Thousand-day Bible reading initiative encourages families and students

THAMARASSERY, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil has launched a Scripture-centred faith formation year in the Diocese of Thamarassery, urging Catholics to read the Bible daily and calling parents to take a leading role in passing on the faith to their children.

In a pastoral circular published on the diocesan website May 31 to mark the start of the 2026-27 faith formation year, the bishop announced that the diocesan theme would be drawn from Mary’s words at the wedding feast of Cana: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

Addressing students, parents, catechists and teachers as schools and catechism classes resume after the summer break, Bishop Inchananiyil said the Bible should become an essential part of daily Christian life. “The Bible contains answers to all our questions,” the bishop wrote, encouraging the faithful to seek guidance and strength in God’s word.

He also unveiled a diocesan “Bible Journey” initiative designed to help children and families read the entire Bible over a period of 1,000 days.

Scripture at the centre

Bishop Inchananiyil said regular engagement with Scripture is vital to Christian formation and spiritual growth. “There should not be a single day without reading a passage from the Bible,” he wrote.

Citing St. Jerome’s famous teaching that “ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ,” he urged Catholics to become more familiar with the teachings of Jesus through prayerful reading of the Bible.

The circular notes that the Church has consistently encouraged believers to keep Scripture close at hand and meditate on it daily. The bishop also referred to Pope Francis’ repeated appeals for Catholics to carry a copy of the Gospel and read a short passage every day.

God’s word, he said, is “life-giving, powerful and effective,” and provides direction for believers facing the challenges of daily life.

Bishop Inchananiyil expressed hope that the year’s programmes would help children and adults deepen their relationship with Christ and build their lives on the firm foundation of faith.

Parents’ responsibility

A major focus of the circular is the role of parents in transmitting the faith. “Parents are the first teachers of faith,” Bishop Inchananiyil wrote.

He stressed that religious formation cannot be left solely to parishes and catechism classes but must begin within the family. “If our children are to become heirs of eternal life, they must know Jesus,” he said.

The bishop encouraged parents to pray with their children, read Scripture together and provide a living example of Christian faith.

Quoting biblical instructions to teach God’s commandments throughout daily life, he said faith formation should continue at home and not be limited to formal lessons. “Faith formation is not confined to classrooms but must continue in family life,” he wrote.

Bishop Inchananiyil also pointed to the example of saintly families throughout Church history, saying many saints first encountered Christ through the witness of their parents.

Catechists thanked

The bishop thanked catechists and faith formation teachers for their commitment to educating young Catholics and helping them grow in faith.

Quoting Jesus’ words, “Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them” (Matthew 19:14), Bishop Inchananiyil said catechists share in the Church’s mission of bringing children closer to Christ.

The circular also cites St. Paul’s declaration, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16), presenting it as an example for all involved in catechetical ministry.

The bishop encouraged teachers to continue their work with dedication and renewed enthusiasm as the new faith formation year begins.

Concluding the message, Bishop Inchananiyil entrusted the year to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. Alphonsa, and prayed that Catholics would be guided by the words of Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”