India: Bandra’s Pauline Communication Centre Celebrates Word of God Sunday, Awards Bible Study Certificates

The Word of God Sunday was celebrated on January 25 at the Pauline Communication Centre, Bandra, with a special Mass presided over by Fr. Jude Ferreira, Director of the Ministry of the Word under the Archdiocesan Biblical Commission of Bombay.

On the occasion, students of the Centre’s Bible classes were awarded certificates recognizing their participation in the three-year Creative Bible Study for the Laity program, which began in 2020 following Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Aperuit Illis, establishing the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time as the Sunday of the Word of God.

In his homily, Fr. Ferreira highlighted the transformative power of Scripture. Drawing on the experience of St. Ignatius of Loyola, he said, “If we read the Word of God and take it to heart, we will never be the same. The Bible has the power to change lives; every word is inspired by God. Just as rain and snow nourish the earth, the Word is sown into us—it is up to us to let it bear fruit.” He urged the faithful to keep the Bible in a prominent place at home, read it daily, and allow its message to shape their lives and actions.

The three-year certification courses—Growing with the Word of God, Encounter with God – Old Testament, and Walking with the Word – New Testament—offer a structured training in Sacred Scripture, rooted in Vatican II and the Church’s current synodal journey. Designed primarily for working adults and held on weekends, the courses provide a progressive pathway to engage Scripture responsibly, in communion with Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium.

This Word of God ministry of the Daughters of St. Paul in Bandra reflects the vision of their founder Blessed James Alberione, who emphasized the vital role of media, communication, and Scripture in evangelization

Participants praised the program for its depth and spiritual impact.

Mrs. Anita D. Mello said, “This course is beautifully planned and teaches us to be heralds of the Word, missionaries of Christ in today’s world.” Ms. Rovita D’Costa reflected, “Scripture became a living space of encounter for me. Through prayer, study, and shared learning, I experienced a renewed hope grounded in God’s faithfulness. Faith is never meant to be lived alone, and these courses help us root it deeply.” Another participant of the Programme, Michelle Wadhwani shared: “We are deeply grateful to the outstanding faculty—experts in their respective fields—who guided us with wisdom and authenticity. Special thanks to the organizing team of the Daughters of St. Paul for selecting insightful and engaging topics, and for providing constant support, encouragement, and care that created such an enriching environment.”

Looking ahead, the Pauline Communication Centre  plans to establish small Bible study clusters composed of graduates of the three-year program. These groups will foster communal engagement with Scripture, applying it to daily life, deepening faith, and empowering laity to actively participate in the Church’s mission, reflecting Vatican II’s vision of the People of God.