A Special Retreat on “Missionary Discipleship” was organized at the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengaluru, from 28 September to 2 October 202 . There were 66 inter- Congregation and inter- diocesan participanted. The retreat commenced with the Holy Eucharistic celebration on 28 September. Rev. Fr. Jerry Rosario SJ, served as the resource person and accompanied the participants through a meaningful journey of reflection, renewal and missionary commitment.

The retreat began with an invitation to re-journey through one’s life by examining personal growth, development, dedication, transformation and achievements. Participants were encouraged to recognize God’s presence with gratitude, while honestly acknowledging their failures, limitations and areas requiring renewal.

A significant reflection focused on the purpose and meaning of life—our identity as human beings, Christians, members of society, citizens of the cosmos and consecrated persons. The participants were invited to reflect deeply on the questions: Why am I here? What is my mission? How am I responding to God’s call?

The life and mission of St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) provided a powerful inspiration. Through a film on her life, participants reflected on her call to serve the poorest of the poor and her lifelong commitment to compassionate service. Her example challenged everyone to make missionary discipleship personal, practical and prophetic.

The retreat emphasized the close relationship between vision, passion and mission. Participants were encouraged to become missionary disciples committed to God’s work and God’s mission, rooted in Gospel values. The inspiring call, “Dream big and do big in your given small place,” encouraged participants to discover new possibilities for mission even within ordinary circumstances.

The essential dimensions of discipleship were presented as: receiving the Gospel, emptying oneself, serving the least, carrying one’s cross and faithfully following Jesus. The participants were also invited to embrace the crosses of missionary life with courage and fidelity. The challenging questions, “If not now, when? If not you, who? If not here, where?”, called for immediate and responsible missionary action.
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The retreat further emphasized personal transformation, community life and missionary commitment through faithful living of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, readiness for remote missions, creative approaches to ministry, New Evangelization, concern for society and creation, and compassionate service to the least and marginalized.

Reconciliation, compassion and celebration were highlighted as integral dimensions of missionary discipleship. Personal interaction, confession and Eucharistic celebrations enabled the participants to experience healing, communion and spiritual renewal. Each participant identified personal highlights and concrete commitments for missionary life.

As a practical expression of service, a blood donation programme was also conducted. It provided an opportunity for participants to translate the spirit of discipleship into concrete service to human life.

At the conclusion, Rev.Fr. Jerry Rosario, SJ, expressed gratitude to the Director and his team members and participants for their cooperation and active participation. Rev. Fr. John Baptist, Director of NBCLC, thanked Fr. Jerry for his valuable contribution and appreciated all the participants, particularly those who generously took part in the blood donation initiative. Certificates were distributed to the donors.