Lenten Retreat in Mysuru Calls Lay Associations to Renew Faith and Service

Mysuru, March 9, 2026: Members of the Legion of Mary and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul from across the Diocese of Mysore gathered at the Catholic Centre Mysore for a three-day Lenten retreat from March 6 to 8, offering participants a time of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal during the sacred season of Lent.

The retreat brought together representatives from several parishes of the diocese, creating a reflective atmosphere where members could deepen their faith, examine their mission within the Church, and renew their commitment to Christian service. Through guided reflections, moments of silence and communal prayer, participants were encouraged to strengthen their spiritual lives and continue their charitable and missionary initiatives with renewed dedication.

The retreat was animated by bp Francis Serrao of Mysore diocese, who delivered a spiritual reflection on the theme “Repentance – We Belong to God.” Emphasising the meaning of repentance, the bishop reminded participants that it signifies a return to God and a recognition that human life ultimately belongs to Him. He urged the faithful to move beyond a self-centred existence and enter into God’s world of love, service and communion.

Drawing from the account of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis, Bishop Serrao reflected on how sin wounded humanity’s relationship with God and with one another. Repentance, he noted, restores this harmony and strengthens bonds within the human family. Referring to the teachings of Christ in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John, he encouraged participants to live as authentic disciples through love, sacrifice and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

The bishop also outlined the classical stages of spiritual growth—Śravaṇa, Manana, Nididhyāsana, and Anuṣṭhāna—describing them as a pathway to deeper discipleship. Spiritual transformation, he explained, begins with listening to the Word of God, reflecting upon it, meditating deeply on its meaning, and ultimately putting it into practice in everyday life.

The retreat was spiritually guided by Maria Xavier, spiritual director for the diocesan pious associations, while Fr. Arul Selva Kumar, diocesan coordinator for the commissions, coordinated the programme.

Participants described the gathering as a meaningful moment of spiritual renewal, inspiring them to continue their mission of prayer, charity and service to the poor while living the Gospel values of mercy, compassion, forgiveness and humility throughout the Lenten season and beyond.