BIBLE ENTHRONEMENT in the Catholic Church
Bible Enthronement is a celebraton of the Word of God. “During the Second Vatican Council, the meeting of Bishops from all over the world held in Rome from 1962 to 1965, the Bible was solemnly enthroned every morning at the opening of their sessons. Through this liturgical ceremony the bishops reminded themselves that they could only effectively PREACH the Good News if they first LISTENED to God’s Word.” (pp.21-22 Basic Bible Seminar kit, John Paul I Biblical Center - Immaculate Cconception School of Theology, Vigan City, Philippines) This celebration has been popularized in the Philipines by the Biblical Apostolate especially as an opening rite of the Basic Bible Seminar in the 70’s(1978…)in Northern Luzon (Philippines). The ceremony as it is being practiced now is in its simplified form but it conveys the same message. “It expressess our awareness that first we have to LISTEN to the Word of God and TREASURE it in our hearts before we can SHARE its riches with one another.” (BBS, p.22). In a Basic Bible Seminar (BBS), the Bible will remain enthroned and open during the entire seminar as a reminder to the participants that God is present in the Word and that God wants to speak to people (participants).
Things to prepare for the Bible Enthronement:
- complete Bible, preferably in the local language
- short readings, songs
- a draped stand or table for the Bible
- a candle stand where the candle(s) will be placed
- matches
- flowers in vases (2)
- incense/censer (optional)
8.covered table for nmbers1,4,5 and 6 and placed at the back
- chairs for the celbrant and the 3 readers in front, facing the group
- chairs of the participants preferably in semi-circle (if few). Leave the center aisle free
Today, there are other ways of doing the Bible Entrhonement. It can be the highlight of a recollection (retreat) depending upon the purpose of the occasion. It can be done in the Family during birthday celebrations or house blessing (classroom, offices etc). It can also be integrated in the liturgical celebration with proper coordination with the liturgist. It is always good to give an introduction before it is celebrated in order to prepare the participants for a meaningful celebration. This celebration is a good way of highlhting the centrality of the Word of God in our lives as posed to us during the Synod on the Word in Rome (2008) with the the
me, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church”. You can also participate in the activities of the Biblical Apostolate in your parish and BECs, in the Diocese /Archdiocese. You are welcome to be friends and partners in the Biblical Pastoral Ministry. Visit our website
www.ecba-cbcp.com and the website of the Catholic Biblical Federation
www.c-b-f.org