The Lenten season of 2026 became a profound experience of grace, renewal, and missionary zeal as the Redemptorists of the Jeevanodhaya Community carried out an extensive series of parish missions across the Mysore region. What unfolded over these weeks was not merely a pastoral programme, but a deeply spiritual journey that touched countless lives, especially in the rural and interior parishes.
The preparation for these missions began well in advance. From February 25th to March 7th, the confreres, Fr. Robin, Fr. Nirmal, and Fr. John personally visited families across several parishes, inviting them to participate in the Lenten missions. Their visits covered Infant Jesus Church, Nanjangudu (90 families), St. Louis Church, Prakashpalya (250 families), Infant Jesus Church, Pushpagiri (350 families), St. Mary’s Church, Mariapura (60 families), and Sacred Heart Church, Kodi Ugne (50 families). These home visits created a spirit of closeness and trust, laying a strong foundation for the missions.
The mission activities formally began with a one-day retreat on March 1st at Doddagajanur, preached by Fr. Robin and Fr. Nirmal. The response was overwhelming, with many faithful approaching the Sacrament of Reconciliation after several years, a powerful sign of God’s mercy at work.
On March 8th, Fr. Nirmal continued the mission spirit with a one-day retreat at Divine Mercy Church, drawing many into a deeper encounter with Christ. This was followed by a two-day retreat on March 14th and 15th at St. Paul’s Church, Chamarajanagara, jointly preached by Fr. Robin and Fr. Nirmal.
A landmark moment was the Lenten Mission conducted from March 15th to 20th at Infant Jesus Church, Nanjangudu, by Fr. Robin, Fr. Peter, and Fr. Nirmal. For the first time in its history, the parish experienced a full-fledged Lenten Mission, and the response of the faithful was extraordinary, marked by deep participation and spiritual renewal.
Simultaneously, from March 19th to 22nd, a multilingual retreat was conducted at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mysore by Fr. Cyril, Fr. Nirmal, Fr. Joe Abraham, and Fr. John, ministering to the faithful in Tamil, Kannada, and English.
From March 22nd to 27th, multiple missions unfolded simultaneously. At Infant Jesus Church, Pushpagiri, Fr. Robin and Fr. Lawrence led the Lenten Mission. The first Redemptorist mission in that parish, bringing new life and enthusiasm to the community.
During the same period, rural missions were conducted at St. Louis Church, Prakash Palya and St. Mary’s Church, Mariapura by Fr. Prem Kumar, Fr. Anthony Swamy, and Fr. Nirmal. These village missions were particularly meaningful, as the priests reached out to people living in remote areas, dependent on agriculture and cattle. A unique and touching aspect of these missions was the blessing of fields, cattle, and livelihoods, connecting faith directly with daily life.
On March 28th, a retreat at St. Mary’s Church was preached by Fr. Robin and Fr. Nirmal. A one-day retreat was also held on March 29th at St. John Paul II Church. Fr. Robin and Fr. Nirmal preached the retreat.
The following days saw continued missionary activity: from March 29th to April 1st, a mission at Holy Spirit Church, Siluvaipuara, was led by Fr. Alvin Rex and Fr. Robin, while simultaneously Fr. Nirmal and Fr. Peter conducted a mission at Sacred Heart Church, Kodi Ugne.
Additionally, from March 28th to 30th, Fr. Peter preached a retreat at Periyapatna, extending the reach of the mission further.
What stands out in this entire missionary endeavour is the deep impact on the rural faithful. Except for Nanjangudu and Pushpagiri, most of the parishes were interior village communities. Yet, it was here that the Gospel was received with remarkable openness, simplicity, and hunger. For the confreres, this became a true “school of mission”—a transformative experience of walking with the people, sharing their struggles, and witnessing their faith.
This remarkable mission was made possible through the leadership and initiative of Fr. Robin, the Mission Superior, who spearheaded the entire effort with vision and dedication. The community expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all the confreres—Fr. Lawrence, Fr. Anthony Swamy, Fr. Alvin Rex, Fr. Peter, Fr. Prem Kumar, Fr. Cyril, Fr. Joe Abraham, Fr. Nirmal, and Fr. John, for their generous availability, tireless service, and zeal in proclaiming God’s abundant love.
Indeed, the Lenten Missions of 2026 were not just events, but encounters with grace moments where hearts were touched, lives were renewed, and communities were strengthened in faith.
Fr. Nirmal Kumar, CSsR.
