Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 16: A Lectors’ recollection was organised at St Sebastian Church Bendur under the guidance of Fr Boniface Pinto, spiritual director of Divya Dharma Karnataka Regional Propaedeutic Seminary. The recollection was centered on the theme ‘Proclamation of the Word of God.’ Around 150 lectors of the parish participated in the spiritual programme which concluded with Eucharistic Adoration.
The programme began with an invocation to the holy spirit, seeking divine guidance for the recollection and reflection that followed. Fr Boniface Pinto then conducted a one-hour session highlighting the importance, meaning and transforming power of the word of god in the life of believers.
During his reflection, Fr Boniface explained how the Bible is not merely a book but the living word of god that guides humanity. While many books provide information and some books help in formation, the Bible has the unique power to transform human lives. He noted that throughout history the word of god has influenced the lives of saints, scholars and ordinary people, leading them towards deeper faith and service.
Quoting examples from the lives of great saints, he said that a single passage from the Bible transformed the life of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Similarly, the missionary zeal of Saint Francis Xavier was inspired by the teachings of scripture. Mother Teresa too experienced god’s call through His Word, which led her to dedicate her life to serving the poor and the needy.
Fr Boniface further explained the symbolic images used in the Bible to describe the word of god. According to him, scripture is often portrayed as a lamp that guides, rain that nourishes, a hammer that shapes, fire that purifies, a double-edged sword that penetrates the heart, a seed that grows, a precious pearl hidden in a field, god’s love letter to humanity, a guiding lighthouse, nourishment for the soul, and a mirror reflecting our lives.
Encouraging the lectors to reflect on their relationship with scripture, he asked a few important questions: What is the Bible to us? Do we have a Bible at home? Do we have a personal copy? How often do we read it? Do we truly love and respect the word of god? These questions, he said, should inspire every lector to deepen their faith and commitment to the Word of God.
Fr Boniface emphasised that prayer and scripture always go together. “When we pray, we speak to god; when we read the Bible, god speaks to us,” he said. Therefore, he encouraged lectors not only to read the Bible regularly but also to participate in Bible study groups and formation programmes to understand the deeper meaning of the scriptures.
He also provided practical guidance for lectors in proclaiming the word of god during the liturgy. He advised them to read the assigned passage three to five times beforehand, understand the context and meaning, and prepare spiritually through prayer and if necessary, the sacrament of reconciliation. Lectors should invoke the holy spirit before proclaiming the reading, maintain clear pronunciation, proper pauses and voice modulation, and ensure that the reading is audible to the congregation. He also reminded them to maintain modest attire, adjust the microphone properly, and most importantly live according to the Word of God they proclaim.
Following the reflection, the participants spent time in Eucharistic adoration, offering silent prayer and reflection before the blessed sacrament.
An interactive question-and-answer session was also held where lectors actively participated by asking questions, sharing suggestions and discussing ways to improve the proclamation of the word of god during liturgical celebrations.
The recollection concluded with a Marian hymn seeking the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary. The programme left the participants spiritually enriched and inspired to develop a deeper relationship with the word of god and to proclaim it more meaningfully so that the faithful may clearly hear and reflect upon god’s message.