Mangalore: Non-Stop Proclamation of Word ‘Bible, Day and Night’ Begins at Kulshekar Parish
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)

Mangalore, Mar 15: ‘Bible, Day and Night’, 25 hours of non-stop proclamation of the word of God–New Testament, was inaugurated at Holy Cross parish, Kulshekar, at 5.00 pm on Monday March 15.  The event will conclude at 6.00 pm on Tuesday March 16.  

It’s significant that such a Biblical programme will be held in Konkani for the first time in Mangalore diocese and is also unique to the rest of India.  The spiritual programme is being organized by Holy Cross parish especially during the Lenten season and the year dedicated to clergies by the Holy See. About 260 readers, priests, nuns and laity will take part in 25 hours of non-stop scripture reading. 

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza inaugurated the event at Kulshekar parish at 5.00 pm on Monday by reading a first scripture from the New Testament.  

Speaking on the occasion, Bishop D’Souza said that the Bible has been a best seller in the world.  “It has been widely read by all those seeking inspiration to sustain living and the strength to cope in difficulties and ailments. St Paul acknowledged that Christ is living in him, such was his faith in proclaiming the world of God till his last breath”, he said.

Accordingly, the Bishop called on the faithful to read the Bible, contemplate over the scripture, and lead life by Jesus Christ’s example. 

Sr Wilberta B S, Superior General of Bethany Sisters, was the chief guest on the occasion.

She said that the words of God have the power of healing and changing the evil ways of living.  

She narrated an incident about a sick soldier named Tony serving in the armed forces of Lebanon during 1995.  He was a mental wreck when he sought the inspirations by secretly reading the Bible which worked as a tonic for him to discharge his duties.  Both the Bible and Holy Quran were forbidden in the armed forces there and one day his superior found out his love for reading the Bible and sharing it with comrades.  

The incident was reported to the commander and Tony was called to explain what made him read the Holy Scriptures. Tony innocently explained the strength he derived from reading Bible, without which he would perish.  The commander was convinced of his faith in the word of God and admonished him not to read when his comrades are nearby.  “Similarly, the present youth can also find peace and solitude from all the distractions of worldly pleasures, to lead meaningful life”, appealed Sr Wilberta. 

Bishop D’Souza concelebrated the Holy Mass along with many priests ahead of the proclamation of the word of God.

Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore will preside over the concluding ceremony at 6.00 pm on Tuesday March 16. 

The diocesan vicar general Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu and St Joseph’s Seminar rector Fr Victor J Machado will be the chief guests of the concluding ceremony. 

‘Bible, Day and Night’, a non-stop reading of the entire Bible was held at Roman Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem for seven days and six nights from Saturday October 11.  It was organized by RAI (Italian television) and broadcast live by them.  About 1,200 readers from 50 different countries participated in the historical event. 

Holy Cross assistant parish priest Fr Rajesh Rosario proposed the vote of thanks.  Assistant parish priest Fr Arun Lobo compered the programme.