Card. Oullet on importance of Verbum Domini

‘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 30^th, 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: