Bible Exhibition at Jeppu concludes

Bible is a treasure that never goes emptied: Msgr Maxim Noronha

Report and Pics by Fr Anil Fernandes, CCC

Mangaluru, Jan 29, 2023 : A three day Bible Exhibition held at St Anthony Ashram (SAA), Jeppu, Mangalore, concluded on Saturday. The Chief Guest of the closing ceremony, Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore said, “Bible is a treasure that never goes emptied. It is a book of newness and life and relevant to any time period. The Bible has inspired many, transformed the lives of many, atheists have become theists, for it is the Word of God.”

The exhibition recognised the unique and selfless contributions of two diocesan priests who spread the Word of God using the present means of Communication. Rev. Fr Maxim Dsouza, parish priest, Jeppu and professor of Philosophy at St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, was felicitated for his bible reflections on the blog and preparing resources over the YouTube Channel. Rev. Dr Vincent Sequeira, Asst Director, Mangalajyothi, Diocesan Secretary of Bible Commission and Professor of Theology at St Joseph Seminary was felicitated for his short video series “Shubhvorthoman” - a two minutes stimulus on the daily Gospel readings. Msgr Maxim Noronha felicitated both of them with a shawl and bouquets of flowers.

Mr Roy Castelino, PRO, Diocese of Mangalore and Dr John D Silva, SAA Board member were present amidst many other priests, religious sisters, students and residents of St Anthony Ashram.

Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul Dsouza, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Mangalore visited the exhibition on the second day and expressed his joy and happiness over the initiative by the priests of SAA and other collaborators.

Rev. Fr J B Crasta, Director of SAA and convener of the exhibition said, “Around 2500 people visited the exhibition that included the Members of CSI Church, Religious sisters, priests from the dioceses of Udupi and Mangalore, catholic students from local schools and colleges, seminarians and novices.”

“Bible Exhibition was a wonderful experience for me. So many varieties of the Bible in different versions and languages. I may not study much, but I had a unique opportunity of touching those Bibles” said Sr Janet Sequeira AC, St Agnes Convent, Mangalore.

Jenita Dsouza from Morgansgate said, “I never knew that the Bible is so vast. It’s a big treasure of knowledge and wisdom. It’s a source of inspiration. I am impressed with the varieties of presentations on the Bible including paintings and drawings by little children.”

The exhibition, organised by the Commissions for Bible, Proclamation, Social Communication and Small Christian Community of the Diocese of Mangalore along with St Anthony Ashram, St Joseph Seminary, Cascia, Jeppu and Valencia parishes from January 26 to 28 evening, was successful presenting the Word of God through different forms.

The exhibition included 300 varieties of Bibles, 150 paintings, 20 Bible models, 30 minutes long documentary video, powerpoint presentations.

The parishioners of Jeppu, Cascia and Valencia read the Gospel according to Mark over three days.

Biblical one-act plays on ‘Mary Magdalene’ (Joshal Dsouza), ‘Joseph of Arimathea’ (Bro. Loyd, Jeppu Seminary), and ‘Barabbas’ (Alwyn Miranda, Jeppu) were presented during the evening cultural programmes.

A unique Magic show on Bible themes was presented by Rev. Fr Paul Sebastian Dsouza, Valencia. Besides, Bible dance, Bible songs, Dance drama on the Parables of Ten Virgins, Sower, Kingdom of Heaven, prodigal son, Good Samaritan and the Call of Disciples were presented by Ursuline sisters of Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu, Somorponn Convent, Panir, Students of Asha Niketan Convent and Gladsom Home Minor Seminary, Mangalore.

The winners of different competitions conducted on the same occasion were awarded with prizes.

Media and Publicity:
Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore
8277937790

Contact:
Rev. Fr J. B Crasta, Convenor – Mob: 9448724276
Rev. Fr Rupesh Tauro, Programme Coordinator – Mob: 8762784733
Rev. Fr Larry Pinto, Programme Coordinator – Mob: 9611502489