Kochi – 3 June 2025
After sixteen years of dedicated and painstaking revision, the Revised POC (Pastoral Orientation Center) Bible was solemnly published at the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council headquarters in Palarivattom, Kochi. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the spiritual and cultural life of the Kerala Catholic faithful, ensuring that the Holy Scriptures continue to nourish the Church with accuracy, clarity, and reverence.
The publication ceremony was led by His Eminence Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), who honoured the occasion by receiving the revised Bible from the hands of Prof. M.K. Sanu, a multifaceted luminary and cultural leader of Kerala. Cardinal Cleemis’s presence underscored the importance of this achievement, recognised as a historical and spiritual landmark for the Syro Malankara Catholic Church and the entire Kerala Catholic community.
The celebration was witnessed by all the bishops of Kerala, Major Superiors of religious congregations, and distinguished guests from various walks of life, whose presence testified to the Bible’s central role in the life of the Church and society.
Long Journey of Revision: A Testament to Faithfulness
The journey towards this revised edition began in earnest in 2008, responding to the call of several previous Popes to ensure that the Scriptures are made available to the faithful in a language and style that is both accurate and accessible. The KCBC, in compliance with these directives, initiated a multi-phase revision process that extended over several years, culminating in the completion of the revised text in 2024.
The need for revising the POC Bible had been discussed as early as 1992. The project gained formal momentum in 2005 when Fr. Dr. Cyrus Velamparambil DTh, then Secretary of the KCBC Bible Commission, submitted a proposal for revision. Subsequently, under the convenership of Fr. Dr. Augustine Mulloor OCD, a team of Bible scholars was assembled, beginning translation work from the original languages and undertaking linguistic refinements.
The team included eminent scholars such as Fr. Dr. Augustine Mulloor OCD, Fr. Dr. Antony T, Fr. Dr. Joseph Thondiparambil, Fr. Dr. Johnson Puthussery CST, Fr. Dr. Kurian Valuparambil, and linguists like Fr. Dr. Cherian Kunianthodath CMI and Chevalier. Prof. Dr. Primus Perinchery, who contributed at various stages. This phase of the New Testament revision was completed and published in 2012.
In 2015, a further project was submitted to KCBC for revising the Old Testament. This involved the dedicated efforts of Fr. Dr. Joshy Mayyattil, Fr. Dr. Joseph Thondiparambil, Bishop Dr. James Raphael Anaparambil, Dr. Abraham Perumattil, Fr Dr. Sebastian Kuttianikal, Fr. Dr. Johnson Puthussery CST, Fr. Dr. Antony Tharekadavil, Fr. Dr. Jacob Prasad, Prof. Dominic P, and others, who together successfully completed the revision of the Old Testament.
The fully revised and refined POC Bible was published in March 2024, after meticulous corrections to translation accuracy and linguistic style.
Meaning and Impact of the Revised Bible
This revised POC Bible is more than a mere textual update; it represents a renewed commitment to the living Word of God as it speaks to the faithful in the Kerala Catholic Church and beyond. It promises to deepen biblical understanding and spiritual growth, fostering a more profound engagement with Scripture across all liturgical traditions.
In his congratulatory address, Bishop James Anaparambil, Chairman of the Bible Commission, welcomed the revision team and all attendees, reminding them of the Bible’s indispensable role in shaping faith and culture. Likewise, Prof. M.K. Sanu, in his felicitations, stressed the enduring relevance of biblical values in cultivating a just and compassionate society.
Voices from the Church
Rev. Fr. Daniel Poovannathil, in his appreciation, emphasised how the revised Bible will assist the faithful in a deeper and more fruitful study of Scripture, nourishing their spiritual lives and strengthening their witness.
Secretaries of the Bible Commission, Rev. Dr. Joju Kokkat, Rev. Dr. Johnson Puthussery, and Rev. Dr. Joshi Mayyattil, reflected on the historical significance, the painstaking efforts, and the pastoral necessity that inspired the revision process.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Tharayil, Director of POC, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all involved in the revision, acknowledging the collective effort required to achieve this momentous accomplishment.
A Gift from the Church to the Faithful
The revised POC Bible stands as an inspiration of faithfulness, scholarship, and pastoral care. It reflects the Kerala Catholic Church’s unwavering dedication to preserving the sacred Scriptures in a form that honours the past while embracing the present and future.
The Kerala Catholic community, through the KCBC and the Bible Commission, celebrates this historic moment with pride and gratitude. The revised POC Bible will continue to serve as an indispensable guide for prayer, teaching, and Christian living, inspiring generations to remain rooted in the Word of God.
May the Word of God continue to illuminate the hearts and minds of the faithful, nurturing the Church as a holy and living witness in the world.
Subscribe to WhatsApp News Updates:
