THE ARCHDIOCESAN Bible Apostolate of Davao (ABAD) takes the lead in spearheading the celebration of National Bible Month this January 2025. This month-long celebration has inspired various activities that unite believers in the region, allowing them to reflect on the Word of God. Through a series of events, ABAD has invited people of all ages to deepen their spiritual connections and embrace the sacred teachings of the Bible.
Among the first highlights of the celebration was the Launching held at San Pedro Cathedral on January 4 at 12 noon. The event, presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., marked the solemn and meaningful beginning of the National Bible Month.
The second major event will take place on January 18, from 7 AM to 4 PM, at Jesus and Mary Thevenet School. This event is the Youth Bible Symposium, designed to engage young people in discussions and activities centered on the Bible. This symposium serves as an important occasion for the younger generation to explore the Scriptures and reflect on their relevance to their lives.
From Jan. 20 to 24, a Bible Reading and Listening Fellowship will take place at Rizal Park, offering an open platform for individuals to gather and read passages from the Bible. The readings will be held daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, together with the Davao City Ministers Fellowship, UCCP, IFI, Methodist and Episcopal Churches.
In addition to these activities, the Archdiocese of Davao will also celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, also known as National Bible Sunday on Jan, 26, highlighting the importance of the Scriptures in every Christian’s faith life.
As part of the observance, DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM-Davao’s AMBIT GN program dedicated a segment to highlighting the significance of the National Bible Month. Fr. Alvin P. Sion, a member of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, shared that the Cathedral of St. Philip and St. James in Davao will also join the celebration by organizing Bible readings from January 20 to 24. In addition, online activities such as Bible quizzes and Bible study sessions have been set up to engage the youth in a fun and interactive manner.
Another voice in support of National Bible Month is Pastor Felimon Francis A. Pacheco, also known as Pastor Bong from God’s People Christian Church. Currently assigned as the Pastor and Missionary to the Badjao Tribe Church, Pastor Bong emphasized the importance of memorizing Bible verses. He explained that in his church, children and youth are encouraged to memorize Scripture verses as part of their spiritual journey. Every Sunday, children participate in activities and contests that challenge them to commit Bible verses to memory, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God’s Word.
Lastly, Rev. Fr. Ritsche Gamaya beautifully explained the theme of this years National Bible Month: “God’s Word: Source of Hope.” He noted that the theme resonates deeply not only within the Roman Catholic community but also across other Christian denominations and religions. According to Fr. Gamaya, the theme reflects the universal belief that the Bible offers hope in challenging times. Furthermore, it may have been inspired by Pope Francis’s declaration for the 2025 Jubilee Year, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” which emphasizes the journey of faith that gives believers strength and purpose.
As National Bible Month continues to unfold, the people of Davao are coming together in unity and faith, guided by the wisdom of the Scriptures. Through these events, they are reminded of the power of God’s Word to bring hope, inspiration, and spiritual growth to all. By Sem. Aljon Mayol
