MALAWI: ECM sets a Month of September every to be dedicated for the Promotion of Bible Apostolate
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| Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo |
Since the year 2011, the Catholic Church in Malawi has been
marking the month of September of every year to be specifically for the
promotion of Biblical Apostolate. Through the Bishops’ Conference, the
tradition has been that the Bishops are requested to inaugurate the Bible Month
on the first Sunday of September at their Cathedral, with a bible procession and
Bible enthronement.
marking the month of September of every year to be specifically for the
promotion of Biblical Apostolate. Through the Bishops’ Conference, the
tradition has been that the Bishops are requested to inaugurate the Bible Month
on the first Sunday of September at their Cathedral, with a bible procession and
Bible enthronement.
Usually every year has a theme to guide Christians in their Bible
Reflections throughout the year. The theme for this year is “God
rich in Mercy” which is in conformity with the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Reflections throughout the year. The theme for this year is “God
rich in Mercy” which is in conformity with the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
“We are encouraging people to be inspired by the Word of God. We
believe that the Word of God is the Light and the source of everything we do.
Therefore, inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini of the Holy
Father Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with reference to article 17, which says
that …If we want to carry out our work effectively
we must be inspired by the Holy Gospel… we took it as the Episcopal Conference
to say that every work we do must be inspired by the Gospel,” explained Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, National Pastoral Coordinator for Episcopal Conference
of Malawi ECM.
believe that the Word of God is the Light and the source of everything we do.
Therefore, inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini of the Holy
Father Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with reference to article 17, which says
that …If we want to carry out our work effectively
we must be inspired by the Holy Gospel… we took it as the Episcopal Conference
to say that every work we do must be inspired by the Gospel,” explained Rev.
Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, National Pastoral Coordinator for Episcopal Conference
of Malawi ECM.
“Several activities are encouraged during this period, among them,
Christians are encouraged to give gifts of a Bible to one another. Apart from
that, we have a team that usually works on a document, which comes out as a
booklet, translated in three major languages in the Country namely English, Chichewa and Tumbuka. The booklet usually comes out in September and is used by
the different apostolate groups throughout the whole Month of September,” he
said.
Christians are encouraged to give gifts of a Bible to one another. Apart from
that, we have a team that usually works on a document, which comes out as a
booklet, translated in three major languages in the Country namely English, Chichewa and Tumbuka. The booklet usually comes out in September and is used by
the different apostolate groups throughout the whole Month of September,” he
said.
The Episcopal Conference has created a work plan on monthly
basis based on the theme of the year. This work plan is meant to help the
faithful read the Bible throughout the year up to the month of August before
another booklet comes out in September with a different theme.
basis based on the theme of the year. This work plan is meant to help the
faithful read the Bible throughout the year up to the month of August before
another booklet comes out in September with a different theme.
“During the Bible Month we also do programs on the radio stations to
encourage more people to participate while at the same time explaining what the
Bible month is all about,” Fr. Chimombo explained.
encourage more people to participate while at the same time explaining what the
Bible month is all about,” Fr. Chimombo explained.
He said that to crown this year’s Bible Apostolate, the Episcopal Conference
has released the Question and Answer Bible in order to enhance catechesis and
faith formation for Christians. “The questions that trouble our faithful
especially the youth are asked and responded to. In addition, there are Biblical
verses under every question where one can find reference for every question
asked as well as references from the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” Fr.
Chimombo explained adding that these references support the answers and help people
understand better.
has released the Question and Answer Bible in order to enhance catechesis and
faith formation for Christians. “The questions that trouble our faithful
especially the youth are asked and responded to. In addition, there are Biblical
verses under every question where one can find reference for every question
asked as well as references from the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” Fr.
Chimombo explained adding that these references support the answers and help people
understand better.
The Question and Answer Bible was published by the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) who gave ECM permission to reproduce the
New Edition.
Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) who gave ECM permission to reproduce the
New Edition.
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online
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