who we are

ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES-INDIA

The Association of Catholic Enquiry Centres – India (ACEC-I) is a national network dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible through Bible courses, prayer groups, counselling, and community outreach in 13 Indian languages.

With centres in over 20 states across India, our mission is to make Lord Jesus Christ—the greatest personality in human history—known and loved by all peoples, irrespective of colour, creed, or culture.

Through books, correspondence, and digital media, ACECI continues to respond to seekers who desire to know Christ and the teachings of the Bible. Our services include:

Prayer & Bible study groups
Personal counselling and guidance
Visiting and praying for people in hospitals, jails, and homes

OUR
Legacy

ACEC-I was founded through the vision of pioneers who dreamed of bringing Christ’s light to every corner of India—Fr. Peter J. Sontag SJ, Fr. Theodore Bowling SJ, Fr. Varghese Paul SJ, and Fr. Varghese Nediakalayil SVD.

In 1948, Fr. Peter J. Sontag planted the first seeds with his book “The Way That is Life,” which inspired simple Bible courses in regional languages. By the late 1950s, the movement had spread to cities like Bombay, Kanpur, and Kolkata.

Under the leadership of Fr. Theodore Bowling SJ, the network grew stronger, with regular reports, surveys, and meetings. A landmark came on 17th March 1988, marking 40 years since its foundation.

In 1992, ACEC-I was officially registered and formally inaugurated on 11th September 1994 by the Hierarchy of the Church—cementing its place as a national movement for evangelization.

OUR MISSION
TODAY

We now stand at a new threshold in a digital era—an age of immense opportunity. Much has changed, but our mission remains the same: to walk in the light of Christ and proclaim the Good News to all.

Recognizing the needs of the time, ACEC-I has embraced digital evangelization, reaching out to youth, families, and lay leaders in new and vibrant ways. Our initiatives include:

YouTube channels:
- Divya Deep (regional languages) @divyadeep01
- The Divine Scroll (English) @divine-scroll

Upcoming podcasts:
- Meet Jesus (English)
- Yeshu Milan (Hindi)

Through these platforms, we continue to proclaim Christ’s love, offering seekers a personal encounter with Him in today’s world.

From prayer groups to podcasts, from books to digital platforms, ACEC-I remains rooted in its mission: to make Christ known, loved, and followed.

VISION

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

- John 8:12

We envision a world illuminated by the light of Christ - where His message brings peace, joy and purpose to every heart.

MISSION

Through the Catholic Enquiry Centres, we reach out to individuals from all walks of life—especially those unfamiliar with the Bible—so they may experience the hope and love of Jesus. Our mission is to proclaim Christ through the Word, witness, and compassionate presence.

our objectives

To support personal growth, especially among youth, and explore spiritual and moral values, regardless of background or belief.
To establish and promote centres of spiritual learning and enlightenment, fostering tolerance and brotherhood in family, professional, and social life.
To support the education and training of teachers and staff to achieve the society's objectives.
Organize seminars, conferences, and lectures for youth to develop character through Gospel values and promote social justice and harmony.
To give lectures, conduct postal correspondence courses, and utilize other mass communication forums to promote the society's objectives.
Working through mass media within existing structures at all levels and in all fields to build a just society.
To perform any other lawful acts and deeds necessary for achieving the society's objectives.

what we do

We spread the message of Christ through a wide range of activities across India, including:

Free Postal Bible Correspondence Courses in 13 Indian languages
Good Books Libraries & Reading Rooms
Christian Writings and Apologetics in the Secular Press
Spiritual Renewal Conventions
Online Bible Study Courses
YouTube Bible Courses – Sharing the Word of God online with easy access for all
Prayer and Bible Study Groups
Personal Counselling and Spiritual Guidance
Visiting and Praying for the sick, the imprisoned, and the lonely in homes, hospitals, and jails

Whether through traditional means or digital platforms, our mission remains the same: to bring the Living Word of God to every person, every home, and every heart.

ENROLL