which relocates the word of God from the margins with attentive study. The daily common liturgical 2015 Dei Verbum to the very centre of the faith life of the ecclesial functions, Bible sharing in groups, and practice communities and their missionary mandate. Quite of and other methods as tools for Biblical Pastoral Course appropriately, the Constitution (DV 25) cites in this reading, prayer, meditation and contemplation, connection the discerning words of St. Jerome, are incorporated into the scheme so as to “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”. In facilitate a healthy fusion of the two dimensions. Location fact, Pope Benedict XVI in affirms, In addition, a week-long guided retreat is part of “Throughout its history, the People of God has the programme. “Let them remember that prayer always found strength in the word of God, and should accompany the reading of sacred The 2015 Dei Verbum Biblical Pastoral today too the ecclesial community grows by Scripture, so that God and man may talk Course is conducted in Centro , the hearing, celebrating and studying that word” together” (DV 25). international centre for ongoing formation and (VD 3). 3. What is learned and interiorized during the spirituality of the Divine Word Missionaries [SVD] The Society of the Divine Word (SVD), course is ultimately destined for the local Church at Nemi. The small historical town is located some endeavours to contribute in a small way to the that the participants represent, so that they may, 35 kilometres to the South-East of the city of clarion call of the Council to diligently prepare the on return, “increasingly feed her sons [and Rome, in the steep mid-ranges of the Alban Hills, leaders in particular – priests, religious as well as daughters] with the divine words” (DV 23). overlooking a placid crater lake. The Centre is in laity (DV 23, 25) - to respond adequately to this Hence formation in certain pastoral skills forms fact nestled in the slopes just above this town and renewed exalted status accorded to the Bible, an integral part of the course. is surrounded by evergreen forest. Though small, through which “the Father who is in heaven meets 4. In keeping with the universal character of the Nemi is steeped in history as some of the ancient His children with great love and speaks with them” Roman emperors frequented the area. (DV 21). Church, the organization of this leadership Incidentally, Castel Gandolfo, where the better- training in biblical pastoral ministry lays known summer residence of the Pope is situated, particular emphasis on the international and Areas of Focus is not far from the place. multi-cultural nature and composition of the group, which is clearly borne out in the choice of The course concentrates on five location, the selection of participants, the The Purpose of the Course major areas with a view to continental and cultural diversity of resource achieve this objective: persons, and the emphasis on multi-ethnic “All the preaching of the Church must be dimension of community building exercises and nourished and regulated by Sacred Scripture” (DV 1. The curriculum attempts to maintain a balance live-in experience. between providing a reasonably systematic 21). This course is designed to provide its 5. A written project, which is to be handed in participants with an informed biblical dimension to exposition of and a modestly in-depth theological reflection on some select books and themes of the toward the end of the course, is an essential their ongoing formation in pastoral ministry. As the component of the programme. The participants title itself – Dei Verbum Biblical Pastoral Course - Scriptures as well as imparting of useful pastoral skills for biblical ministry. each are expected to present subsequently a clearly indicates, the programme takes its synopsis of it to the whole group. This work not inspiration from the Dogmatic Constitution of 2. As the Council itself earnestly desires, the inward only integrates the knowledge, skills, Vatican II on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum), listening to the Word of God must go hand in hand experiences and insights gained during the

course, but also sets them in the context of their Money Matters own Local Church and particular life situation. DEI VERBUM The total cost of tuition, board and lodging for For whom the Course the course is four thousand Euros (€4,000). BIBLICAL PASTORAL INSTITUTE is intended When funds are available, a limited number of partial scholarships (up to €1,000) are available The course is primarily intended for anyone who for those particularly in need. The deserving cases is devotedly engaged in biblical ministry - priests, are determined after having duly considered all the religious, and laity - both men and women. applications. Although it is not a prerequisite for admission, those with some specialized experience in this Deadline for Registration: area have naturally an advantage over the others. However, the understanding is that after the April 30, 2015 course, the participants will be actively involved in this ministry in a focused manner, since its specific aim is the formation of the ministers of the Word. Contact details:

Conditions for Acceptance Fr. James Uravil, SVD Director, Dei Verbum Centre  A good command in English. Missionari Verbiti  A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Via dei Laghi bis, 52  The age limit for admission is set at 60 years. 00040 NEMI (Roma), ITALY.  Dei Verbum course is not a renewal course or Course for aimed at those on sabbatical. It is primarily a E-mail: course for the training of leaders for biblical Ministers of pastoral ministry at the service of the local [email protected] the Word of God Church. Acceptance, therefore, requires the [email protected]

formal recommendation of a bishop, a major

religious superior, or director of a Tel: Church institution who wants to make effective (0039) 06.9365.0001(Centre) use of the participant’s training for future Sept. 01 – 26 Nov., 2015 (0039) 06.9365.00426 (Office) ecclesial ministry. Fax: (0039) 06.9365.00465 Nemi (Rome), Italy