‘Verbum Domini’: a 200 page booklet bringing to a conclusion the work of the
2008 synod of bishops on ‘The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church’ was
made public at a press conference in the Vatican on Thursday.
Signed by Pope
Benedict on September 30th, the title of this post-synodal apostolic exhortation
is a deliberate reference to one of the key Vatican II documents ‘Dei Verbum’
and sheds light on the past four decades of theological, pastoral and practical reflection
on the centrality of the Scriptures in the life, the liturgy and the witness of all
Christian Churches.
Available in 8 languages including Latin, the document
also highlights the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments and strongly
encourages reading, reflecting and studying the Bible as a key method of promoting
ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.
At the heart of the document, as the synod
fathers discussed during their three week meeting in October 2008, is the idea that
the Incarnation – the Word made Flesh – is central to our understanding of the Bible.
Secondly, that the essential mission of the Church is to translate that Living Word
of God, in creative ways, into the new languages and cultures that can touch the hearts
of men and women today.
Following the press conference, Philippa Hitchen spoke
with Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, relator general at the synod on ‘The Word of
God".
Cardinal Oullet says this is a very significant and valuable document
for the whole Church: "The Holy Father was very involved in the discussions during
the synod and we see that in the document".
He said the synod "was really
focusing on what is more fundamental in the Church, the Word of God which is the basic
of the existence of the Church, so there was a great unity among the synod fathers
and this is reflected in this document." He also believes it will have a very positive
impact: "I think it will foster more interest, more love for the reading of the Sacred
Scriptures".
The Cardinal goes on to underline the vital importance of possessing
a good knowledge of the Word of God: "There should be more interest in the bible
in order to understand art, literature, we need to know the bible and to know how
the faith has forged the identity of not only the Church but also ... our whole culture."
"So, it's my hope this document will be well received at all levels". Listen: