Caceres ComBibliA Holds Workshop Confab

Naga City (18 February 2010) -- The Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ComBibliA) headed by Fr. Jose Roberto Carpio held a Biblical Conference and Workshop at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary on February 6, 2010, attended by 70 lectors and catechists of the 16 parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres and one religious congregation.

The one-day event started with a Bible Enthronement led by the third year seminarians of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary with Rev. Neil Hugo. It was followed by a short opening program wherein some of the third year theologians rendered a very beautiful song to the delight of the participants.
Sem. Erwin Blasa, the event coordinator welcomed the participants and discussed the  ComBibliA in the Archdiocese, its purpose and programs. It was followed by a lively, substantial and informative talk by Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon on the theme, "The Word of God: the Life and Mission of the Church (An tataramon nin Dios iyo an buhay asin misyon kan simbahan.)

Fr. Rex shared his expertise on the Bible in a very concrete, clear and energetic way so much so that the participants enjoyed listening to him. He emphasized the importance of reading the Bible and understanding it within the context for which it was written. He pointed out some ways on how to live the word of God and how understanding of its contents could be deepened.

He also encouraged the participants to use the bible in educating children using story-telling method which kids would love to listen. He challenged the participants to proclaim the Word of God not only by words but most of all by concrete actions.

A workshop was conducted after the talk with the help of the seminarians. Sem. Erwin Blasa introduced the "There may Be One Bible" (TMOB), a strategic program aimed to help ECBA and PBS realize the vision of a transformed Philippines through God's Word. It was inspired by the 12th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops held in Rome on October 5-26, 2008, which had as its theme, The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. Its objective is to provide Bibles at subsidized cost to help facilitate a moral and spiritual transformation throughout the country. It aims to print five million copies of the Bible within a span of five years, making the Sacred Scriptures available to every home for only P50.00.

The maiden issue of COMBIBLIA Newsletter was also distributed to the participants. The event concluded with the closing remarks and final blessing of Fr. Jose Roberto Carpio, head of the ComBibliA.

The event was also cosponsored by the Commission on Evangelization and the Caceres Commission on Communications. (Fr. Louie Occiano)