Catholic Biblical Federation South Asia

Catholic Biblical Federation South Asia Sub-Region Team Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF)South Asia Sub-Region Team  with the Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr Jan.J. Stefanow SVD. From Left to Right: Rev. Fr Patrick Simon Gomes (Bangladesh), Rev. Fr Jan J. Stefanow SVD (Executive Secretary), Rev. Fr A. John Baptist (South Asia Coordinator - India),  Rev. Fr Emmanuel Asi (Pakistan) and Rev Fr Joe Eruppakkatt SSP (India)

Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF)  South Asia Sub-Region Convocation Twenty-seven participants of Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF) from four nations (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India) met at the ‘Serene Pastures’ Spirituality Centre, Bolowalana, Colombo, Sri Lanka from 07 to 10 January 2020 for its biennial Convocation.   During the four-day meet, they deliberated on the theme: Word of God in the Light of Aperuit Illis . The Convocation was graced and guided by Rev. Fr Jan J. Staefanow SVD, the international Executive Secretary of CBF. During the three day deliberations, Fr Stefanow spoke on the vision and mission of the Catholic Biblical Federation, its coordination, structure and growth. He also spoke on the initiatives and activities in the field of the ministry of the word of God in various parts of the world. Most Rev. Antonysamy Peter Abir in his keynote address explained the Apostolic Exhortation, Aperuit Illis . He clarified that the...

“Harvest is Plenty”: Biblical Ministry today following the Footsteps of St. Paul   (Sharing at CBF meeting, Colombo) Fr Johnson Puthussery CST It is a humble sharing on the importance and challenges of the biblical apostolate with special reference to our context in Kerala. This southern state is blessed with a significant presence of Christians for centuries. The speciality of the church in Kerala is the presence of Catholics belonging to three different liturgical traditions – Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara. Perhaps the most important element that unites these three communities is the ministry of the Word.   The collaboration between these three groups in every aspect of biblical ministry helps the Bible Commission in Kerala to venture out in new and challenging fields. As in many Asian countries, India also is known for its religious ethos, deep rooted religions and the powerful influence they exercise in the lives of people. The sacred scripture...

WORD OF GOD In the Light of Aperuit Illis  Rt. Rev. Antonysamy Peter Abir  Bishop of Sultanpet Introduction Pope Francis, on 30 September 2019, issued the Apostolic Letter, Aperuit Illis, instituting the Sunday of the Word of God. The Pope begins his letter with the mission of the Risen Lord to the disciples of Jesus in the words of “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Lk 24:45).  Referring to Scriptures the Risen Lord unveiled the minds of those disciples to understand the great mystery of the Resurrection.  Through this event the Pope reminds us that without the Scriptures the events of the mission of Jesus and of the Church in the world remain incomprehensible. Of course, we should remember the words of St. Peter: “No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation” (2 Pet 1:20).  Also, taking into account of the mysterious and salvific nature of the Holy Scriptures, the Pope encourages us to allot a sp...