Year of the Word Training for Laity Held at Catholicate Centre

As part of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church’s centenary celebrations, the Year of the Word resource team organised a special training programme for the laity on August 19 and 20, 2024, at the Catholicate Centre in Pattom, Kerala. The training aimed to deepen the faithful’s understanding of Scripture, empowering the laity to actively engage with the Word of God in their daily lives.

The programme was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth O.I.C., Secretary of the Synodal Commission for Bible Apostolate, who welcomed the participants and set the tone for the sessions to follow.

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, addressed the gathering, offering spiritual insights and encouragement to the laity. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and coordinator of the centenary celebrations, also participated, further emphasising the role of the laity in living and sharing the Word of God.

Several prominent figures led the training sessions, including Rev. Fr. Sebastian Edayath, Jubilee Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Benedict Moozhikkara O.I.C., Executive Secretary of the Evangelization Apostolate, and Sister Mary Prasad D.M. They conducted Lectio Divina sessions and theological classes, providing both spiritual guidance and practical insights for the participants.

A Special Focus on the Laity

The Year of the Word training for the laity is a unique initiative aimed at equipping the faithful to deepen their understanding of Scripture and apply its teachings in their personal and community lives. The training sessions were structured to offer a blend of spiritual enrichment and practical application, allowing the participants to grow in faith while also preparing them to share the Word of God more effectively with others.

The Lectio Divina sessions, a meditative practice of reading and contemplating Scripture, were especially impactful in guiding the participants through a reflective and prayerful engagement with the Bible.