Varanasi: Nineteen students from the Indian Institute of Spirituality (IIS), Bangalore including eighteen postgraduate and one doctoral scholar recently concluded a week-long immersion programme at Matridham Ashram in Varanasi, guided by the Indian Missionary Society (IMS) Fathers of the Diocese of Varanasi. Accompanied by the institute’s registrar, the group consisted of sixteen priests and two sisters.
From October 10 to 16, the participants delved into the Indian spiritual and cultural ethos, experiencing firsthand the rhythm of life at the Ashram. They also joined the Second Saturday Convention, witnessing the devotional fervor of approximately 7,000 Kristbhaktas. The vibrant atmosphere of prayer, singing, and shared faith left a lasting impression on the visiting students.
Each morning, from 9 to 10 a.m., Fr. Anil Dev, IMS fondly called Swami guided the students through reflections on the history of Matridham Ashram, the spiritual lives of Kristbhaktas, the mission of the Church in North India, and the essence of ashram life. Sessions touched upon themes such as evangelisation, inclusivity, inculturation, the guru-disciple relationship, and the distinctions between ashrams and formal institutes. Swami’s insights offered both philosophical depth and practical understanding, leaving participants deeply inspired.
Complementing these sessions, lay Kristbhaktas shared personal testimonies of faith, creating moments of heartfelt connection that resonated with both students and faculty. Beyond structured formation, the group explored key sites in and around Varanasi. Visits included the Biblical Exhibition at the Cathedral of Varanasi, the historic Buddhist site of Sarnath, and the sacred River Ganges, where students witnessed the mesmerizing Arati ceremony.
On October 12, the IIS students visited Jeevan Jyoti, a school for the visually impaired run by the SRA Sisters, where they were moved by a cultural programme presented by the students. The following day, the group experienced the warmth of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) novices from Nagpur Province, who welcomed them with a cultural presentation titled Namaste.
The programme also included visits to Shanti Dham Ashram, run by the Diocese of Varanasi and the FCC Sisters, and Anjali, the IMS Provincialate, further enriching the students’ understanding of India’s spiritual heritage and Christian missionary engagement in the region.
The exposure programme offered IIS students a rare combination of academic learning, cultural immersion, and lived spiritual experience, highlighting the confluence of faith, culture, and service in India’s diverse religious landscape.