The most popular Catholic podcast in history, The Bible in a Year, is set to take root in India, specifically among the Malayalam-speaking Catholic faithful, with the launch of The Bible in a Year—Malayalam on January 1, 2025. This monumental initiative will be hosted by Fr. Daniel Poovannathil, a prominent Bible teacher and beloved spiritual leader from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
To access the podcast and learn more, visit www.biyindia.com/registration.
Known affectionately as “Daniel achan,” Fr. Daniel has already become a household name among Malayalees worldwide for his profound preaching and Bible teaching. He currently serves as the Director of Mount Carmel Retreat Centre (MCRC) in Vettinad, Trivandrum, Kerala, a vibrant hub of faith formation and renewal.
Bringing the Gospel to the Heart of India
The idea to adapt The Bible in a Year podcast into Malayalam emerged from a small but devoted community of listeners in Bangalore, India. With the support of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and the expertise of Ascension, the project became a reality. The aim is to spread the message of the Gospel to India’s 1.4 billion people, particularly the majority who do not speak English. Given Kerala’s rich Catholic heritage, rooted in the apostolic evangelisation of St. Thomas, Malayalam was a natural choice for the first vernacular edition of the podcast.
A Collaborative Mission
The collaboration extends across continents and communities. Ascension, a leader in Catholic faith formation, joined hands with a dedicated group of laypeople and Mount Carmel Retreat Centre to ensure the success of this project. Speaking about the initiative, Jonathan Strate, President and CEO of Ascension, said,
“The Bible in a Year—Malayalam is such an exciting initiative for us. We were deeply moved by the missionary zeal and professionalism of the team from India, and we’re honoured by the support of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. There’s something uniquely powerful about hearing the Bible in one’s native tongue. We hope this is the first of many such resources for the Church in India.”
The excitement was shared globally when Fr. Mike Schmitz, the voice behind the original English edition, symbolically passed the baton to Fr. Daniel in an Instagram reel on December 1, saying, “Fr. Daniel, take it away.”
Fr. Daniel Poovannathil: A Voice of Faith for the Global Malayalam Catholic Community
Fr. Daniel Poovannathil, a highly respected figure in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, will record the podcast primarily from Mount Carmel Retreat Centre. Known for his dynamic preaching, Daniel achan’s teachings have transformed lives across the globe. Whether at home in Kerala or travelling for mission work, he ensures that the podcast recordings continue uninterrupted, bringing the Word of God to listeners wherever they may be.
A Groundbreaking Step for the Malayalam Faithful
The launch of The Bible in a Year—Malayalam marks a historic moment for the Malayalam-speaking Catholic community. This initiative not only connects Malayalees with God’s Word in their own language but also integrates their spiritual life with the global Catholic Church. Listeners will be able to follow the reading plan, tune in to daily reflections, and journey through the Bible over the course of 365 days.
To access the podcast and learn more, visit www.biyindia.com/registration.
About Ascension
Ascension has been at the forefront of Catholic faith formation for over 25 years, nurturing the spiritual lives of millions through books, faith formation programs, and digital platforms. Its The Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz remains a chart-topping success, inspiring countless Catholics worldwide.
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