Mangaluru: The second day of the Mega Bible Convention 2026 witnessed a massive gathering of the faithful at the Holy Cross Church grounds, Cordel, Kulshekar. Organised by the Mangalore Diocesan Charismatic Service Communion in association with the Diocesan Biblical Commission, the day was specially dedicated to praying for the youth while offering profound theological reflections on the theme, “Covenant and Sacrament: The God Who Binds and Feeds.”

The four-day convention, which began on February 26, has drawn thousands each evening, reflecting the deep spiritual engagement of the diocesan community.

Youth at the heart of the day’s prayers

The spiritual proceedings commenced with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, followed by an uplifting session of praise and worship led by Br Rony D’Souza and his team. The atmosphere was marked by prayerful reverence and vibrant participation, especially from young attendees.

The highlight of the evening was the solemn Holy Eucharistic celebration presided over by Very Rev. Fr James D’Souza, Parish Priest of Vamanjoor and Vicar Forane of the City Deanery. During the liturgy and intercessory prayers, special emphasis was placed on invoking divine guidance, strength and spiritual empowerment for the youth of the diocese.

The celebration underscored the Church’s continued commitment to nurturing the spiritual and moral formation of young people amid contemporary challenges.

Biblical reflections on covenant and sacrament

Following the Mass, the convention featured two in-depth biblical sessions exploring the intrinsic relationship between the Word of God and the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.

Rev. Dr Antony Pinto, Professor at Jeppu Seminary, delivered the first session on the Old Testament theme, “Walking Together: A Covenanted People.” He explained that God establishes a covenant not as a distant authority but as a loving Father who forms a family bond through His Law. Accepting this covenant, he noted, is akin to allowing God to dwell within the community and guide its journey.

The second session was led by Rev. Dr Rudolf Pinto OCD, Executive Secretary for Liturgy at CCBI, who spoke on the New Testament theme, “The Road to Emmaus: Recognising the Living Word.” Drawing from the Gospel narrative, he emphasised the unity of the “Two Tables” — the Table of the Word and the Table of the Eucharist.

He highlighted how Christ opens hearts through the Scriptures, leading believers to recognise Him in the breaking of the bread. The written Word, he reminded the faithful, finds its fullest expression in the Eucharistic presence.

Concluding with Eucharistic Adoration

The day concluded with a deeply reflective Eucharistic Adoration led by Rev. Dr Joseph Martis, Parish Priest of Derebail, centred on the theme, “The Divine Guest: ‘Stay with us’.” The prayer session invited participants to interior silence and renewed commitment to living out their faith.

A large number of priests concelebrated the Mass and participated in the day’s events. Among them were Rev. Fr Clifford Fernandes, Spiritual Director of the Charismatic Service Communion and Parish Priest of Cordel; Rev. Dr Vincent Sequeira, Secretary of the Diocesan Biblical Commission; Rev. Fr Rohith D’Costa, Director of DBCLC and General MC of the convention; Rev. Fr Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP; Rev. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of the Canara Communication Centre; Rev. Fr Anil Kiran Fernandes SVD, Director of the Divine Call Centre, Mulki; Rev. Fr Harry D’Souza; and Rev. Fr Vijay D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest of Cordel.

Continuing the spiritual journey

The Mega Bible Convention 2026 will continue until March 1, 2026, with daily sessions from 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM. Each day is structured around prayer, Scripture reflection, Eucharistic celebration and adoration, drawing thousands who seek spiritual renewal and deeper engagement with the Word of God.

The strong turnout on the second day reaffirmed the faithful’s desire to grow in understanding of the covenantal relationship with God and to rediscover the transformative power of the Sacraments in everyday life.