The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has announced the launch of a Bible month and Bible study lessons by the Catholic Church starting from today to August 31 2016, ECM national pastoral director Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo has confirmed.
Fr. Chimombo said this year’s Bible month and study sessions are under the theme: “God rich in mercy” and is taken from the book of Ephesians 2: 4.
to read during a recent Thanksgiving Mass
In his message on the launch of the biblical activity, bishop chairperson for ECM’s Pastoral Commission, Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese says Malawi chose September every year as the Bible month for the Catholic community because the Bible is God’s word which is a source of nourishment and spiritual growth.
He says the importance of this activity in daily lives is that it obliges the faithful to know and fully appreciate it, hence the need to constantly and consistently read the Bible to acquire necessary spiritual benefits.
The bishop encourages parish priests to ensure that Bibles and booklets on Bible lessons are available throughout the year and to also encourage their parishoners to read the Bible and exchange gifts of the Holy Bible during this period.
On his part, Fr. Chimombo said it is worth noting that this year’s Bible reflection falls within a period when the Catholic Church has been invited to join in the celebration of the Jubilee of Mercy which will be officially inaugurated by Pope Francis on Tuesday, December 8 2015—the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception—and will close on November 20 2016—the Solemnity of Christ the King.
Fr Chimombo said on this day, the Pope will open the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica and that during the Jubilee Year, the Pope will send “Missionaries of Mercy” throughout the world to forgive sins.
“Furthermore, this year’s Bible reflection falls within a period when the Universal Church is celebrating the release of the Encyclical on “the care of creation” by Pope Francis entitled Laudato Si, which was issued on the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 24 2015,” said Fr. Chimombo.
He said as a continued process for this Holy period, choirs are encouraged to compose songs based on biblical verses on ‘mercy’ and ‘care for creation’ as portrayed in Laudato Si.
