- 30 October, 2026
GUWAHATI, 29 October 2026: Seventy participants representing fifteen dioceses across Northeast India gathered at the North East Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS), Kharguli, Guwahati, Assam, from 27 to 29 October for a regional Bible Seminar-cum-Animation Programme aimed at strengthening the biblical apostolate.
Organised by the Northeast Regional Bible Commission after a gap of several years, the three-day gathering was led by Regional Secretary Fr. Johnson Thurackal, CMF. It brought together diocesan secretaries, priests, religious sisters and lay faithful, with the participation of Fr. Peter Abir, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Bible, and Fr. Patrick Mathias, SDB, its Executive Secretary.
The inaugural session was attended by Fr. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati and President of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC), along with Fr. G. P. Amalraj, Regional Deputy Secretary, and Fr. Anil Joseph, Executive Director of the Social Forum Centre, Kharguli.
Addressing the gathering on “Biblical Apostolate in the Northeast Region: Strengths, Opportunities and Vision”, Archbishop Moolachira stressed the importance of making the Bible central to family life and strengthening biblical formation in parishes, particularly through Small Christian Communities.
Bishop Peter Abir, in his inaugural address on “Biblical Apostolates in India and Current Means of Apostolate”, encouraged participants to help people listen to God’s Word and recognise His presence throughout human history.
The following day, the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles, began with a concelebrated Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Moolachira. In his homily, Bishop Abir reminded participants that the feast also celebrated their own vocation to proclaim and witness to the Word of God.
Fr. Patrick Mathias led an animation session on “The Centrality of the Word of God”, emphasising that engagement with Scripture should lead beyond information to personal transformation and an encounter with Jesus Christ.
Fr. Johnson Thurackal subsequently presented “Fifteen Dioceses, One Mission: Making the Word Relevant in the Northeast Region”, examining regional pastoral realities, existing initiatives, challenges and opportunities.
Participants then formed five groups, each representing three dioceses, to identify practical ways of strengthening the biblical apostolate. Further sessions explored the ten essential characteristics of ministers of the Word, skills required for biblical ministry and pastoral initiatives already underway in individual dioceses.
On 29 October, participants identified five priority areas: formation of Bible animators; Bible translation and access to biblical resources; families, parishes and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs); children, youth and digital ministry; and regional collaboration, including preparations for the celebration of 2033.
The gathering adopted three resolutions. Every diocese would work towards establishing a fully functional Diocesan Bible Commission team by the end of March 2027. Making the Word of God central to family life would become a priority for every commission. Special attention would also be given to helping children deepen their knowledge and understanding of Scripture.
During the concluding session, Fr. Patrick Mathias thanked Fr. Thurackal for organising the programme and presented six pastoral movements towards renewing biblical ministry in the region. He urged participants to translate the gathering’s insights and resolutions into concrete action in their dioceses.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration among the fifteen dioceses, united in their mission to make the Word of God a living presence in the families, parishes and communities of Northeast India.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP