Pune: In a remarkable feat of faith and unity, a local parish in India has made history by creating two handwritten Bibles—one in English and the other in Malayalam—through the collaborative efforts of over 700 parishioners.

The initiative, called the Biblia Project 2024, was spearheaded by the youth group of Carmel Parish in Pune, Maharashtra, and spanned six months of dedicated effort. The result was two monumental handwritten Bibles, comprising 2,700 pages in English and 2,800 pages in Malayalam.

These sacred texts were presented during a solemn procession as part of the Parish Feast Mass and now rest at the church altar as a testament to the parish’s devotion and spiritual commitment.

The project aimed to inspire parishioners to deepen their faith by engaging directly with Scripture through the act of handwriting. "This experience has strengthened our connection to Scripture and brought us closer to God," shared Almeta Joy, a young participant, in an interview with Vatican News. She described the detailed process of assigning chapters, designing and distributing pages, proofreading, and assembling the final volumes. "It was challenging but incredibly rewarding," she said.

Each step of the project was imbued with prayer, fostering a profound sense of unity and purpose among participants. Families and individuals of all ages embraced the opportunity, setting aside time amidst their daily routines to immerse themselves in Scripture. Many reported finding inspiration and clarity in their lives as they wrote, while some experienced personal transformations and even miracles.

Jesna Jixon, another youth member, shared how the parish held special adoration sessions to hear testimonies of renewal and spiritual breakthroughs during the project. "This journey was a testament to our faith. It has not only brought our community closer but also inspired many of us to study Scripture with newfound eagerness," she reflected.

Under the guidance of youth animator Br. Nikhil Thachuparambil and project coordinator Br. Joel Kolenchery, the Biblia Project 2024 became a profound exercise in spiritual growth and communal bonding.

Carmel Parish, part of the Syro-Malabar Rite and led by the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), was established in 1988 to serve the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Pune. Currently led by Fr. James Thayil, the parish continues to inspire its members through initiatives like this, which blend tradition, community, and faith into a living testament of devotion.