Bhopal Archdiocese Holds Three-Day Bible Mahotsav, Honours Priestly Jubilarians

Bhopal, November 12, 2026: The Archdiocese of Bhopal organised its fifth Bible Mahotsav at Our Lady of Assumption Co-Cathedral Church, bringing together hundreds of faithful for three days of biblical reflection, prayer, healing and reconciliation.

Led by Fr. Ashok Alexander and his team, the gathering aimed to deepen participants’ engagement with Sacred Scripture and encourage them to live out the Word of God in their daily lives. Archbishop Durairaj SVD of Bhopal welcomed the participants.

The Mahotsav opened with a procession carrying the Bible, followed by sessions of Scripture sharing, reflection and prayer. A special healing session was also organised. The Archbishop presided over the concluding Eucharistic celebration of the first day.

The second day focused on sin, repentance and God's mercy. Through biblical reflections, Fr. Ashok Alexander urged participants to turn away from sin, stressing the need to avoid it with the urgency with which one escapes life-threatening danger.

Several priests were available to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation, enabling hundreds of faithful to receive the sacrament. Ram Bhai from Nagpur shared his personal faith journey, highlighting how his life experiences had brought him closer to God. Testimonies by women who spoke about their experiences of healing and God's grace formed part of a special healing session.

Fr. Ishwardas Minj, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, presided over the day's Eucharistic celebration. The organisers felicitated Fr Ashok Alexander with a bouquet in recognition of his ministry.

The final day began with praise and worship and culminated in a Eucharistic celebration presided over by priest jubilarians, together with the Archbishop and diocesan priests.

The Archdiocese honoured three priests who completed 25 years of priestly ministry: Fr. Soundararajan, Fr. Johny Kannikkat and Fr. Harrison Kuriakose, who is currently serving in Austria.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Johny Kannikkat expressed gratitude for God's guidance throughout his 25 years of priesthood. In his homily, he emphasised the importance of remaining faithful to one's vocation and trusting in God's grace.

The Archbishop felicitated the jubilarians, while a cake-cutting ceremony marked the celebration. The organisers also honoured Ram Bhai and members of Fr. Ashok Alexander's team for their contributions to the event.

The three-day Mahotsav concluded with a renewed call to make Sacred Scripture an integral part of Christian life, encouraging the faithful to carry the Gospel beyond the Church and witness to its values in their families and communities.

By Catholic Connect Reporter