A Silver Jubilee Written in Scripture: Priest Handwrites Entire Bible as an Act of Faith

Fr. Xavier Edayodil, a Salesian priest of the Province of Bangalore who has been working in Nepal for 8 years, marked his Silver Jubilee of priestly ordination by hand-copying the entire English Holy Bible over 19 months. His handwritten 3,893-page Bible demonstrates his deep devotion and commitment to sharing the Scriptures, inspiring many through his perseverance.

Fr. Xavier says the idea arose from a spiritual experience while reading the Bible. He felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to write out the Scriptures by hand. What began as a personal inspiration became a disciplined spiritual journey that lasted nearly two years.

Despite a busy schedule, Fr. Xavier dedicated at least an hour daily to writing, often from 2 to 3 p.m. while assisting in the study hall, and used waiting times, such as airport delays, between duties.

Fr. Xavier carefully copied every chapter, turning the project into a prayerful encounter with God’s Word. The manuscript stands as a testament to discipline and the enduring power of Scripture.

The completed Bible was presented to Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli, Councillor for Mission, and Fr. Binu Jacob, Rector of the House, and was witnessed by aspiring boy Dev Lama Tamang, symbolising the passing of love for Scripture to the younger generation.

Fr. Xavier chose to mark 25 years of priesthood not with a traditional celebration, but with sustained prayer, reflection, and devotion to God’s Word—an approach that inspired admiration from fellow religious, students, and the faithful.

His handwritten Bible stands as enduring proof of a priest’s devotion and reveals that sincere acts of faith and commitment best mark jubilees.