Media Release

Bengaluru, Nov 14: The Karnataka Regional Service of Communion (KRSC) organized its spiritual directors’ meeting and KRSC office bearers meeting at Subodhana Regional Pastoral Centre, Bengaluru, bringing together spiritual directors from the 11 dioceses of Karnataka and KRSC members for a day of spiritual enrichment, reflection, discussion, and planning.

The programme began with praise and worship led by Bro Alwyn from Logos Retreat Centre, Bengaluru.

Fr Franklin D'Souza, spiritual director of KRSC, warmly welcomed the dignitaries, including Dr Robert Miranda, bishop of Gulbarga and episcopal advisor for KRSC; Fr Jose Vettiyankal VC, director of Logos Retreat Centre, Bengaluru, and the resource person for the day; Bro Cherian Rampuram, coordinator of KRSC; and Fr Anil Prasad, director of Subodhana. He also extended a cordial welcome to all the spiritual directors and KRSC members present.

Following the welcome, bishop Robert Miranda delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the importance of nurturing Spirit-filled and Spirit-led Catholics who are vibrant in their faith and committed to carrying forward the charisms bestowed by the Holy Spirit.

Subsequently, Bro Cherian Rampuram introduced the resource person to the gathering.

Fr Jose Vettiyankal VC delivered a session on “Charisms according to the teaching of the Magisterium, the Catholic Church and the Word of God.” The session was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which the Spiritual Directors and KRSC leaders raised questions and clarified their doubts.

Following the tea break, a special discussion and sharing session was conducted exclusively for the spiritual directors in the presence of the episcopal advisor and the resource person. Meanwhile, KRSC members participated in one-and-a-half hours of Intercessory Adoration in the chapel.

After lunch, a joint meeting of the spiritual directors representing the 11 dioceses of Karnataka and KRSC members was held. Various concerns and issues related to the mission and functioning of KRSC were discussed. Bishop Robert Miranda offered valuable insights and guidance during the deliberations.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Dr Robert Miranda, who also delivered the homily. He highlighted the importance of commitment, dedication and responsibility in serving as leaders in the Church. At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, the bishop prayed over the leaders with the laying on of hands.

Following the Mass and tea break, a separate meeting of KRSC members was held with the bishop. The members reviewed the assignments and responsibilities undertaken at the previous meeting in Gulbarga, including the tasks scheduled for completion by April. Discussions also focused on strengthening the collaborative functioning of KRSC, particularly its relationship with the Diocesan Service Committees (DSC) and the ecclesiastical authorities.

The meeting concluded with a word of thanks proposed by Fr Franklin D'Souza and Bro Cherian Rampuram, expressing gratitude to the bishop, the resource person, the organisers and all the participants for their valuable contributions.

The day-long gathering concluded on a positive note.