On January 26, 2025, Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican resonated with a special energy. It was the sixth Sunday of the Word of God, a celebration instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 to highlight the significance of the Holy Scriptures in our daily lives. This year, the chosen theme was an inspiring verse from the Psalms: “I hope in your word.”
The Mass, presided over by the Pope at 9:30 a.m., was a unique event. At the conclusion of the celebration, each attendee received a copy of the Gospel of Luke, a tradition that symbolizes the Church’s effort to make the Word of God tangibly accessible to all.
Furthermore, during the ceremony, forty laypeople from various parts of the world were instituted as new readers. Each received a Nova Vulgata Bible, a meaningful gesture reaffirming the Church’s commitment to promoting the reading and meditation of the Bible.
For those unable to attend in person, the Dicastery for Evangelization provided a free online liturgical-pastoral guide. Available in six languages, this resource offers suggestions for delving into the Word of God in community, family, or individual settings.
The Sunday of the Word of God is a universal invitation, particularly to young people, to rediscover the Bible not merely as an ancient text but as a living and relevant guide for our lives today. It is an opportunity to reconnect with our roots, find answers to our questions, and strengthen our faith in a constantly changing world.
As Pope Francis reminded us: “The Word of God is alive; it walks with us through the centuries and acts in history through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Let us take a moment to open the Gospel of Luke and reflect on its message.
Download the guide here:
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