Developed by Eloit Innovations based in Kochi, with the capacity to add both text and audio of Bibles in 2000 languages or more, the application was the brainchild of Fr. Madathiparambil Jose Thomas SDB of the Province of Dimapur and Mr. Thomson Philip, CEO of Eloit Innovations. The app is a hybrid platform, available for free on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and features more than twenty languages, many of which are tribal languages from various Indian states. It also includes Bibles in major languages such as English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Assamese, and Malagasy from Madagascar on the African continent.

The award, which recognizes innovative approaches to ministry, was given to the app for its unique contribution to making the scriptures accessible in a digital format. Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi, the Executive Secretary of the Bible Commission CCBI, praised the application for its pioneering role in the Indian Church. This ministry of sharing God’s Word through a mobile application is creative and new, as no such mobile application with the potential to add all the languages of the world is available in the Indian Church.

One of the key features of the app is its audio Bible component, which caters especially to the tribal populations accustomed more to oral than written traditions. “This is a great help for the tribal population who are so used to the oral than the written,” said Fr. Josekutty, expressing gratitude after receiving the award. He also thanked the bishop of Itanagar, Rt. Rev. John Thomas Kattrukudiyil, and Benny Varghese Edathattel, the province of Dimapur, especially the community of Don Bosco College, Itanagar, for their encouragement and support for this ministry.

The app was first released by His Eminence Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, in the presence of Fr. Maravilla Alfredo, Councillor for the Missions, Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for South Asia, several bishops and Provincials of India, and a large gathering of young people at Shillong during the celebrations in commemoration of the 100 years of arrival of the Salesians to Northeast India in October 2022.

The audio Bibles have been recorded in different parts of the world, with ongoing recordings in several languages. This feature significantly enhances accessibility and understanding for users who prefer auditory learning or those with visual impairments. The mobile app continues to expand its language offerings and can be downloaded via the link provided below. If someone wants to add the Bible in any language, Fr. Jose Thomas SDB can be contacted at josekutty@sdbind.org. This initiative not only spreads the holy scriptures but also embraces technological advancements to reach a broader audience.

Download the App now and give a rating and review on:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eloitinnovation.theholybibleintongues

Apple App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/the-holy-bible-in-tongues/id6444095813