Five Years of Blossoming Children’s Ministry of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo

Bangalore, 13 May 2025: The "Come To Me Daily Children’s Prayer Group" began on May 13, 2020, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, commemorating the day the Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children in Portugal. What started as a small online gathering of five children has now blossomed into a group of nearly 50 children, joined by their parents and grandparents, who come together daily from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM to pray and intercede for the world and the universal Church. 

In God’s garden, while roses and lilies catch the eye, it’s the hidden jasmines that quietly enrich it with their sweet fragrance. Likewise, the "Come To Me Daily Children’s Prayer Group" has been a humble yet powerful presence in the Archdiocese of Bangalore and the Church in India, quietly nurturing spiritual beauty for the past five years. 

As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14). Inspired by this call, Sr. Margarita Dias, of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, moved by the Holy Spirit and the suffering of people during the pandemic, took a bold step in forming a children’s prayer group. With the guidance and encouragement of Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore; Rev. Sr. Alena Fernandez, former Superior General of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo; Rev. Sr. Wilma Rebello, former Provincial Superior of the Western Province; and the late Sr. Asha Augustine SCB and Rev. Fr. Shane Varghese Cssr, Spiritual Director the group was born. 

A Recognized and Spirit-Filled Ministry 

This prayer group has earned recognition, support, generosity and appreciation from Church authorities, including: 

• Most Rev. Peter Machado – Archbishop of Bangalore & Vice President of the CCBI 
• Most Rev. Francis Kalist – CBCI Episcopal Advisor to CHARIS India and Archbishop of Pondicherry-Cuddalore 
• Most Rev. Robert Michael Miranda – KRCBC Chairman Bishop for the Proclamation Commission and Bishop of Gulbarga 
• Most Rev. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu – National Director, Pontifical Mission Organization; Bishop of Vellore 
• Rev. Fr. A. John Baptist – National Director, NBCLC 

Vibrant Spiritual Activities 

Children are engaged in a variety of spiritually enriching activities, such as: Eucharistic Adoration, Retreats and Recollections, Systematic Bible Reading, Night Vigils, Scriptural Rosary, Bible Trivia, Evening Walk with Biblical Figures, Treasures of Saints, Way of the Cross and many more. 

They are mentored to grow in faith, lead praise and worship, preach the Word of God, and use their talents for God’s glory. Empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), they even conduct retreats for other children in parishes, schools, and at the Renewal Retreat Centre, Bangalore. 

A Legacy of Miracles and Gratitude 

Countless testimonies speak of God’s miracles in the lives of children, parents, and others through this prayer group. A dedicated intercessory team regularly prays for various intentions, strengthening the Church and the world. 

The Come To Me Children’s Prayer Group extends heartfelt gratitude to: 

Archbishop Peter Machado for his keen interest in the spiritual growth of children, Bishop Ambrose for his goodness and generosity to build up Children as young missionaries and Fr. A John Baptist for his kindness and initiatives to give the best for all physical programmes in NBCLC. 

Rev. Sr. Alena Fernandez SCB (former Superior General) and her council. 

Rev. Sr. Wilma Rebello SCB (former Provincial Superior, Western Province) and her council—for their constant support and heartfelt encouragement that helped the prayer group blossom into its 5th anniversary. 

Sr. Christine Vaz SCB (current Superior General) and her council. 

Sr. Reetha Varghese SCB (current Provincial Superior, Western Province) and her council—for their continued support in carrying out the mission of proclamation. 

All the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, priests, lay faithful, well-wishers, and benefactors for their goodness, generosity, prayers, and blessings. 

Welcome Children to Join the Prayer Group 

All children are welcome to be part of this prayer group and grow in their intimacy with Jesus. For more information, contact: Sr. Margarita Dias – 8431270803 

"History is often shaped not just by the great, but by the faithful acts of the small." 

As St. Charles Borromeo, patron of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, wisely reminds us: “We must meditate before, during and after everything we do” 

May this prayer group continue to be a fragrant offering in God’s garden, bringing children closer to Christ through their simple yet profound acts of faith. 

By Sr. Margarita Dias SCB 

Foundress and Spiritual Animator, 

Come To Me Daily Children’s Prayer Group