Kochi: After a dedicated and comprehensive revision process spanning sixteen years, the newly updated edition of the POC Bible has been officially released to the faithful in Kerala. The release ceremony took place at the POC headquarters in Palarivattom, a central hub for the Kerala Church’s activities. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Catholicos and President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference (KCBC), presided over the historic event by handing over the first copy of the revised Bible to Professor M.K. Sanu, a distinguished scholar, writer, and cultural leader of Kerala.
This significant ecclesiastical and cultural milestone was attended by all bishops of the KCBC, major superiors of various religious congregations, and prominent figures from multiple spheres of society. The Chairman of the Bible Commission, Bishop Mar. James Anaparambil, opened the ceremony by warmly welcoming the gathering and paying tribute to the countless individuals who worked on the Bible's revision.
In his keynote address, Professor M.K. Sanu emphasized the universal and timeless relevance of biblical principles. He noted that these spiritual values have the transformative power to influence civilizations across ages and are essential for nurturing a just and humane society.
Fr. Daniel Poovvannathil, in a message of appreciation, observed that the updated translation would greatly aid believers in gaining a more profound and nuanced understanding of the Scriptures. He expressed hope that the revised Bible would become a valuable resource for theological study, personal reflection, and community teaching.
Bible Commission Secretaries Joju Kokkat, Johnson Puthussery, and Joshi Mayyattil provided a detailed overview of the revision timeline. They explained how the process, initiated in 2008, was undertaken following the directives of successive Popes who called for accurate, clear, and faithful translations of Holy Scripture. The revision work involved careful examination of the original texts, expert consultations in theology and linguistics, and a collaborative effort by scholars and clergy to eliminate inaccuracies and ensure doctrinal integrity.
Fr. Thomas Tharayil, Director of the POC, took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to all those past and present who contributed to this monumental task. He highlighted the painstaking commitment required to complete such a spiritually and intellectually rigorous endeavor.
The newly released POC Complete Bible, finalized in 2024, reflects updated language, corrected translations, and enhanced clarity to make the text more accessible and meaningful to contemporary readers. The release marks a moment of pride for the Kerala Church, the KCBC, the POC, and the entire Bible Commission, symbolizing not only scholarly excellence but also deep devotion to making the Word of God more relevant and reachable for future generations.