CBCP to tap Pacquiao in Bible reading campaign

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolates (CBCP-ECBA) plans to tap Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in its Bible reading campaign.

CBCP-ECBA chairman Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David said yesterday that from October 2012 until 2021, the Catholic Church would be celebrating the 500th year of the coming of Christianity to the Philippines. “In line with this, we have an instruction from Pope Benedict XVI to implement the pastoral exhortation, Verbum Domini (Word of the Lord), to promote the reading of the Bible among the Filipino Catholics,” he said.

 “He has not pledged partnership with us, we have just invited him. His name just came up because there was news that he has changed religion since he has been reading the Bible, “ David said.

 “Manny has always been very religious, we are happy that he is deepening his faith and understanding of the Bible,“ he said.

David said even Pope Benedict XVI would be pleased to welcome Pacquiao if he decides to support the Bible reading campaign.

Apart from Pacquiao, David said they might also seek the assistance of other influential personalities and celebrities.