By Peter Tan Bong Leong
SIMANGGANG — 5 July 2026, The Parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Simanggang, joyfully launched and opened the celebration of Bible Month 2026 during the Sunday Mass at 8:00 a.m. The opening ceremony was officiated by Rev Fr Ramon Borja, marking the beginning of a month dedicated to deepening faith through the reading, reflection, and living of God’s Word.
The celebration began with a meaningful entrance procession by the children of the Sunday School (Adat Class), symbolizing the important role of the younger generation in learning, embracing, and sharing the teachings of Scripture. Their participation brought joy and enthusiasm to the congregation, reminding everyone that God’s Word is a treasure to be passed on from one generation to the next.
As part of the launching ceremony, Fr Ramon Borja officially inaugurated Bible Month 2026 through the symbolic cutting of the “Roll-Up Fishtail” banner. This was followed by the blessing of the Bible, where parishioners presented their Bibles for blessing as a sign of their commitment to reading and living according to God’s Word.
Bible Month serves as a special opportunity for the faithful to renew their relationship with Sacred Scripture. Through prayer, reflection, and study, parishioners are encouraged to make the Bible a central part of family life and community faith formation. It is hoped that this celebration will strengthen faith and foster a culture of reading, understanding, and living out the Word of God in daily life.
One of the highlights of Bible Month was the Sunday School activity, “Let’s Open the Bible!”, held on 26 July 2026. Children were tasked with locating, reading, and highlighting selected Scripture passages using green highlighters. The readings included:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which teaches the true meaning of love that is patient, kind, and selfless.
- 1 John 4:19, reminding us that we love because God first loved us.
- John 15:12, where Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them.
This activity helped the children become more familiar with the Bible while encouraging them to reflect on God’s message of love. Teachers and catechists also emphasized the importance of active participation, encouraging every child to cultivate the habit of reading Scripture regularly.
After a month filled with spiritual enrichment, Bible study, and reflection on the Word of God, the Closing Ceremony of Bible Month 2026 was officiated by Rev Fr Henry Jimbey. The closing celebration provided an opportunity for the parish community to give thanks for the blessings received throughout the month and for the enthusiastic participation of parishioners of all ages.
As Bible Month 2026 comes to an end, its message continues to resonate within the hearts of the faithful. May the Word of God remain a guiding light for every family and individual, inspiring them to grow in faith, hope, and love. Through a deeper appreciation of Scripture, the parish community is called to become living witnesses of Christ in their homes, workplaces, and society.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
