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Pope launches Bible reading marathon
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ASIANAGE on 06 October, 2008 03:22:34
 
Vatican City, Oct. 6: Pope Benedict XVI launched a bible-reading marathon on
Sunday evening, scheduled to last an seven days and six nights, with more than
1,200 people taking turns to read it.
The reading, entitled "The Bible Day and Night" is being broadcast by Italian
state television, while most of the reading is taking place in the Santa Croce
in Gerusalemme church in central Rome.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth," were the first words
of the pontiff as he began reading the opening chapter of the book of Genesis.
He was followed by the orthodox bishop of the Patriarchate of Moscow Ilarion
Alfeev, and by Domenico Maselli, president of the Federation of the Evangelical
Churches and Italian actor Roberto Benigni.
Besides Roman Catholics, members of other religions, including Jews,
Protestants and Orthodox Christians will participate. Top opera singer Andrea
Bocelli was also present, and sang Johan Sebastian Bach’s "Praise to God".
The reading will end on 12 October with the reading of the last chapter of the
Apocalypse by the Vatican’s number two, secretary of state Tarcisio Bertone.
"The word of God will enter the homes and accompany the lives of families and
individual people," Pope Benedict said of the programme following his
traditional noontime blessing on Sunday. "If welcomed, this seed will not fail
to bring abundant fruits."
Addressing faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict noted the
televised marathon would run parallel to a worldwide meeting of bishops.
By arrangement with AKI