CCBI Western Region Bible Seminar Leads the Faithful through the Journey of the Pentateuch
The Western Region Bible Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), under the leadership of Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes, Chairman of the Western Regional Bible Commission, organized a Bible Seminar from February 7–8, 2026, on the theme “Journeying through the Pentateuch: From Creation to the Threshold of the Promised Land.”
The seminar was held at Sarvodaya, St. Pius X College Seminary, Mumbai.
The event was hosted by the Archdiocese of Bombay under the patronage of Archbishop John Rodrigues, Archbishop of Bombay. The inaugural Eucharistic celebration on February 7 was presided over by Bishop Alwyn D’Silva, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Bombay. Nearly 100 participants from the Archdiocese of Bombay and neighboring dioceses took part in the seminar.
Tracing God’s Saving Plan Through the Pentateuch
The seminar offered a rich and systematic journey through the Pentateuch, guided by experienced biblical scholars who helped participants deepen their understanding of God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
Fr. Walter D’Souza, Diocesan Secretary of the Archdiocese of Bombay, reflected on Genesis 1–11, tracing the movement from Creation to Babel. He highlighted God’s loving design, humanity’s creation in God’s image, the rupture caused by sin, and the spread of violence and pride. Even amid judgment, he noted, God’s mercy remained evident—particularly through the Flood—culminating in renewed hope as God begins anew with Abraham.
Fr. Macson Fernandes, Secretary of the CCBI Western Region Bible Commission, reflected on Abraham’s journey of faith (Genesis 12–25), presenting faith as a path shaped by obedience, waiting, struggle, and trust. He also explored Moses’ journey (Exodus 1–18), emphasizing God’s response to oppression and His power to transform broken lives into instruments of liberation.
Fr. Mariano D’Costa, Director of the Goa Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate, reflected on Jacob’s transformation (Genesis 26–36), showing how God’s covenant advances not through human merit but through grace that transforms weakness into blessing.
Fr. Lui Heredia, Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Poona, examined Joseph’s journey (Genesis 37–50), highlighting God’s providence that transforms betrayal and suffering into reconciliation and salvation, prefiguring Christ’s redemptive mission.
Fr. Michael D’Cunha of the Archdiocese of Bombay presented Sinai as a covenantal relationship (Exodus 19–40), describing the Law as a covenant bond and the Tabernacle as God’s dwelling among His people.
Continuing the journey, Fr. Walter D’Souza reflected on the Book of Numbers, emphasizing Israel’s rebellion and God’s enduring mercy, while Fr. Patrick Mathias, SDB, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for the Bible, presented Deuteronomy as a call to remembered grace and renewed covenantal commitment. Fr. Anil Pereira of the Diocese of Vasai concluded the scriptural journey with a reflection on Leviticus, highlighting the universal call to holiness.
Lives Touched by the Living Word
Sharing his experience with Radio Veritas Asia, Sogy Joy Kanathil of Amravati said the seminar helped him rediscover Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy as deeply relevant for today. Reading these books in the light of Christ and the lives of the patriarchs, he recognized his own struggles and felt called to personal conversion through regular engagement with God’s Word.
Roshni Bhagat of Baroda said that engaging deeply with Scripture helped clear her doubts, reshape her outlook, and discover renewed purpose and direction in life, relationships, and vocation by trusting God more fully.
Describing the seminar as a deeply enriching and transformative experience, Sr. Divya, FCC, of Rajkot noted that the speakers made the biblical journeys from Genesis to Deuteronomy practical and personal, strengthening her covenantal commitment.
Simitra Rodrigues of Goa shared that the seminar helped her rediscover God’s steadfast mercy, which does not dwell on the past but opens the way to a hopeful future.
Reflecting on his experience, Rajeshwar Joseph Banerji of Bombay said the seminar brought clarity to his faith and offered lasting spiritual insights: examining one’s relationship with God, pursuing personal holiness, renewing daily commitment, and embracing life’s struggles with integrity. He reflected, “When we pray, we speak to God; when we read the Bible, God speaks to us.”
Fedora Dias of Goa, who also served as the seminar anchor, described the experience as a deeply transformative journey. “I read the Bible, but during this seminar, I felt as though the Bible read me—questioning, shaping, and gently transforming my heart, drawing me closer to God,” she said.
Reflecting on the seminar, Fr. Brian Dias of Vasai described the Church as a pilgrim people journeying toward the Promised Land. Inspired by Israel’s journey in the Pentateuch, he said the sessions deepened his sense of faithfulness, holiness, and love for God’s Word.
Shinu Jose of Baroda shared that journeying through the Pentateuch revealed how Abraham and Moses grew in holiness through long processes of formation and trust, and how, despite frustrations, God never gave up on His people.
Sr. Betty Menezes, FMA, reflected that the seminar mirrored her own life journey, deepening her call to holiness, daily covenant renewal, and walking forward with faith, hope, and trust in God’s unfailing fidelity.
Maria Lokhande of Poona said the seminar taught her humility before Scripture—offering one’s heart (lebab) to God, trusting like Abraham, clinging to God’s enduring covenantal love, and counting blessings even amid hardship.
The seminar combined study and prayer through Eucharistic celebrations, Lectio Divina, and the Rosary. Reports from Diocesan Secretaries and an address by the CCBI Executive Secretary enriched the experience and strengthened regional collaboration in promoting love for the Bible.
