Aperuit illis

In Aperuit illis, dated September 30, 2019, our Holy Father has designated the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time “Sunday of the Word of God.” The impetus for this initiative flows forth from the documents of the Second Vatican Council which call forth a greater love for the Sacred Scriptures expressed through study and prayer. Quoting Saint Jerome, on whose liturgical memorial Pope Francis promulgated his motu proprio, we are reminded, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.”

The second “Sunday of the Word of God” is to be celebrated on January 24, 2021. This celebration gives a unique opportunity to highlight the place of the liturgical proclamation of the Word of God, the lectors who are set apart to proclaim it, and the greater need to foster a deep reverence for the Sacred Scriptures through personal study and prayer.

Families are encouraged to spend time reading the Sacred Scriptures, reflecting on their meaning, and finding inspiration for prayer. You are invited to bring your family bibles to Masses this weekend for a special blessing and encouraged to enthrone it in a place of honor in your homes, perhaps with a candle or other adornments, to be used for family prayer.