Western Region Bible Seminar Brings Clergy and Laity Together in Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb. 9, 2026: A spirit of study and shared reflection marked the Western Region Bible Seminar held at St. Pius X College Seminary, where clergy and lay faithful gathered for a deeper engagement with the first five books of the Bible.

Organised under the patronage of Archbishop John Rodrigues, the seminar focused on the theme “Journeying through the Pentateuch: From Creation to the Threshold of the Promised Land.” The programme invited participants to rediscover the unfolding story of God’s people—from the creation narratives and the patriarchs, through the drama of the exodus and the giving of the Law, to Israel’s call to covenant faithfulness.

Guided by Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes, Chairman of the Western Region Biblical Commission, the sessions combined scholarly insights with pastoral reflection. A team of experienced resource persons led the presentations, highlighting key figures and themes from the Pentateuch, including the faith of Abraham, the leadership of Moses, Jacob’s transformation, Joseph’s story of providence, the covenant at Sinai, and the call to holiness in Leviticus.

Fr. Patrick Mattias SDB, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Bible, concluded the series with reflections on Deuteronomy, underlining the people’s renewed commitment to God as they stood on the threshold of the Promised Land.

Beyond the lectures, diocesan secretaries shared reports and experiences, strengthening collaboration among dioceses in promoting biblical ministry across the Western Region.

The seminar was coordinated by Fr. Macson Fernandes, Regional Secretary, and Fr. Walter D’Souza, Secretary of the Bombay Diocesan Bible Commission. Organisers expressed gratitude to Archbishop Rodrigues for his encouragement, and to the Sarvodaya management and staff for their hospitality.

Participants described the gathering as both enriching and inspiring, noting that the seminar not only deepened their understanding of Scripture but also strengthened their commitment to bring the Word of God to the life of the Church.

Fr. Walwin Fernandes