By Matters India Reporter
Indore, October 29, 2019: The nine dioceses of Madhya Pradesh, central India organized a three-day “Bible convention” in Indore, October 25-27.
Amidst special prayers and high Mass, the Christian community ended the state level eight annual convention of Bible fest in a grand manner on Nov 27 at St. Arnold’s School Lalaram Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
More than 6000 people, priests and bishops from different parts of the state attended it.
Reports of various activities taking place at these nine dioceses were shared by the nine representatives to create missionary awareness, said coordinator of the event, Father Joby Anand.
Celebrating the concluding Mass on October 27, Bhopal Archbishop Leo Cornelio said, “October 2019 has been declared to be an Extraordinary Month of Mission (EMM) by Pope Francis and the theme for this year is baptized and sent which was the theme for our convention.”
He stressed on the importance of mission and proclaim Christ with more efforts and enthusiasm.
Bible fest is organized by Catholic Indore diocese every year to inculcate a sense of spirituality and an interest among Christians.
Indore Christian Media forum president Father John Paul said, “For the spiritual awakening and renewal, Indore diocese has been conducting yearly Bible fest and for this year, main sessions were conducted by the team that come from Varanasi led by main preacher Father Anil Dev.”
Peter Menon, Brother Ram, Brother Sandeep and Father Dev from Varanasi preached at the eighth edition of the Christian community’s annual convention – Bible fest.
The convention started in the morning and ended till late evening. The three-day convention commenced with Bible talks, sharing and it witnessed good response from community members.
People came from different places for special prayers, counseling, Holy Mass and recitation of rosary to Mother Mary.
“It has become a yearly ritual for us to participate in Bible fest without fail. I have come down for vacation but instead of going for a family trip we decided to attend it, “said Olga Raphael who came to Indore from Toronto, Canada.
Father Dev, the preacher said, “The world is in bondage. It needs freedom. The Holy Spirit invokes everyone, therefore be awake and prepared.”
He added, “We do not have to just speak to God in our prayers but also need to listen to him.”
Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal of Indore thanked all the people who came from the various parts of the State and experienced the impact of God’s word in their lives.
“We can together make a happier world, by making Bible reading a part of our life and part of family routine,” he said.
Around 10 students of Class 10 and 12 of Indore were felicitated with trophies and cash prize of US$ 200 each for their outstanding performance in studies by Bishop Thottumarickal.
Father Jobi Anand said the conclusion of the programme, which was marked by carrying the Holy Bible and the statues of Mother Mary and St. Mariam Teresia.
State cabinet minister Jitu Patwari also visited St. Arnold’s HS school to give his best wishes during the convention.