Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 26: The highly anticipated Mega Bible Convention 2026 commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony on Thursday, February 26, at the Holy Cross Church grounds, Cordel, Kulshekar. Organised by the Mangalore Diocesan Charismatic Service Communion in association with the Diocesan Biblical Commission, the four-day event is centred on the theme: “The Word of Christ dwells among you” (Col 3:16).

Solemn inauguration and procession

The convention opened with a solemn procession honouring the Holy Bible, which was ceremoniously carried to the altar and placed at the centre. Very Rev Msgr Maxim Noronha, vicar general of the Diocese of Mangalore, adorned the Bible with a garland. Highlighting the Diocese’s celebration of the 'Year of Children,' a family with five children joined the procession, symbolising the passing of faith to the next generation.

Following the procession, Msgr Maxim Noronha, accompanied by a group of priests and lay leaders of the Charismatic Movement, presided over the hoisting of the convention flag, officially marking the start of the spiritual journey.

Eucharistic celebration and praise & worship

Following the flag-hoisting, Msgr Maxim Noronha, alongside a large number of attending priests, concelebrated the Holy Mass. The liturgy was further enriched by the Bondel Church choir, which led the congregation in prayerful singing. The praise and worship sessions throughout the evening were led by Br Rony D’Souza and team, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual engagement.

Theological reflections: From creation to incarnation

The spiritual reflections for the first day, themed "Revelation and Incarnation: The God Who Speaks and Saves," followed the liturgical celebrations:

• The Voice of the Father (Old Testament): Rev Dr Stany Goveas, parish priest of Madanthyar, spoke on "The Word’s Creative Power". He explained how God, through His Word, calls all things into being, manifesting His eternal power through the created order.

• The Word Made Flesh (New Testament): Fr Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD, director of the Divine Call Centre, Mulki, delivered a session on the Incarnation. He highlighted that Jesus Christ is the fullness of revelation—the Word made flesh who dwells among us to share our nature.

The day concluded with a powerful session of Eucharistic Adoration led by Rev Dr JB Saldanha, parish priest of Bejai and diocesan PRO. Reflecting on "The Abiding Presence of Emmanuel," he led the thousands gathered in prayer, focusing on the promise that Christ remains with His people always.

Dignitaries present

The inaugural event was attended by several prominent clergy and lay leaders, including Fr Clifford Fernandes (spiritual director, Charismatic Service Communion and parish priest, Cordel), Rev Dr Vincent Sequeira (secretary, Biblical Commission), Fr Rohith D’Costa (director, Mangala Jyothi/DBCLC), Rev Dr Leo Lasrado (secretary, CBE), Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes (director, Canara Communication Centre), and Fr Vincent D’Souza (director, CODP), Dolphy Lobo (convener), Br Joachim Pinto, Sis Mercy Menezes, Br Ronald D’Souza, and Br Elias Coelho.

The convention will continue daily until March 1 from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.