All India Bible Congress
Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, 21-23 January 2025. The 22nd National Conference of the CCBI Commission for Bible, held at Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, brought together 210 participants, including Regional Secretaries, Diocesan Directors, Religious Collaborators, Seminary Professors, Catechists, and Lay Bible Volunteers.
Themed “Sixty Years of Dei Verbum: Its Significance for Us Today in India, Towards the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033”, the three-day Bible Congress marked a significant milestone in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025.
Presidential Address & Book Release
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Peter Abir, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Bible, set the tone for the Congress with his stirring presidential address. He emphasized, “This Bible Congress is an invitation to reflect, celebrate, and act. As we journey together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ let us foster a deeper love for the Word of God among the faithful, equip one another with insights and tools for effective biblical ministry, and strengthen our unity as a Church preparing for Jubilee 2025.”
The Chairman released the handbook "Biblical Pastoral Ministry: Methods and Dynamics," co-authored by Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi. The book was released in the presence of Prof. Dr. Lucien Legrand MEP, Fr. Jan Stefanów SVD, Secretary General of the Catholic Biblical Federation, and Very Rev. Fr. C. Irudayaraj, Rector of the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni.
Felicitations from Eminent Leaders
His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, extended his felicitations to the delegates, highlighting the enduring relevance of Dei Verbum. “This Congress,” he said, “reflecting on the enduring relevance of Dei Verbum, is a call to renew our commitment to being a Church that listens to the Word, interprets it faithfully, and lives it radically.”
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, National Director of PMS - India, commended the National Council of the CCBI Commission for Bible for their vision and dedication. In his address, he reflected, “The Congress, which also serves as a follow-up to the International Symposium on Ecclesia in Asia 25 Years, shall inspire us to move from Dei Verbum to Ecclesia in Asia and to Spes Non Confundit.”
Engaging Sessions and Insights
The Congress featured a keynote address, thought-provoking presentations, and panel discussions by eminent biblical scholars and ministers of the Word. Delegates explored the transformative role of Dei Verbum in the Church’s life and mission, focusing on the theme's contemporary significance in India.
Towards Mission 2033
This gathering marked an important moment in the journey towards the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033, uniting participants in their shared mission to nurture a vibrant and biblically rooted Church. Discussions aimed at equipping leaders with practical tools for biblical ministry and fostering a culture of listening, interpretation, and radical living of the Word of God.
As the Congress has begun, participants feel inspired to carry forward the rich insights and commitments, ready to deepen their engagement with Scripture and contribute to the broader mission of the Church in India. The event stands as a witness to the Church’s ongoing dedication to the Word of God as it journeys toward the Jubilee 2025 and beyond.
The event was planned and organized by the National Council along with the Regional Secretaries, and was powered by MEP, Pontifical Mission Organizations - India, and Communio.
Photos courtesy: Fr. Vijayaraj Jaunet
Photo gallery
Tags: Regions Asia Asia South India BPA "Verbum Domini" Congresses Formation
