Pupils and teachers participate in the Bible enthronement ceremony.

The Archdiocesan Catechetical Office in South Trinidad, located at St Benedict’s RC Church in La Romaine, began its celebration of Bible Month with the enthronement of the Bible at its office.  A teacher and two pupils each from Cipero RC and La Romaine RC attended, along with employees on the church compound.

Msgr Kenneth Spence, parish priest at La Romaine, presided over the simple but symbolic ceremony.  He began with a prayer and an explanation about the significance of the ceremony. 

Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan, Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator for South and Central, elaborated on the rationale for Bible Month.  She said the Word of God has power and Jesus is the living Word of God.  She supported this by quoting from John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God.  The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.” She added that it is important for us to have a relationship with the Word.  The Word not only guides us, but sustains us.  We gain life from the Word.

The special Bible received from Rome.

Msgr Spence then read the Gospel of the day and also the words of John 1:1 in Italian, using a special bible distributed recently by Pope Francis during the Synod of Bishops. Someone who received a copy made a gift of it to Msgr Spence and it is now enthroned in La Romaine to symbolise our connection with Rome.

Msgr Spence highlighted the beauty of the Word.  He said the Word could be formative if we allow it to penetrate our hearts and mind.  He added that the actual book should always be treated with respect; it should never be placed on the ground or thrown about.  Teachers were also encouraged to reflect on the Word with their pupils once or twice per week.  The small gathering was also advised to reflect on the Sunday Gospel in their families.

The children were all presented with a Children’s Bible by Msgr Spence. The little group then processed with a bible into the place of enthronement as they sang “Song of a Young Prophet” (O the word of my Lord deep within my being). At the place of enthronement, symbols of light and life were present.  Plants were used to represent life and each of the children poured blessed water into the plants while Msgr Spence prayed that we would all grow, watered and nourished by the Word of God.

This celebration of the Word ended with a meal; as we nourish our bodies so the Word will nourish our hearts and minds.  We look forward to forming an intimate relationship with the Word and, in so doing, build our friendship with the living Word, Jesus.

– Archdiocesan Catechetical Office