AMERICA - “Month of the Bible ” in Latin America helps Catholics become more familiar with the Word of God in order to be true witnesses to Christ for the world

Thursday, 14 September 2006

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - In many countries in Latin America the month of September is dedicated to the Bible to help Catholics become more familiar with the Word of God and so more authentic witnesses to Christ.
Peru is one of these countries where the Bishops’ Conference has organised various activities. Special initiatives include: 15 September - 1 October the 4th annual Expo Bible for publishers and distribution services; at the same time there will be an Exhibition on the Bible presenting the process of our the Bible was formed, the origin of the books and present day editions, with photographs and copies of the Bible in different languages; 23 September a Children’s Bible Meeting with games and other activities to help the youngsters meet Jesus in his Word; Bible Workshop, 25 - 29 September, on the basic themes of biblical theology, revelation, inspiration, the Canon of the Bible and apocryphal gospels... to offer Catholics the correct criteria compared to erroneous presentations of the Bible; 6th Bible Seminar 2006 on "Discipleship", to rediscover the in the Gospels the meaning of Christian discipleship. This initiative is especially for religious, animators, catechists and teachers; 30 September Ecumenical Prayers to thank God for the Scripture through which He continues to speak to us today: reflection based on Mk 8, 27-38.
In Colombia the Bishops’ commission for Catechesis and Biblical Pastoral has prepared and distributed to dioceses, parishes and other groups special material in view of Bible Month for which the theme chosen is "Discipleship in the Gospel of Luke starting with Prayer" with four themes for reflection: Jesus Master of prayer; Praying Mary; Praying Disciples; Praying Early Church.
In Bolivia Bible Month 27 August 1° October has its highlight on Bible Day 1 October. In a special message for the occasion Archbishop Jesús Pérez Rodríguez of the diocese of Sucre stresses the importance of the Bible Month also in view of two major events the 5th CELAM Conference in 2007 and the 6th Synod of the Church in the archdiocese of Sucre. The Archbishop writes: "We are called to be witnesses to Jesus; if we are witnesses we are missionaries. To be witnesses we must learn to live with Christ who is always with us " and he encourages people to shoulder responsibility and to draw the necessary strength to be witnesses by reading and living the Word of God. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 14/9/2006; righe 35, parole 486)


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