List of Pastoral and Practical Recommendations in Verbum Domini

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What this List is and How to Use it

The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini was different from many other papal documents in that it made numerous recommendations of a pastoral and/or practical nature. These recommendations, which apply variously to all in the Church – both clergy and laity – are gathered here in a topical index so that they may be accessed easily. It is hoped that this resource may be of benefit to those who serve in the Church and wish to put into practice the Holy Father’s wishes regarding the word of God.

The recommendations are here organized according to the topics that they touch upon: the Clergy, Education, Liturgy, Living out God’s Word, Parish Facilities, and Prayers and Devotions. In order to display the relevant text from Verbum Domini along with a brief summary, simply click on the desired entry below.

Recommendations regarding:

• Clergy

Bishops Priests Deacons Seminarians

• Education

Formation according to Scripture Interpretation of Scripture

• Liturgy

• Living out God’s Word

• Parish Facilities

• Prayer & Devotions

Recommendations regarding: Paragraph # in Verbum Domini

Clergy

Bishops

Need for Bishops to read and meditate 79

Priests

Need to be familiar with the word of God 80 Need to explain unity between word and sacrament 53 Need to recognize importance of Scriptures 73 Need to support families 85 Proclaimer of Gospel 58 Use of Gospel Book 67

Deacons

Need to explain unity between word and sacrament 53 Need to support families 85 Proclaimer of Gospel 58 Use of Gospel Book 67

Seminarians

Need for hermeneutic of faith in formation 47 Need for integrated approach to biblical studies 82

Bishops should put reading and meditation on God’s word in first place

• “For the nourishment and progress of his spiritual life, the Bishop must always put “in first place, reading and meditation on the word of God.”” (Verbum Domini 79)

Priests must become familiar with the word of God

• “the priest himself ought first of all to develop a great personal familiarity with the word of God. Knowledge of its linguistic and exegetical aspects, though certainly necessary, is not enough. He needs to approach the word with a docile and prayerful heart so that it may deeply penetrate his thoughts and feelings and bring about a new outlook in him – ‘the mind of Christ’ (1 Cor 2:16)”.” (Verbum Domini 80) There is a need to explain the unity between word and sacrament within the Church’s ministry

• “the liturgy of the word is a decisive element in the celebration of each one of the sacraments of the Church”; in pastoral practice, however, the faithful are not always conscious of this connection, nor do they appreciate the unity between gesture and word. It is “the task of priests and deacons, above all when they administer the sacraments, to explain the unity between word and sacrament in the ministry of the Church”.” (Verbum Domini 53)

The word of God should have a central place in every aspect of Church life

• “This does not mean adding a meeting here or there in parishes or dioceses, but rather examining the ordinary activities of Christian communities, in parishes, associations and movements, to see if they are truly concerned with fostering a personal encounter with Christ, who gives himself to us in his word. Since “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ”, making the Bible the inspiration of every ordinary and extraordinary pastoral outreach will lead to a greater awareness of the person of Christ, who reveals the Father and is the fullness of divine revelation. For this reason I encourage pastors and the faithful to recognize the importance of this emphasis on the Bible: it will also be the best way to deal with certain pastoral problems which were discussed at the Synod and have to do, for example, with the proliferation of sects which spread a distorted and manipulative reading of sacred Scripture.” (Verbum Domini 73)

Families should teach the word of God to their children, joining with other families when necessary for prayer and meditation

• Family: “Part of authentic parenthood is to pass on and bear witness to the meaning of life in Christ: through their fidelity and the unity of family life, spouses are the first to proclaim God’s word to their children. The ecclesial community must support and assist them in fostering family prayer, attentive hearing of the word of God, and knowledge of the Bible. To this end the Synod urged that every household have its Bible, to be kept in a worthy place and used for reading and prayer. Whatever help is needed in this regard can be provided by priests, deacons and a well- prepared laity. The Synod also recommended the formation of small communities of families, where common prayer and meditation on passages of Scripture can be cultivated.” (Verbum Domini 85)

Readers (Lectors) who proclaim the first or second reading during Mass require careful preparation and training

• “The Synod on the Eucharist had already called for greater care to be taken in the proclamation of the word of God. As is known, while the Gospel is proclaimed by a priest or deacon, in the Latin tradition the first and second readings are proclaimed by an appointed reader, whether a man or a woman. I would like to echo the Synod Fathers who once more stressed the need for the adequate training of those who exercise the munus of reader in liturgical celebrations, and particularly those who exercise the ministry of Reader, which in the Latin rite is, as such, a lay ministry. All those entrusted with this office, even those not instituted in the ministry of Reader, should be truly suitable and carefully trained. This training should be biblical and liturgical, as well as technical: “The purpose of their biblical formation is to give readers the ability to understand the readings in context and to perceive by the light of faith central point of the revealed message. The liturgical formation ought to equip readers to have some grasp of the meaning and structure of the liturgy of the word and the significance of its connection with the liturgy of the Eucharist. The technical preparation should make the readers skilled in the art of reading publicly, either with the power of their own voice or with the help of sound equipment.”” (Verbum Domini 58)

The proclamation of the Gospel should be made more solemn

• “the proclamation of the word of God, and the Gospel in particular, should be made more solemn, especially on major liturgical feasts, through the use of the Gospel Book, carried in procession during the opening rites and then brought to the lectern by a deacon or priest for proclamation. . . . it is good that the word of God, especially the Gospel, be enhanced by being proclaimed in song, particularly on certain solemnities. The greeting, the initial announcement: “A reading from the holy Gospel” and the concluding words: “The Gospel of the Lord”, could well be sung as a way of emphasizing the importance of what was read.” (Verbum Domini 67)

There is a need to explain the unity between word and sacrament within the Church’s ministry

Families should teach the word of God to their children, joining with other families when necessary for prayer and meditation

Readers (Lectors) who proclaim the first or second reading during Mass require careful preparation and training

The proclamation of the Gospel should be made more solemn

A hermeneutic of faith is necessary in exegetical and theological formation, particularly for seminarians

• A “hermeneutic of faith” has “necessary implications for exegetical and theological formation, particularly that of candidates for the priesthood.” (Verbum Domini 47)

Seminarians should be taught the relationship between biblical studies and scriptural prayer

• “The Synod recommended that seminarians be concretely helped to see the relationship between biblical studies and scriptural prayer. . . . This end will be served if candidates are introduced to the study of Scripture through methods which favour this integral approach.” (Verbum Domini 82)

Recommendations regarding: Paragraph # in Verbum Domini

Education

Formation according to Scripture

Catechists, necessity of formation 75 Laity, need for formation 84 Memorization of Bible 74 Social Teaching, need for formation of laity 100 Training for liturgical readers 58 Young people, need for witnesses and teachers 104

Interpretation of Scripture

Canonical interpretation, importance of 57 Catechism of the Catholic Church 74 Dark passages 42 Dei Verbum 35 Exegesis, relationship with theology 35 Exegetes: role; relationship with pastors and 33, 45 theologians Hermeneutic of faith; biblical hermeneutics 47, 29 Inspiration 19 Mariology 27 Private revelation 14 Sacrament, unity with word 53 Saints, role in interpretation of Scripture 48 Schools and universities 111 Sin 26 Study of the word, done in an ecclesial spirit 47 Testaments, relationship between New and Old 41 Translations of the Bible 46 Truth and inspiration, necessary concepts in 19 hermeneutics

Centres of formation should be established for catechists, as well as institutes for biblical studies

• “all Christians, and catechists in particular, need to receive suitable training. . . . centres of formation should be established where laity and missionaries can be trained to understand, live and proclaim the word of God. Also, where needed, specialized institutes for biblical studies should be established to ensure that exegetes possess a solid understanding of theology and an appropriate appreciation for the contexts in which they carry out their mission.” (Verbum Domini 75)

Dioceses should provide continuing formation to lay persons with ecclesial responsibilities

• Laity: “Wherever possible, dioceses themselves should provide an opportunity for continuing formation to lay persons charged with particular ecclesial responsibilities.” (Verbum Domini 84)

Memorization of Bible passages is to be recommended

• “A knowledge of biblical personages, events and well-known sayings should thus be encouraged; this can also be promoted by the judicious memorization of some passages which are particularly expressive of the Christian mysteries.” (Verbum Domini 74)

The lay faithful should be educated in the Church’s social teaching

• “It is primarily the task of the lay faithful, formed in the school of the Gospel, to be directly involved in political and social activity. For this reason, the Synod recommends that they receive a suitable formation in the principles of the Church’s social teaching.” (Verbum Domini 100)

Readers (Lectors) who proclaim the first or second reading during Mass require careful preparation and training

Young people should be taught to love the Gospel and be familiar with sacred Scripture

• “Concern for young people calls for courage and clarity in the message we proclaim; we need to help young people to gain confidence and familiarity with sacred Scripture so it can become a compass pointing out the path to follow. Young people need witnesses and teachers who can walk with them, teaching them to love the Gospel and to share it, especially with their peers, and thus to become authentic and credible messengers.” (Verbum Domini 104)

Canonical interpretation is necessary to reconcile any apparent differences between the Old and New Testament readings in the Lectionary

• “Any remaining difficulties in seeing the relationship between those readings [i.e., the Old and New Testament readings in the Lectionary] should be approached in the light of canonical interpretation, that is to say, by referring to the inherent unity of the Bible as a whole. Wherever necessary, the competent offices and groups can make provision for publications aimed at bringing out the interconnection of the Lectionary readings, all of which are to be proclaimed to the liturgical assembly as called for by the liturgy of the day. Other problems or difficulties should be brought to the attention of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.” (Verbum Domini 57)

The link between scripture and the Catechism must be emphasized

• “it is important to stress the relationship between sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church” (Verbum Domini 74)

The dark passages of scripture must be approached with the light of the mystery of Christ

• “I encourage scholars and pastors to help all the faithful to approach these [dark] passages through an interpretation which enables their meaning to emerge in the light of the mystery of Christ.” (Verbum Domini 42)

Exegesis and theology exist in a reciprocal relationship; both need the other

• “In a word, ‘where exegesis is not theology, Scripture cannot be the soul of theology, and conversely, where theology is not essentially the interpretation of the Church’s Scripture, such a theology no longer has a foundation’. Hence we need to take a more careful look at the indications provided by the Dogmatic Constitution Dei Verbum in this regard.” (Verbum Domini 35)

Exegetes must not limit themselves to historical analysis; they must also explain the meaning of God’s word for today

• “Catholic exegetes must never forget that what they are interpreting is the word of God. Their common task is not finished when they have simply determined sources, defined forms or explained literary procedures. They arrive at the true goal of their work only when they have explained the meaning of the biblical text as God’s word for today” (Verbum Domini 33)

There is need for a closer working relationship between pastors, exegetes and theologians

• “The Synod Fathers themselves recommended, for example, a closer working relationship between pastors, exegetes and theologians. Episcopal Conferences might foster such encounters with the “aim of promoting greater communion in the service of the word of God”.” (Verbum Domini 45)

A hermeneutic of faith is necessary in exegetical and theological formation, particularly for seminarians

• A “hermeneutic of faith” has “necessary implications for exegetical and theological formation, particularly that of candidates for the priesthood.” (Verbum Domini 47)

The nature of the scriptures demands that they be interpreted within the life of the Church

• “Here we can point to a fundamental criterion of biblical hermeneutics: the primary setting for scriptural interpretation is the life of the Church. This is not to uphold the ecclesial context as an extrinsic rule to which exegetes must submit, but rather is something demanded by the very nature of the Scriptures and the way they gradually came into being.” (Verbum Domini 29)

A deeper study of the concepts of inspiration and truth is needed today in order to better understand scripture

• “Certainly theological reflection has always considered inspiration and truth as two key concepts for an ecclesial hermeneutic of the sacred Scriptures. Nonetheless, one must acknowledge the need today for a fuller and more adequate study of these realities, in order better to respond to the need to interpret the sacred texts in accordance with their nature. Here I would express my fervent hope that research in this field will progress and bear fruit both for biblical science and for the spiritual life of the faithful.” (Verbum Domini 19)

The faithful need to be taught the close relationship between Mary, and the hearing of God’s word

• “In our day the faithful need to be helped to see more clearly the link between Mary of Nazareth and the faith-filled hearing of God’s word. I would encourage scholars as well to study the relationship between Mariology and the theology of the word. This could prove most beneficial both for the spiritual life and for theological and biblical studies.” (Verbum Domini 27)

The faithful need to be taught to distinguish the word of God from private revelations, which can help us live that word more fully in a certain period of history

• After discussing the completeness of all revelation in Jesus Christ, Pope Benedict XVI notes that “the Synod pointed to the need to ‘help the faithful to distinguish the word of God from private revelations’ whose role ‘is not to ‘complete’ Christ’s definitive revelation, but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history’. . . . A private revelation can introduce new emphases, give rise to new forms of piety, or deepen older ones. It can have a certain prophetic character (cf. 1 Th 5:19-21) and can be a valuable aid for better understanding and living the Gospel at a certain time; consequently it should not be treated lightly. It is a help which is proffered, but its use is not obligatory. In any event, it must be a matter of nourishing faith, hope and love, which are for everyone the permanent path of salvation.” (Verbum Domini 14)

There is a need to explain the unity between word and sacrament within the Church’s ministry

Interpretation of Scripture includes listening to the Saints, who have truly lived God’s word

• “The interpretation of sacred Scripture would remain incomplete were it not to include listening to those who have truly lived the word of God: namely, the saints. . . . Every saint is like a ray of light streaming forth from the word of God” (Verbum Domini 48)

Religious education should be fostered, with emphasis placed on knowledge of sacred Scripture

• “Study centres supported by Catholic groups offer a distinct contribution to the promotion of culture and education – and this ought to be recognized. Nor must religious education be neglected, and religion teachers should be given careful training. Religious education is often the sole opportunity available for students to encounter the message of faith. In the teaching of religion, emphasis should be laid on knowledge of sacred Scripture, as a means of overcoming prejudices old and new, and enabling its truth to be better known.” (Verbum Domini 111)

The root of sin is the refusal to hear God’s word

• “For this reason it is important that the faithful be taught to acknowledge that the root of sin lies in the refusal to hear the word of the Lord, and to accept in Jesus, the Word of God, the forgiveness which opens us to salvation.” (Verbum Domini 26)

Study of the word of God should be carried out in a profoundly ecclesial spirit

• “Along these lines, I urge that the study of the word of God, both handed down and written, be constantly carried out in a profoundly ecclesial spirit, and that academic formation take due account of the pertinent interventions of the magisterium, which “is not superior to the word of God, but is rather its servant.” (Verbum Domini 47)

There is a need to show the close relationship between the Old and New Testaments

• “It is important, therefore, that in both pastoral and academic settings the close relationship between the two Testaments be clearly brought out” (Verbum Domini 41) Ecumenical translations of the Bible are to be encouraged

• “Promoting common translations of the Bible is part of the ecumenical enterprise. I would like to thank all those engaged in this important work, and I encourage them to persevere in their efforts.” (Verbum Domini 46)

A deeper study of the concepts of inspiration and truth is needed today in order to better understand scripture

Recommendations regarding: Paragraph # in Verbum Domini

Liturgy

Anointing of the Sick, 61 Blessings, Book of 63 Book of the word of God, location 68 Celebrations of the word 65 Chant, Gregorian 70 Ecumenism, study and celebrations 46 Feast days, other special days 65 Gospel Book 67 Homilies 59 Lectionary, as basis of good preaching 60 Liturgy of the Hours 62 Readings from Scripture, not to be replaced 69 Silence, value of 66 Solemnity 67 Songs 70 Training for liturgical readers 58 Translations of the Bible 46

The word of God should receive greater space during communal celebrations of the Anointing of the Sick

• “It is good that in parishes and in hospitals, according to circumstances, community celebrations of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should be held. On these occasions greater space should be given to the celebration of the word, and the sick helped to endure their sufferings in faith, in union with the redemptive sacrifice of Christ who delivers us from evil.” (Verbum Domini 61)

The use of the Book of Blessings should show a connection to the word of God

• “Likewise, in using the Book of Blessings attention should be paid to the space allotted to proclaiming, hearing and briefly explaining the word of God. Indeed the act of blessing, in the cases provided for by the Church and requested by the faithful, should not be something isolated but related in its proper degree to the liturgical life of the People of God.” (Verbum Domini 63)

The book containing God’s word should receive a place of honour with churches

• “It is good that the book which contains the word of God should enjoy a visible place of honour inside the Christian temple, without prejudice to the central place proper to the tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament.” (Verbum Domini 68)

In some areas, due to a shortage of clergy, celebrations of the word of God are recommended when Sunday Mass is impossible, provided they are not confused with the celebration of the Eucharist

• “Celebrations of the word of God are to be highly recommended especially in those communities which, due to a shortage of clergy, are unable to celebrate the Eucharistic sacrifice on Sundays and holydays of obligation. . . . I recommend that competent authorities prepare ritual directories, drawing on the experience of the particular Churches. This will favour, in such circumstances, celebrations of the word capable of nourishing the faith of believers, while avoiding the danger of the latter being confused with celebrations of the Eucharist.” (Verbum Domini 65)

In the Liturgy, songs should be chosen which are of biblical inspiration, Gregorian chant in particular

• “Preference should be given to songs which are of clear biblical inspiration and which express, through the harmony of music and words, the beauty of God’s word. We would do well to make the most of those songs handed down to us by the Church’s tradition which respect this criterion. I think in particular of the importance of Gregorian chant.” (Verbum Domini 70)

There is need for greater ecumenical study, discussion, and celebrations of the word of God, ensuring that these are not seen as alternatives to Holy Mass

• “There should be an increase in ecumenical study, discussion and celebrations of the word of God, with due respect for existing norms and the variety of traditions. . . . Nonetheless, while it is praiseworthy and right to promote such services, care must be taken that they are not proposed to the faithful as alternatives to the celebration of Holy Mass on Sundays or holydays of obligation.” (Verbum Domini 46)

Liturgical celebrations of the word of God are recommended on special days such as pilgrimages, special feasts, etc.

• “The Synod Fathers also recommended celebrations of the word of God on pilgrimages, special feasts, popular missions, spiritual retreats and special days of penance, reparation or pardon.” (Verbum Domini 65)

The proclamation of the Gospel should be made more solemn

There is a need for the quality of homilies to be improved

• “I pointed out that “given the importance of the word of God, the quality of homilies needs to be improved. The homily ‘is part of the liturgical action’ and is meant to foster a deeper understanding of the word of God, so that it can bear fruit in the lives of the faithful”. The homily is a means of bringing the scriptural message to life in a way that helps the faithful to realize that God’s word is present and at work in their everyday lives. It should lead to an understanding of the mystery being celebrated, serve as a summons to mission, and prepare the assembly for the profession of faith, the universal prayer and the Eucharistic liturgy. Consequently, those who have been charged with preaching by virtue of a specific ministry ought to take this task to heart. Generic and abstract homilies which obscure the directness of God’s word should be avoided, as well as useless digressions which risk drawing greater attention to the preacher than to the heart of the Gospel message. The faithful should be able to perceive clearly that the preacher has a compelling desire to present Christ, who must stand at the centre of every homily. For this reason preachers need to be in close and constant contact with the sacred text; they should prepare for the homily by meditation and prayer, so as to preach with conviction and passion. The synodal assembly asked that the following questions be kept in mind: “What are the Scriptures being proclaimed saying? What do they say to me personally? What should I say to the community in the light of its concrete situation? The preacher “should be the first to hear the word of God which he proclaims”, since, as Saint Augustine says: “He is undoubtedly barren who preaches outwardly the word of God without hearing it inwardly”. The homily for Sundays and solemnities should be prepared carefully, without neglecting, whenever possible, to offer at weekday Masses cum populo brief and timely reflections which can help the faithful to welcome the word which was proclaimed and to let it bear fruit in their lives.” (Verbum Domini 59)

Preaching should be connected to the Lectionary

• “The art of good preaching based on the Lectionary is an art that needs to be cultivated. . . . I ask the competent authorities, along the lines of the Eucharistic Compendium, also to prepare practical publications to assist ministers in carrying out their task as best they can: as for example a Directory on the homily, in which preachers can find useful assistance in preparing to exercise their ministry.” (Verbum Domini 60)

The Liturgy of the Hours should be promoted among the laity

• “I recommend that, wherever possible, parishes and religious communities promote this prayer [the Liturgy of the Hours] with the participation of the lay faithful.” (Verbum Domini 62) In the Liturgy, Scripture readings may never be replaced by other texts

• “the readings drawn from sacred Scripture may never be replaced by other texts, however significant the latter may be from a spiritual or pastoral standpoint” (Verbum Domini 69)

There is need for a greater appreciation of silence, particularly in the Liturgy of the Word

• “it is necessary nowadays that the People of God be educated in the value of silence. . . . The importance of all this is particularly evident in the Liturgy of the Word, “which should be celebrated in a way that favours meditation”.” (Verbum Domini 66)

The proclamation of the Gospel should be made more solemn

In the Liturgy, songs should be chosen which are of biblical inspiration, Gregorian chant in particular

Readers (Lectors) who proclaim the first or second reading during Mass require careful preparation and training

Ecumenical translations of the Bible are to be encouraged

Recommendations regarding: Paragraph # in Verbum Domini

Living out God's Word

Communities and ecclesial movements 94 Ecology 108 Ecumenism, study and celebrations 46 Family life 85 Migrants 105 Mission of Proclaiming the word of God 94 Reconciliation, power of God’s word to bring about 61 Small Communities 73 Suffering 106 Word of God, centrality of 73 Young people 104

Ecclesial movements and new communities are a great force for evangelization in our times

• “The Synod also recognized with gratitude that the ecclesial movements and the new communities are a great force for evangelization in our times and an incentive to the development of new ways of proclaiming the Gospel.” (Verbum Domini 94)

Accepting God’s word gives rise to an authentic ecology rooted in the obedience faith

• “‘accepting the word of God, attested to by Scripture and by the Church’s living Tradition, gives rise to a new way of seeing things, promotes an authentic ecology which has its deepest roots in the obedience of faith … [and] develops a renewed theological sensitivity to the goodness of all things, which are created in Christ’” (Verbum Domini 108)

There is need for greater ecumenical study, discussion, and celebrations of the word of God, ensuring that these are not seen as alternatives to Holy Mass

Families should teach the word of God to their children, joining with other families when necessary for prayer and meditation

Migrants are entitled to hear the kerygma

• “migrants are entitled to hear the kerygma, which is to be proposed, not imposed. If they are Christians, they require forms of pastoral care which can enable them to grow in the faith and to become in turn messengers of the Gospel.” (Verbum Domini 105)

All disciples of Christ are called to proclaim the word of God

• ““the mission of proclaiming the word of God is the task of all of the disciples of Jesus Christ based on their Baptism”. No believer in Christ can feel dispensed from this responsibility which comes from the fact of our sacramentally belonging to the Body of Christ. A consciousness of this must be revived in every family, parish, community, association and ecclesial movement.” (Verbum Domini 94)

The word of God should be used more during the Sacrament of Reconciliation

• “To have a deeper experience of the reconciling power of God’s word, the individual penitent should be encouraged to prepare for confession by meditating on a suitable text of sacred Scripture and to begin confession by reading or listening to a biblical exhortation such as those provided in the rite. When expressing contrition it would be good if the penitent were to use “a prayer based on the words of Scripture”, such as those indicated in the rite.” (Verbum Domini 61)

Small communities should be fostered

• “it is good that pastoral activity also favour the growth of small communities, “ formed by families or based in parishes or linked to the different ecclesial movements and new communities ”, which can help to promote formation, prayer and knowledge of the Bible in accordance with the Church’s faith.” (Verbum Domini 73)

Those who suffer should be helped to read the Scriptures and thereby find meaning for their lives • “Those who suffer should be helped to read the Scriptures and to realize that their condition itself enables them to share in a special way in Christ’s redemptive suffering for the salvation of the world (cf. 2 Cor 4:8-11,14).” (Verbum Domini 106)

The word of God should have a central place in every aspect of Church life

Young people should be taught to love the Gospel and be familiar with sacred Scripture

Recommendations regarding: Paragraph # in Verbum Domini

Parish Facilities

Acoustics (in church) 68 Ambo (location, style) 68 Book of the word of God, location 68 Impairments, visual and hearing 71

Attention must be given to church acoustics

• “Concern should be shown for church acoustics, with due respect for liturgical and architectural norms.” (Verbum Domini 68)

The ambo should be visible, fixed, decorated, and in harmony with the altar

• “[The ambo] should be located in a clearly visible place to which the attention of the faithful will be naturally drawn during the liturgy of the word. It should be fixed, and decorated in aesthetic harmony with the altar, in order to present visibly the theological significance of the double table of the word and of the Eucharist.” (Verbum Domini 68)

The book containing God’s word should receive a place of honour with churches

Assistance should be provided to those with visual and hearing impairments

• “I encourage our Christian communities to offer every possible practical assistance to our brothers and sisters suffering from such [visual and hearing] impairments, so that they too can be able to experience a living contact with the word of the Lord.” (Verbum Domini 71)

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Prayer & Devotions

Lectio Divina 87 Liturgy of the Hours 62 Private revelation 14 Rosary 88 Saints 48

Lectio Divina is to be recommended

• “Lectio Divina . . . ‘is truly capable of opening up to the faithful the treasures of God’s word, but also of bringing about an encounter with Christ, the living word of God’.” (Verbum Domini 87)

The Liturgy of the Hours should be promoted among the laity

• “I recommend that, wherever possible, parishes and religious communities promote this prayer [the Liturgy of the Hours] with the participation of the lay faithful.” (Verbum Domini 62)

The faithful need to be taught to distinguish the word of God from private revelations, which can help us live that word more fully in a certain period of history

When praying the Rosary, it is recommended to insert a brief biblical text after the announcement of each mystery

• Praying the Rosary: “It is fitting that the announcement of each mystery be accompanied by a brief biblical text pertinent to that mystery, so as to encourage the memorization of brief biblical passages relevant to the mysteries of Christ’s life.” (Verbum Domini 88)

Interpretation of Scripture includes listening to the Saints, who have truly lived God’s word