2024 Summer School: Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy

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Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy
May 20- June 14, 2024 | Trier Germany

Starting May 20, 2024, a summer school will take place in Trier designed for American students with the topic "Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy." Centered on a 3-credit course on this topic taught in English. The program will include an international conference on the Liturgical and the Biblical Movement in the US and Germany. The summer school includes field trips to important sites for biblical studies (Mainz with the Gutenberg-Bible) and for liturgical studies (Maria Laach), but also Cologne with the magnificent cathedral. Even if a student does not need the credits, it will be a great experience.

The application deadline is October 15, 2023.

Costs: from $1,850 (for 4 weeks!)

• Program fee includes tuition, housing (single room with shared bathroom [$1,850], shared
  two-bed room with private bathroom [$2,200] or single room with private bathroom
  [$2,490]) at the St. Joseph’s Sisters in the city center with a lovely garden. Included also
  are the study trips, the conference (with meals), wine tasting, daily breakfast, bus to Maria
  Laach.
• Other meals can easily be found in the city or at the university (with a student discount).
• Travel expenses incurred for the excursions and public transportation cannot be covered,
  since tickets must be obtained individually. The “Germany-ticket” provides regional and
  local public transport for €49 (approx. $55) per month. You receive assistance to book the
  ticket (see more: https://www.bahn.com/en/offers/regional/deutschlandticket).
• Since we are applying for funding, we might be able to give a small travel grant.

Course description: “Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy” (3 credits)

Professors: Dr. Marco Benini (liturgy, Trier; taught 6 semesters at CUA), with some classes by
Dr. Stefanos Alexopoulos (liturgy, CUA), Dr. Michael Witczak (liturgy, CUA), Dr. Hans-Georg
Gradl (NT, Trier), and Dr. Carolin Neuber (OT, Trier)

“Sacred Scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy.” (SC 24). The Bible
shapes the liturgy like no other book: OT and NT readings are intertextually combined. Psalms are
often specifically chosen. Prayers and hymns are biblically permeated. Liturgical actions and
symbols (e.g., the washing of feet on Holy Thursday, baptismal rites, etc.) are inspired by sacred
Scripture. At the same time, the liturgy interprets sacred Scripture and makes the Bible, a written
echo of the revelation, to the living Word of God, whom we encounter in the liturgy. The reception
of Scripture (e.g., according to the literary reception theory) is part of the active participation in the
liturgy.

The course explores the rich relationships between Bible and liturgy. The first part examines
liturgical elements within the OT and NT. The second part discusses the various ways in which
liturgy uses Scripture (cf. SC 24). The course finally pays attention to systematic-theological
dimensions of the liturgical hermeneutics of Scripture. The whole course promotes an
interdisciplinary dialogue of liturgical and biblical studies and considers pastoral implications in
the current challenges and opportunities for the Church.
Assigned readings for each class are in English (additional ones in German and other languages
are optional).

In the place of the final exam students will submit a research paper on a topic related to the
course. An official transcript in German and English will be provided. That will facilitate the
transfer of credits.

How to apply:

• Please send your application (CV, letter of intent, recommendation letter from your
  professor) to benini@uni-trier.de by October 15, 2023 (please also specify your
  preference for the housing options. The number of rooms is limited).
• The application will be reviewed by the professors Stefanos Alexopoulos (CUA), HansGeorg Gradl (Trier), and Marco Benini (Trier). We will reply to all applicants by October
  25, 2023 and invite the chosen students to a Zoom-meeting (Nov. 7, 2023, 12:15 pm EST)
  to provide further information on practical steps.

For any questions please contact: benini@uni-trier.de