ERITREA: The Word of God Is As Important As The Eucharist Is To Us, says Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamariam
In Asmara at the Arch eparchy level, around 5000 audiences of all the parishes congregated together in Kidane Mihret Cathedral, Asmara to celebrate Sunday of The Word of God as declared by Pope Francis.
Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamariam accompanied by many priests inaugurated the first Sunday of the Word of God with a Eucharistic celebration.
The Archbishop gave his homily based on the power of the Word of God and motivated everyone to have the Bible close to their daily life. He encouraged every believer to open their heart to the Word of God, to read a verse or two from the Bible each day, allowing it to inspire their lives every day.
Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamariam informed the faithful that according to the Pope Francis’ invitation, the Sunday of the Word of God is set to be celebrated annually on the third Sunday in Ordinary time.
The Archbishop stressed that, according the Second Vatican Council, the Church takes the Word of God to be as important as the Eucharist is in the life if a Christian.
He then advised the congregation to read the Bible in prayer, with faith, courtesy and care, helped by knowledgeable people to avoid any misunderstandings of Sacred Scriptures.
Mentioning several verses from the Bible, he expressed that, when the word of God is read, He himself speaks to us.
The day was inaugurated at Eparchial level, marked with a special liturgical celebration. The Word of God was brought in procession with two candles lit on its right and left. The reading was read by persons from the assembly. Two religious Sisters and a layman read the chosen readings of the special day. The homily was all about the Word of God as it is the guiding light in our life of faith.
At the end, the parish priest invited every family to read a chapter a day and for the week Psalm 119:105 was given as an assignment.
By Eyob Tesfayohannes
Eritrean Catholic Secretariat’s Social Communications office
