Fr Pottayil first Asian director of the Catholic Bible Society International

Indian Pauline heads the Madrid-based SOBICAIN, which disseminates the Holy Scriptures and promotes biblical culture. In an interview with MattersIndia he talks about his commitment to expand the dissemination of the Bible in various languages and countries in the footsteps of Fr Alberione

Rome (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The Catholic Bible Society International (SOBICAIN), founded a century ago by Blessed James Alberione, has for the first time an Asian and Indian director. Fr. Jose Pottayil, a member of the India-Great Britain-Ireland province of the Pauline Society, officially took office as director on 1 May 2024. The appointment had been announced by the Superior General of the Pauline Society, Fr. Dominic Solliman, on 16 January.

P. Fr. Pottayil has a rich career of experience and leadership roles within the congregation. He has served as general councillor, vicar general, provincial of India, as well as director of the apostolate and animator of several communities and groups. In an interview with Fr Joe Eruppakkatt published by the Catholic website MattersIndia, he discussed his new appointment, outlining the importance, objectives and operations of SOBICAIN.

The company, based in Madrid, is dedicated to the dissemination of the Holy Scriptures and the promotion of biblical culture through publications and educational initiatives. Father Pottayil's appointment marks a significant moment in SOBICAIN's history, reflecting the growing diversity and inclusiveness within the Catholic Church and the Pauline Society.

Speaking to MattersIndia about the priorities for the Catholic Bible Society International, the newly appointed director says: ‘My first priority is to know the various activities and coordinate with our general government and the various provincial governments for the growth and expansion of SOBICAIN. He added that there is a great desire in the world to know the Word of God in depth, no part of it excluded.

"The need and demand are inexhaustible. Therefore, I also intend to expand the SOBICAIN network to translate, produce and distribute the Holy Bible in many other languages and countries of the world, so that the Word of God can be proclaimed, known and experienced by people of every nation and language,’ he continued. The interview concludes by mentioning that the project outlined is what the founder of SOBICAIN wished for, with his dreams and hopes. The company ‘will spare no effort to realise his vision,’ he concludes.