The Congregation of the Sisters of the Little Flower, Bethany, Northern Province, organized its First Bible Convention on October 25 and 26, 2026, at the auditorium of St. Theresa’s Convent School, Karnal, Haryana. Centred on the inspiring theme, “Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet and a Light to My Path” (Psalm 119:105), the two-day convention was a grace-filled occasion of prayer, reflection, healing, and spiritual renewal.
The convention brought together the sisters and candidates of the Northern Province to deepen their relationship with God through His living Word and to rediscover the transforming power of Scripture in their consecrated lives and apostolic mission.
Rev. Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Spiritual Director of the Karnataka Regional Charismatic Renewal Movement and Youth Director for Vocation Promotion and Formation in the Diocese of Shimoga, served as the resource person. The sessions were facilitated by Sr. Diana Serrao BS on the first day and Sr. Ophilia Lobo BS on the second day.
Day One: Rediscovering Jesus Through His Word
The convention commenced on Sunday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. with an inaugural prayer, followed by a warm welcome address by Sr. Reena D’Souza, First Councillor of the Northern Province and Principal of St. Theresa’s Convent School, Karnal. Sr. Reena extended a heartfelt welcome to the resource person, the Provincial Superior, the members of the Provincial Team, the sisters, and the candidates. She highlighted the significance of gathering together around the Word of God, which enlightens hearts, strengthens faith, and guides every step of the spiritual journey.
This was followed by the keynote address by Sr. Arpan Carvalho, Provincial Superior of the Northern Province, who encouraged the participants to make the Word of God the foundation of their lives and to allow it to shape their personal spirituality, community relationships, and apostolic commitments.
The first session, conducted by Fr. Franklin at 10:30 a.m., was entitled “Crisis in Life and Rediscovering Jesus in One’s Faith,” based on Luke 5:1–11. Through the account of the miraculous catch of fish, he invited the participants to trust Jesus amid life’s uncertainties and challenges and to rediscover the depth of their faith through a personal encounter with Him.
At noon, Fr. Franklin celebrated the Holy Eucharist and delivered a homily on “How Alive Is Your Conscience?”, drawing inspiration from Mark 6:13–29. His reflection invited the participants to examine their conscience, recognize the importance of moral courage, and remain faithful to Gospel values in their daily lives.
Following lunch, the sisters led the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 2:00 p.m., creating a prayerful atmosphere of trust in God’s boundless mercy.
At 2:15 p.m., Fr. Franklin conducted the next session on “The Word of God and Its Power,” based on Luke 24:13–35. Reflecting on the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he emphasized how an encounter with the risen Lord through Scripture can rekindle faith, enlighten the heart, and transform one’s life.
After the tea break, the participants gathered for a session on “Forgiveness Brings Healing,” based on Matthew 18:21–35. The reflection highlighted the relationship between forgiveness and the Eucharist, encouraging the sisters to let go of resentment, embrace reconciliation, and experience the healing grace of God in their personal and community lives.
The first day concluded with a solemn Adoration and Healing Session from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., led by Fr. Franklin. In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, the participants were invited to surrender their struggles, wounds, and burdens to the Lord and to open their hearts to His healing and renewing grace.
Day Two: Healing, Repentance and Renewal in the Spirit
Monday, October 26, began at 6:00 a.m. with praise and worship, followed by a guided meditation entitled “A Letter to Jesus,” led by Fr. Franklin. This intimate time of prayer encouraged the participants to express their deepest thoughts and feelings to Jesus and to renew their personal relationship with Him.
At 8:30 a.m., Fr. Franklin led a session entitled “Fifteen Diseases of Our Lives,” based on Psalm 32:1–7. The reflection encouraged the participants to recognize the spiritual struggles and inner obstacles that can weaken their relationship with God. It also emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s weaknesses, seeking forgiveness, and allowing God’s mercy to bring freedom and healing.
A special time for Confessions and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was organized from 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with five priests available to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This opportunity for personal examination of conscience and confession enabled the participants to experience God’s compassionate forgiveness and renew their commitment to a life of holiness.
The convention culminated in an Infilling of the Holy Spirit and Anointing Adoration, led by Fr. Franklin, followed by Benediction and the concluding Holy Eucharist. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Franklin D’Souza for his inspiring guidance, Sr. Arpan Carvalho and the Provincial Team for their support, the facilitators, the priests, the organizing committee, and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the convention.
A Transformative Encounter with the Living Word
The two-day Bible Convention was a profound spiritual journey marked by prayer, reflection, forgiveness, healing, repentance, and renewal in the Holy Spirit. Through the sessions, Eucharistic celebrations, Adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the participants were encouraged to deepen their faith, strengthen their spiritual lives, and rediscover the power of God’s Word as a source of guidance and transformation.
The convention reaffirmed the call of every sister to remain rooted in Scripture, draw strength from the Eucharist, and become a living witness to Christ’s love, mercy, and healing presence. It also renewed their commitment to building communities of faith, compassion, forgiveness, and mutual support.
As the sisters and candidates returned to their respective communities, they carried with them the conviction that God’s Word is not merely a lamp that illuminates the path, but a living presence that transforms hearts, renews lives, and strengthens the mission of consecrated persons.
The First Bible Convention of the Northern Province thus became a meaningful milestone in the spiritual journey of the congregation, inspiring its members to walk faithfully in the light of God’s Word and to share that light with all those to their care.