Bangladesh: Over 500 Bibles Distributed in Rajshahi Diocese Initiative

On April 20, more than 500 Bibles were distributed to children, youth, and parents at St. Joseph’s Church in Diocese of Rajshahi, in northwestern Bangladesh, through a joint initiative of Corner Stone Church and the Bible Society of Bangladesh.

The distribution included family Bengali Bibles, children’s Santali Bibles, and Santali-language editions of both the Old and New Testaments.

The event was attended by Cornelius Tudu, president of Corner Stone Church, along with his team. James Biswas represented the Bible Society of Bangladesh.

The program began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. John Mintu Roy. In his homily, he said, “The Bible is the Word of life, the history of salvation, and the testimony of God’s love.” He encouraged the faithful to keep a Bible at home and read it regularly.

Cornelius Tudu said, “We should all read the Bible, because the Word of God guides our path in life.”

James Biswas added, “As Mother Teresa said, we should keep the Bible, read it, live by its teachings, and share it with others.”

Parish priest Fr. Sushil Louis Pereira expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants and urged the faithful to develop a regular habit of Scripture reading.

A participant from the Santali community said, “It has long been my desire to have a Bible in my own language so I can read it during prayer. Today I received it, and I am deeply grateful.”

The Bible Society of Bangladesh, established in 1953, works to make the Scriptures available in languages understood by local communities across the country. Following Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, it expanded its work to include full Bibles, New Testaments, and selected Scriptures in both Bengali and various indigenous languages.

The organization continues to collaborate with churches and Christian groups to promote access to the Bible and encourage engagement with Scripture among children, youth, and adults.