The Archdiocesan Biblical Ministry of Yangon marked the Feast of Saint Jerome and the Word of God Jubilee with a solemn celebration on Friday, October 11, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hmawbi.

The event, which drew clergy and lay faithful from across the archdiocese, underscored the central role of the Bible in Catholic life and mission, featuring a Jubilee Mass, a ceremonial enthronement of the Scriptures, and reports on ongoing evangelization efforts.

The celebration began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Excellency Bishop Raymond Wai Lin Htun, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, who four concelebrating priests joining.

In his homily, Bishop Raymond delivered a powerful reflection on the duty of every Christian not only to read but to proclaim and witness to the Word of God. He connected the day’s Jubilee to the core mission entrusted to all baptized persons, quoting Christ’s command: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News.”

The bishop cautioned against a superficial relationship with Scripture. “To enthrone the Bible on a stand is not the end, but we must enthrone it in our hearts,” he stated. “Only when we have teachers of the Bible will we have believers. Only when we live the Word, will it take root and bear fruit.”

He outlined three essential functions for believers: to plant, nurture, and live the Word of God. Citing the Blessed Virgin Mary as an example, he emphasized that the ultimate goal is to internalize Scripture. “The Word of God is Jesus Himself,” Bishop Raymond said. “Let us carry Him in our hearts and bring Him to others.”

Following the Mass, a vibrant Enthronement of the Bible ceremony took place at 10:00 A.M. Bishop Raymond carried the Holy Bible in a solemn procession accompanied by the traditional cultural dance of the Chin ethnic group, known as Chumi. The Bible was then incensed and placed on a prepared throne before the altar, symbolizing its authority and centrality in the Church.

In a subsequent reflection, the bishop described the Word of God as “living and active,” with the power to transform hearts, referencing the conversion stories of Saints Augustine and Francis of Assisi. He reiterated the famous adage of St. Jerome: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”

“To know the Bible is to know Christ,” Bishop Raymond added. “The Word of God must be the foundation of our faith and evangelization.”

The liturgical events were followed by a program detailing the Church’s biblical outreach. Reverend Fr. George Shwe Htun, National Coordinator of the Biblical Ministry, reported on national and archdiocesan activities, including the quarterly publication and weekly social media sharing of Sunday reflections, and Bible courses organized for all ages across the country.

He also announced an upcoming online catechetical training scheduled for October 21–24 at the CBCM Center, inviting priests, religious, and catechists to participate.

Later, Rev. Fr. Roger Kyaw Thu, SVD, shared about the Divine Word Missionaries, noting that the congregation has been serving for 150 years in around 80 countries. He also presented a short video about their mission and charism.

A presentation by Mrs. Jun Rose Mi Htet, General Secretary of the Yangon Archdiocesan Biblical Ministry, summarized the ministry’s activities in various parishes, highlighting collaboration with other dioceses to promote Bible sharing.

The celebration concluded with words of gratitude from Reverend Fr. Peter Htun Htun, Coordinator of the Yangon Archdiocesan Biblical Ministry, who thanked all participants and supporters for contributing to the success of the Word of God Jubilee.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service