The Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF) South Asia Sub-Regional Assembly 2025 was held in Sri Lanka from 10 to 14 February 2025 at St. Ann’s Shrine Conference Hall, Talawila. The event was organized by the CBF South Asia Sub-Region, in collaboration with the National Biblical Commission of Sri Lanka and the National Catechetical and Biblical Centre, Colombo.
The Assembly brought together 28 delegates from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, including Fr. Jan Stefanow, CBF General Secretary from Rome. Centered on the theme of the Jubilee Year of Hope and the 60th Anniversary of Dei Verbum, the gathering sought to renew the regional mission of the biblical apostolate and strengthen collaboration among South Asian member countries.
The event opened with a solemn Bible enthronement and inaugural Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, Bishop of Chilaw. Throughout the four days, keynote addresses and thematic sessions explored topics such as “Pilgrims of Hope,” “Biblical Spirituality of the Jubilee Year,” “Post-Vatican II Documents on the Word of God,” and “Integrating Digital Technology and AI in Biblical Pastoral Ministry.”
National reports from each member country reflected the diversity and vitality of biblical pastoral efforts across the region. The Assembly also elected new office bearers, re-electing Fr. A. John Baptist as Coordinator of CBF–SA.
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to the mission of the Word, adopting a practical action plan to reconnect inactive members, initiate online and university-based biblical formation programs, and expand LectioYouth.net across the sub-region.
Special moments included the enthronement of the Bible by the Pakistani delegation, the heartfelt addresses of participating bishops, and the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka, which left a lasting impression on all. The event closed in thanksgiving, celebrating unity, collaboration, and a shared desire to let the Word of God continue to illuminate the Church in South Asia.
