- 13 July, 2026
ROURKELA, Odisha, July 13: Hundreds of women from across the Diocese of Rourkela participated in the annual Bible Quiz on July 12, renewing their commitment to deepen their knowledge of Sacred Scripture and strengthen their relationship with Christ through God's Word.
Organised by the Diocese of Rourkela's Commission for Women, this year's edition was conducted exclusively for women, although the initiative is held periodically for all sections of the faithful.
Far more than a written examination, the Bible Quiz served as an occasion for spiritual renewal, encouraging participants to reflect on their understanding of the Scriptures and their personal journey of faith.
At one examination centre, Subham E. Kujur, who accompanied his mother, also chose to answer the question paper. "I am writing the quiz to evaluate myself and see how much I know the Bible," he said, describing the exercise as an opportunity for self-assessment rather than competition.
For many participants, the annual event has become a means of measuring spiritual growth. Shanthi Latha Soreng of Sector 20 said her love for Scripture flows from her desire to know Christ more deeply.
"It is the person of Jesus who draws me to the Bible. When I read one page, I feel inspired to read another. I write the quiz not to win a prize but to examine how well I know my Saviour," she said.
Echoing the same spirit, Hilaria Soreng of Sector 2 said that although she often secures high marks, she voluntarily declines prizes to allow others the opportunity to be recognised.
The Bible Quiz has also become a family-centred faith initiative. Sushia Jojo of Sector 15 said preparing for the examination brings the entire family together around the Word of God.
"When I study the Word of God, the whole family joins me. As a result, the Bible Quiz has become a much-awaited spiritual event rather than merely a competition," she said.
This year's quiz focused on the Acts of the Apostles and was conducted across all 44 parishes of the diocese, covering 380 parish units and 448 village communities. Despite transportation challenges and financial constraints, many participants from remote villages walked two to three hours to reach their parish churches, viewing the event as a grace-filled opportunity to grow in faith.
The Women's Commission prepared the question papers under the guidance of its spiritual advisor and distributed them to parishes through public bus services linking Rourkela with rural areas. At each examination centre, the sealed question papers were opened by the Religious Pastoral Sister in the presence of participants to ensure transparency.
Bishop Kishor Kumar Kujur of Rourkela praised the enthusiastic participation and the strong culture of Scripture study taking root in the diocese.
"It is a great joy to see entire families participating. The dedicated guidance of our clergy, catechists, and pastoral religious sisters keeps our people rooted in the Word of God, making Sacred Scripture come alive in family life," the bishop said.
The annual Bible Quiz has become an important pastoral initiative in the Diocese of Rourkela, fostering a deeper appreciation of Sacred Scripture and encouraging Catholics to live the Gospel more faithfully in their homes, parishes and communities.
By Sr. Lidwin Fernandes UFS
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