BRIEF HISTORY
The Archdiocese of Manila Biblical Apostolate (AMBA) was formed when the Archdiocese of Manila was subdivided into six smaller dioceses in late 2003. Prior to AMBA, this ministry was referred to as Biblical Apostolate headed by Rev. Fr. Gerry Tapiador. When the Archdiocese of Manila was subdivided, Fr. Tapiador was assigned to the newly formed Diocese of Novaliches. The Biblical Apostolate was then left without head. It was then that the late Cardinal Jaime Sin, DD., appointed Rev. Fr. Antonio B. Navarrete, Jr., as Director of the Biblical Apostolate.
When Fr. Navarrete assumed his office as the new Bible Apostolate Director, he found out that it was only a name. No physical office, no programs, not even a single copy of the Holy Bible was bequeathed to him. Basically, when the new bible team started its term, there was nothing.
Fr. Navarrete then requested an office space at the second floor of the Lay Formation Center and soon, with the help of Mr. Jack Simpao - the first Bible Lay Coordinator of AMBA — the office was filled with books, bibles of different versions, bible exhibit materials and office equipment, and a bank account; carrying the new name of the ministry — the ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA BIBLICAL APOSTOLATE or AMBA.
VISION
The Vision of the Archdiocese of Manila:
“A people called by the Father in Jesus Christ, to become a community of persons with fullness of life, witnessing to the Kingdom of God, living the Paschal Mystery in the power of the Holy Spirit, with Mary as companion.”
The Vision of AMBA:
‘Called to help realize the Vision of the Archdiocese of Manila in forming a community of persons empowered by the Word of God made Flesh in Jesus thereby attain fullness of life.’
MISSION
To make present the Word of God in every Catholic family and Catholic institution in the Archdiocese of Manila by proclaiming to them ‘what was from the beginning, what was touched and looked upon by the Apostles, what they have seen and heard and testify to the Word of Life made visible to them, so that we may have fellowship with them, and with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit’ (cf. 1 Jn. 1:1-4)
