The Western Regional Bible Commission (WRBC) held its two-day live-in meeting from 17th to 18th August 2026 at Jeevan Vikas Kendra, Pethapur, Gandhinagar Archdiocese, Gujarat. The meeting was chaired by Most Rev. Simião P. Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman and Chairman Bishop of the WRBC and coordinated by Fr. Macson Fernandes, Regional Secretary. Around eleven diocesan secretaries or their representatives participated in the programme.
The programme began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Most Rev. Thomas Ignatius Macwan, Archbishop of Gandhinagar. In his homily, he emphasised the love of God revealed in the Bible and highlighted how this love should transform us and inspire us in our ministry. Fr. Macson Fernandes then welcomed all the participants and thanked them for their presence and participation.
The diocesan secretaries/ representatives who participated were Fr. Kiran Gohil (Gandhinagar), Fr. Onasis D’Cruz (Goa), Fr. S. Jayraj (Ahmedabad), Fr. Mayank (Baroda), Fr. Joychen Paranjallu (Rajkot), Fr. Lui Heredia (Poona), Fr. Cliffy Fernandes (Bombay), Fr. Stebin (Kalyan), Fr. Anil Pereira (Vasai), Fr. Walvin Fernandes (Sindhudurg), and Fr. Jerry (Khadki).
Most Rev. Simião P. Fernandes presented the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033, with a special focus on the role of the Bible Commission. This was followed by a group discussion on aligning the Western Regional Bible Commission’s plan with the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033. The diocesan secretaries reflected on the strengths and challenges of the Western Region and worked together to formulate an action plan for strengthening biblical ministry.
Fr. Michael Raj Sebastian, Regional Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Region, shared various innovative initiatives for biblical ministry and faith formation. He presented the different activities undertaken by the Biblical Commission of Tamil Nadu, with particular emphasis on the Vacation Bible School (VBS). The VBS helps children learn the Bible and deepen their faith during the summer holidays. It also encourages the active involvement of young people as lay animators, helping them grow in faith and take greater responsibility in ministry.
The diocesan secretaries also presented reports on the biblical ministry in their respective dioceses, sharing their major activities, experiences, challenges and future plans. This sharing provided an opportunity to learn from one another and explore possibilities for greater collaboration.
The Secretaries along with the Chairman Bishop discussed the future initiatives of the Western Regional Bible Commission, including the Western Regional Bible Convention in 2027 and the Western Regional Bible Quiz on the Pentateuch.
In the evening, the participants had a mission exposure visit, well coordinated by Fr. Kiran Gohil. The group visited mission stations such as Kalol and Uteshweri, where the priests serving in these areas shared their pastoral experiences, ministry and challenges. The visit gave the participants a valuable opportunity to understand the realities of mission ministry.
The programme concluded on 18 August with the Holy Eucharist, with Most Rev. Simião P. Fernandes as the main celebrant. He thanked everyone for their active participation and appreciated their dedication and commitment to their responsibilities. The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Fr. Lui Heredia.
By Fr. Onasis D’ Cruz
