5th FABC-CBF Asia-Oceania Biblical Congress

Third Bishops’ Institute for Biblical Apostolate was held with the theme: “With the Word of life on the roads of Asia-Oceania”. A group of 120 representatives gathered from November 4 to 8 at the Redemptorist Center in Pattaya, Thailand.

Together with the nine Bishops, the participants of the Biblical Congress in Thailand

Participants arrived from most of the countries of Asia-Oceania in what was a wonderful sharing about the work being done as servants of the Word. There were 9 bishops in attendance, priests, sisters and laypeople.

Participants from Korea and China at the Biblical Congress

Aware of the imminent appearance of the Synod Document on the Word of God, the speakers dealt with the Word of God in the life and mission of the Church (Fr. Jacob Theckanath from India). Bishop Vincent Ri, from Korea spoke about the “Proclamation of the Word – Preaching and the Word of God and Liturgy” inviting us to proclaim with witness and passion the Word (this bishop memorizes the liturgical readings to show appreciation for the Word of God). Word of God and cultures was the topic of Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil (India), while Archbishop Evarist Pinto of Pakistan spoke about “Word-Centered Seminary Formation.” There was an important moment to talk about the biblical apostolate in China with its prospects and challenges, a talk given by Fr. Paul Hu and Fr. Ludger Feldkamper. Bishop Pablo V. David from the Philippines talked to us about the “Now” of the Word of God and Archbishop E. Pinto of Bangkok accompanied with marvelous hospitality.

Macau was represented by the Director of Claretian Publications, Fr. Alberto Rossa who displayed the biblical work being done and the many bibles in different languages being published from Macau. At the last day every participant received as gift of Claretian Publication the Daily Gospel 2011.