Dive Deeper into Scripture: CBS Second Semester Begins This National Bible Month

Randolf Flores
Jan 14
2 min read

CBS students during recent Christmas fellowship to end the first semester

The second semester of the Certificate in Biblical Studies (CBS) will begin on Saturday, January 17, 2026, a fitting opening during the National Bible Month.

Like the first semester, the program offers an in-depth study of the major sections of Sacred Scripture, taught by professors who are graduates of leading biblical schools in the Philippines and abroad and who actively teach in major seminaries and theology departments in the country.

Featured Professors and Courses

1. Fr. Randy Flores, SVD

Licentiate (Rome), Doctorate (Loyola School of Theology & Ateneo de Manila University)

Dissertation: The Book of Job

📖 Course: Pentateuch and Historical Books

2. Sr. Bernie Dianzon, FSP (Daughters of St. Paul)

Licentiate (Rome), Doctorate (LST & Ateneo de Manila University)

Dissertation: Saint Paul

📖 Course: Letters of St. Paul

3. Fr. Rogel Abais, SJ

Licentiate (Rome), Doctorate (LST), Dean of Studies at LST

Dissertation: The Book of Exodus

📖 Course: History and Archaeology of Biblical Israel

4. Fr. Selvarathinam, SJ

Doctorates (University of California, Berkeley & Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome)

Former President, Jnana Deepa Institute, Pune

Specialist in Old Testament, Ignatian Spirituality, and Postcolonial Biblical Interpretation

📖 Course: Psalms and Sapiential Literature

5. Dr. Moses Catan

Doctorate, Ateneo de Manila University

Dissertation: The Gospel of John

📖 Course: Catholic Letters and the Book of Revelation

6. Fr. Clarence Marquez, OP

Licentiate (Rome), Doctorate (UST)

Dissertation: The Gospel of Luke

📖 Course: Synoptic Gospels (Co-Instructor)

7. Dr. Maricel Ibita

Doctorate, Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium)

Dissertation: The Prophet Micah

📖 Course: Synoptic Gospels (Co-Instructor)

About the Certificate in Biblical Studies (CBS)

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is a biblical formation program for those who seek a serious and in-depth study of the Word of God. It is organized by the Biblical Apostolate of the Diocese of Cubao and hosted by the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word.

📍 Venue: Spes Pilgrim Center — a newly built facility with fully equipped classrooms and library

📅 Schedule: Every Saturday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

💻 Mode: Onsite classes with optional online participation