“Identity: Identified, Navigating the Challenges of Life”, a special youth edition of the Holy Bible, was officially launched on Friday, October 21, on the sidelines of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in Thailand.
According to CBCP News post, the contents of the book “Identity: Identified” featured an introductory message from Pope Francis who received the first copy of the youth bible. Also there are more than 30 QR codes to scan video clips of old and young people sharing their challenges in life and verses from the bible that helped overcome by recognizing God’s plan to them.
The presenters for said book launch at the FABC meeting are Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao, who currently chairs the Commission of Evangelization, including Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching of Malaysia.
Bishop George highlighted that this bible will put in depth the teachings of the Church in the face of the struggles of the young people in this generation.
“What makes ‘Identity: Identified’ unique is … the inclusion of 24 four-page inserts of Catholic teachings on big issues in life that young people face,” he said.
The bishop affirmed that this would help the young people to become closer to God, as if they read the scriptures like it was tailored for them.
“I am sure that this little effort will bear rich fruits as it will help people to personalize the Word of God,” he added.
CBCP news further added that through the help of various collaborators, specifically with the assistance of Cardinal John Dew of Wellington, New Zealand, John Bergin, who participated as a liaison and a consultant of United Bible Societies in the Asia Pacific region and the FABC’s Office of Evangelization, the project has been achievable.
In various regions in Asia, bishops and theologians made their contributions to a report, such as Archbishop Simon Peter Poh Hoon Seng of Kuching, Malaysia, Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Taytay in the Philippines and the late Cardinal Cornelius Sim of Brunei.
The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) is currently being held in Thailand from October 21 until October 30 in Bangkok, Thailand. The FABC marks the 50 years of its foundation reflecting on the “re-emerging and emerging challenges of the Church in Asia” with the theme, “FABC 50: Journeying together as peoples of Asia…and they went a different way.” (Hazel Boquiren/SOCOM- San Juan Nepomuceno Parish | Photo from CBCP News).
