The Catholic Bible Commission Pakistan (CBCP) has urged graduates of its biblical studies program to bring the knowledge of Sacred Scripture into parish communities and families, as it convened its Convocation 2026 for Studies in Biblical Sciences (SBS) alongside its Annual General Meeting in Lahore on November 3.
The gathering at the CBCP Secretariat brought together three bishops and around 100 participants, including members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, priests, religious sisters, biblical scholars, pastoral workers, and approximately 50 graduates of the program.
The proceedings began with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by reflections from Church leaders on the importance of Scripture in Christian life and the pastoral mission of the Church in Pakistan.
Bishop Samson Shukardin, president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, described Sacred Scripture as the foundation of Christian identity and moral strength. He emphasized that fostering a personal and communal love for the Bible encourages greater lay participation and strengthens Christian witness in society.
Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Bishop Rawalpindi-Islamabad, highlighted the importance of regular meditation on the Word of God for spiritual renewal and for responding to contemporary social challenges.
Fr. Joseph Shehzad, executive secretary of the Catholic Bible Commission Pakistan, said biblical education should equip lay leaders to bring the transforming message of God's Word into local parishes and families, described as domestic churches.
The convocation recognized graduates who completed studies in biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and Scripture studies. Speakers emphasized that sound biblical formation enables lay leaders and pastoral workers to communicate the Gospel more effectively in families, parish communities, and wider society.
The gathering drew inspiration from Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” underscoring Scripture's role in guiding Christian life and pastoral discernment.
Graduates expressed gratitude to the Commission and its leadership, describing the completion of their studies as an important milestone in their spiritual formation and continuing service to the Church.
Following the convocation, the Commission held its Annual General Meeting to assess ongoing biblical initiatives across Pakistan, review diocesan Bible literacy programs, and establish priorities for the coming year.
Participants discussed expanding Bible translation, publishing, and digital distribution initiatives, particularly to improve access to standard Urdu biblical texts and commentary resources among Catholic families.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to an integrated approach to biblical formation, combining academic study with lectio divina, contemplative prayer, and practical works of mercy.
The gathering concluded with prayers and blessings for the graduates and the continuing biblical ministry of the Commission, as it seeks to strengthen Scripture-based formation and evangelization across the Catholic Church in Pakistan.
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