All India Bible Congress 2023-2024: Empowering Communities through Proclamation of the Word of God

Bengaluru, India, April 14, 2024 – The All India Bible Congress 2023-2024, convened by the CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India) Commission for Bible, unfolded its transformative mission at the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre in Bengaluru on April 11-12, 2024, on the theme “Proclamation of the Word of God in India and South Asia.” The theme was inspired by the 10th Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation, Rome.

In his inaugural address, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Peter Abir, Bishop of Sultanpet and Chairman of CCBI Commission for Bible, underscored the pivotal role of proclaiming the word of God in Biblical Pastoral Ministry. Bishop Peter Abir emphasized the importance of rooting proclamation in the contextual realities of the world, stating, “The text (Word) must get incarnated in the context (world).”

The Congress witnessed insightful keynote addresses from distinguished speakers. Rev. Dr. Assisi Saldanha CSsR, a renowned redemptorist priest of the Province of Bangalore, delved into the theory and practice of biblical proclamation, providing attendees with invaluable guidance on effective engagement with scripture. Archbishop Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil SDB, Emeritus Archbishop of Guwahati, highlighted the indispensable role of culture in the proclamation of the word, urging attendees to personally experience the transformative power of God’s word.

Further enriching the Congress were presentations on “Prophetic Models of Proclamation of the Word” by Rev. Dr. David Stanly Kumar from St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, and “Pauline Models of Proclamation of the Word” by Rev. Dr. Arockiasamy Savarirayan SVD, Secretary to the Madhya Pradesh Region. These sessions challenged participants to emulate the early Church in prioritizing the ministry of the word.

Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Director of Pontifical Mission Organizations India and the Executive Secretary to the CCBI Commission for Proclamation, emphasized the importance of considering the real realities of people in the proclamation of the word. He stressed the need to empower lay individuals to comprehend the word of God competently.

The coordination of the Congress was led by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, Executive Secretary to the Commission for Bible, in collaboration with Regional Secretaries and Diocesan Directors. The All India Bible Congress 2023-2024 attracted scholars, pastors, religious men and women, young people, and children, fostering a vibrant environment of learning, reflection, and community engagement.