital, Udupi

Udupi, May 6, 2025: Lombard Memorial Mission Hospital, Udupi, hosted a one-day Ecumenical Spiritual Renewal Programme on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at its hospital's auditorium. The event brought together staff, students, and members of various Christian denominations for a day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The programme aimed to strengthen unity within the Christian community, deepen individual faith, and inspire a return to spiritual values amidst modern-day challenges.

The day began with a formal inauguration by the Rt. Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the Church of South India (CSI), Karnataka Southern Diocese. In his keynote address, Bishop Kumar emphasised the profound spiritual significance of such renewal programmes, likening them to a “U-turn in life”, a moment to pause, reflect, and realign one’s path. He highlighted the Holy Bible as a divine GPS, guiding people through their life’s journey and urging all present to listen attentively to the voice of the Lord, which ensures safety and direction in the spiritual pilgrimage of life.

Dr. Sushil Jathanna, Director of Lombard Memorial Mission Hospital, welcomed all the attendees and expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event. He stressed the importance of making time for spiritual introspection, noting that such events help individuals reflect on their life’s direction.

An uplifting praise and worship session followed, led by Pastor Joslin and his team from Bangalore, which set a reverent tone for the day’s proceedings.

Fr. Denis D’Sa, Public Relations Officer of the Udupi Diocese, delivered the first spiritual reflection. Speaking on the themes of God’s mercy and forgiveness, he addressed the anxieties of modern life and encouraged the faithful to look to the Lord for peace and strength. He reminded the audience that believers are not aimless wanderers, but pilgrims of hope , journeying toward the promise of redemption. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between faith and reason, comparing them to the two wings of a bird — both necessary for flight and for reaching our God-given destiny. Addressing the youth, he urged them to remain anchored in their faith.

The second session featured Mr. Leslie Arouza, Diocesan Director of the Commission for Family Life, who highlighted the foundational role of the family in spiritual and moral formation. He stressed the importance of virtues such as respect, obedience, humility, and above all, forgiveness in creating holy and wholesome families. He emphasised that parents must be role models in living out the faith, leading their children by example and nurturing a spiritual environment at home.

The programme concluded with another spirited session of praise and worship. Participants left spiritually renewed, deeply moved by the shared experience of prayer and reflection.

The Ecumenical Spiritual Renewal Programme marked a significant moment of unity and faith for the Christian community in Udupi, reinforcing the importance of returning to God in today’s fast-paced world.

By Fr. Denis D’Sa,

P.R.O

Udupi Diocese