Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ahmedabad (Agenzia Fides) – It is not always easy to preach Christ and the Word of God to the peoples living in Gujarat, a state in northwestern India where there are widespread Hindu fundamentalist groups that often lead attacks on Christian and Muslim minorities. The Year of St. Paul, however, presents the local community with an opportunity for coming together, in dialogue and mission, so that Catholic faithful may dedicate themselves to bringing the Gospel above all to those who have still not hear the Christian message, no matter the cost, following the example of courage and dedication given by the Apostle to the Gentiles.
With this goal in mind, Bishop Thomas Macwan of Ahmedabad (the state’s capital) announced the publication of a new edition of the Holy Bible by the St. Paul Society that will be distributed in all the parishes and Catholic entities in honor of the Year of St. Paul.
The Mother Superior of the local community of the Daughters of Saint Paul, Sister Rita Joseph, presented the new publication, made possible thanks to the contributions and revisions of many Indian experts and theologians. This edition is unique because it contains commentaries, notes, contextual explanations, and references rooted in the cultural and religious tradition of India, making the text more manageable and familiar to the Indian reader.
During the presentation of the new Bible as an inspiration in living the Year of St. Paul, Bishop Macwan focused on the contributions made by the Apostles Peter and Paul, not only in the Church’s foundation, but also in the growth and development of Christianity over the centuries and on the various continents.
“Read the Bible and nourish yourselves on the Word of God,” the Bishop told the faithful, explaining that spiritual food is just as important in the life of a person as material food. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/07/2008)
