Bintaro, Indonesia. Twenty-one Claretians gathered at the Canossian Retreat House in Bintaro, South Tangerang, on 9 November 2026 for the opening of the fifth Asian Claretian Bible Assembly. Hosted by the Ave Maria Province, the gathering runs until 13 November under the theme “The Word in the Digital Age: Asian Claretians Harnessing Digital Culture for Bible Ministry and Proclamation.”
The Assembly brings together twenty participants from across Asia and Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, Vicar General and General Prefect of Bible Ministry and Communication. The opening began with the enthronement of the Bible, placing the Word of God at the centre of the gathering.
Fr. Valens Agino, CMF, Provincial Superior, led the host Province’s welcome. Guests received the traditional Selendang Songke, a woven cloth presented as a gesture of honour, hospitality and fraternity.
In his opening address, Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, called for communal discernment that would lead to concrete commitments and renewed cooperation in biblical ministry. He proposed five outcomes: a shared commitment to biblical animation of pastoral ministries; realistic action plans for each Major Organism; digital initiatives, especially for young people; stronger collaboration among Asian biblical ministry teams; and clear arrangements for follow-up and evaluation.
Fr. Josekutty Mathew, CMF, presented the theme and programme, introducing the presentations, group discussions and shared reflections planned for the following days.
Participants will examine their pastoral contexts, exchange experiences and identify opportunities for collaboration. Particular attention will be given to making Scripture accessible through digital communication in Asia’s diverse cultural settings. The Assembly is expected to conclude on 13 November with practical directions for biblical animation and cooperation.
