PHILIPPINES, February 23, 2007 — Almost a thousand Christians from a range of churches gathered at the Folk Arts Theatre in Pasay City at the end of January to celebrate Biblia Fiesta, the event which rounded off the Philippines’ National Bible Week. Pasay City, which describes itself as the ‘Cultural Centre of the Philippines’, lies just south of the capital, Manila.
PHOTO: Philippine Bible Society
A youngster browses reading material from a sale display of the Philippine Bible Society during the Biblia Fiesta (Bible Feast), the culminating activity of the National Bible Week celebration at the end of January 2007.
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Opening the Fiesta, Nora Lucero, the General Secretary of the Philippine Bible Society, said, “It is fitting that we cap Bible Week with a grand fiesta where Bible believers from all over can gather as one body with one purpose – to give God and his Word all the glory.”
She also reminded those present of their duty of telling others how their nation could become just and righteous.
“Read, study and live the Bible,” she urged them, adding, in a reference to the theme of Bible Week, “It is our true guide for just and right living.”
The closing fiesta included a Bible quiz, an art workshop, seminars, storytelling sessions and a health forum. A ‘Bible clinic’ was also held, giving people the chance to raise questions arising from the Scriptures for a panel of scholars to discuss. A concert featuring Christian singers and bands, entitled Rock the Word, wrapped up the event.
The number of churches and local districts in the Philippines holding their own National Bible Week celebrations grows every year. This year local councils in all parts of the country joined churches and Christian agencies to put on programs such as Bible readings at flag-raising ceremonies, exhibitions, seminars and parades. Churches both Catholic and Protestant held Bible quizzes, talent contests and other activities all designed to focus attention on the Bible.
With the approach of Philippines’ May elections in mind, the Bible Society also took the opportunity of Bible Week to publish a special Bible Selection describing 10 Bible-based qualities of a righteous leader. Its purpose, said Mrs Lucero, was to help Filipino voters choose their leaders in a responsible manner.
“It is part of our commitment to help educate our people,” she said.
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