The Word of God unites us all

Aug 02, 2024

PENANG: The Asia Pacific Catholic Affinity (APCA) held a significant meeting from July 17-19, bringing together representatives from Bible Societies and the Federation of the Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).

The primary focus was the “Come Follow Me” campaign and the discussion of translating, adapting, and implementing the modern adaptation of the Good News New Testament book, Identity: Identified – Navigating the Challenges of Life, launched on January 9, 2023, at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam. This initiative aims to engage young people with the Bible and reinforce key mission priorities.
Delegates from the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia attended the recent meeting.

On July 19, coinciding with the first day of the Feast of St Anne, an Ecumenical Prayer Service was held by the United Bible Societies (UBS) and the Diocese of Penang at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. Rev Mathew K. Punnoose, General Secretary of UBS, highlighted the theme Gift of Diversity and Harmony in his homily, reflecting the unity among diverse church denominations. He cited 1 Corinthians 1:12-20, emphasising that “the parts are many, but the Body is One.”

Rev Punnoose underscored that despite national, cultural, and linguistic differences, unity through the Bible remains paramount. He shared a hopeful message from a recent visit to China, where people affirmed that the Bible unites them, symbolising that while diversity is a creative expression of God, unity is a divine gift.

Cardinal Sebastian Francis echoed this sentiment, stating that both UBS and APCA are united in their passion for the Word of God. He referenced John 6:63, where Jesus says, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life.” Cardinal Sebastian elaborated that the combination of the Word of God, the Spirit, and Life is the essence of evangelisation. He also mentioned an invitation from Cardinal Giorgio Marengo of Mongolia to share the Gospel in a whisper, highlighting the global spread of this expression.

The cardinal announced ongoing discussions with Protestant and Orthodox Churches to potentially celebrate Easter on the same day in the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, a move aimed at fostering greater Christian unity. He also related the theme of the Feast of St Anne, Enlarge the Space of Your Tent from Isaiah 54:2, to the collaborative efforts of APCA and UBS, showing the Church’s response to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Rev Arun Sok Nhep, Global Mission Team Director, presented the meeting’s statement, outlining key mission priorities for 2024-2025. These priorities include collaboration, translation, and promotion of ‘Identity: Identified’ in various languages, developing resources to engage youths, diaspora outreach, and enhanced accessibility. Networking and support with Bishops’ Conferences and the Catholic Biblical Federation were also emphasised. Lee Li Mei, Head of the Bible Apostolate of Penang, committed to promoting Identity: Identified within the Diocese of Penang.

Msgr Joseph Jayanathan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, India, honoured Cardinal Sebastian with a garland, and Rev Dr Kavito Zhimo, General Secretary of the Bible Society of India, honoured Rev Punnoose. Gratitude was extended to the Diocese of Penang and the Bible Society of Malaysia for their exceptional hospitality.

The meeting concluded with Cardinal Sebastian offering the final blessings.