“This approach is particularly appealing to those facing tough realities like unemployment and hunger, making many Catholics susceptible to these deceptive promises without solid biblical knowledge,” the FSP member said.
She continued, “A faith based solely on devotions, without a deep understanding of Sacred Scripture, may not withstand life's challenges. It is essential for laypeople to have a strong grasp of the Bible to discern the true message of God from the distortions presented by sects.”
The Catholic nun went on to highlight the importance of the Bible month marked in September.
“Our proposal is that starting next year, all parishes dedicate themselves to studying one psalm per month. This practice will not only enrich the biblical formation of laypeople but also strengthen the community in prayer and knowledge of the Word of God,” she said.
Sr. Corazza continued, “Investing in the training of laypeople is not just about knowledge; it’s about developing a robust faith that can withstand emotional and material appeals. By knowing the Sacred Scriptures better, laypeople become more prepared to deal with the seductions of sects and to live their faith authentically.”
“When people know the Word of God, they become less susceptible to empty promises and more capable of understanding that true prosperity comes from a deep and genuine relationship with God, not from immediate cures or quick solutions,” said the Brazilian Catholic nun.
She noted that the experience of knowing the Bible should be “accessible to all laypeople, as pastoral animation requires each of us, regardless of the ministry we serve, to be biblically prepared to help our community and strengthen others’ faith.”
Reflecting on the month of the Bible in Angola, the member of the National Commission for Biblical Pastoral Ministry of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) recalled that the month of the Bible began with a Biblical Week in the Diocese of Uige, preparing the community for September. The theme chosen for 2024 was ‘Lord, teach us to pray’.
“Various Dioceses conducted trainings and meetings, including the practice of Lectio Divina, where the faithful reflected on the seven petitions of the Our Father,” she said.
The month of the Bible in Angola serves not only to celebrate the Word of God but also to reflect on how it applies to the lives of the faithful and the reality of the Church, emphasizing training and strengthening faith amid contemporary challenges.
