Western Regional Bible Commission Charts New Pathways for Biblical Ministry

GANDHINAGAR, Gujarat, August 18, 2026: Strengthening biblical ministry and deepening collaboration among dioceses were the key concerns at the two-day live-in meeting of the Western Regional Bible Commission (WRBC), held from August 17 to 18 at Jeevan Vikas Kendra, Pethapur, in the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar.

About 11 diocesan Bible secretaries or their representatives from across the Western Region participated in the meeting, chaired by Bishop Simião P. Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman and Chairman of the WRBC. Fr. Macson Fernandes, Secretary of the commission, coordinated the meeting.

Archbishop Thomas Ignatius Macwan of Gandhinagar celebrated the Eucharist for the participants. In his homily, he reflected on God’s love revealed through the Bible and stressed that this love must transform believers and find expression in their ministry.

A major session focused on the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033, presented by Bishop Simião. He explained the role of the Bible Commission in the plan and presented Mission 2033 as a call to renewed missionary commitment and to building a Church that walks, listens and serves together.

Bishop Simião traced the pastoral journey from consultation to mission through prayer, listening, discernment, consensus and action, highlighting the synodal character of the plan. He particularly emphasised Biblical Faith Formation and Resources, which seeks to nurture a deeper thirst for the Word of God and strengthen biblical ministry as the Church journeys towards 2033.

Participants discussed how the WRBC’s programmes could be aligned with the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033. They assessed the strengths and challenges of biblical ministry in the region and began working on an action plan to enhance the ministry through greater coordination and collaboration.

Fr. Michael Raj Sebastian, Regional Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Region, shared initiatives undertaken by the Biblical Commission of Tamil Nadu in Bible ministry and faith formation. He highlighted the Vacation Bible School (VBS), which enables children to learn Scripture and deepen their faith during the summer holidays. The programme also involves young people as lay animators, giving them opportunities to grow in faith and take greater responsibility in ministry.

Diocesan representatives shared reports on their respective Bible ministries, outlining activities, experiences, challenges and plans for the future. The presentations provided opportunities for mutual learning and opened avenues for greater cooperation among dioceses.

The commission also discussed plans for a Western Regional Bible Convention in 2027 and a Western Regional Bible Quiz on the Pentateuch as part of its future initiatives.

An evening mission exposure visit took the participants to mission stations at Kalol and Uteshweri. Coordinated by Fr. Kiran Gohil, the visit enabled the participants to interact with priests serving in the mission areas and learn about their pastoral experiences, ministries and challenges.

The meeting concluded with the Eucharist presided over by Bishop Simião Fernandes. He thanked the participants for their active involvement and appreciated their commitment to strengthening biblical ministry in the region. Fr. Lui Heredia proposed the vote of thanks.

By Fr. Onasis D’Cruz

Director, Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate, Archdiocese of Goa and Daman