Why Is September The Month Of The Bible?

 *CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MASVINGO*

*BIBLICAL APOSTOLATE COMMISSION*

The month of September is the month of the Bible - a month dedicated to reading and reflecting upon the Bible. 

This, however, does not mean that we can say "hands off the Bible" after the month of September. No! 

It aims at promoting Christians to relate well with and feed on the Word of God. 

It challenges us to introspect and see the place of the Bible in our lives. 

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization said: *"The Bible is the most widely distributed book, but it's also perhaps the one most covered in dust because it is not held in our hands."* How is your relationship with the Bible?

*Why is September the month of the Bible?* 

The Mother Church has dedicated the month of September to reflecting upon the Bible bacause on 30th September the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Jerome who lived between 340-420AD. St. Jerome is one of the greatest Bible scholars who translated the Bible from its original languages - Hebrew and Greek, to Latin which was by then the language used in the liturgy of the Church. Underlining the importance of knowing the Sacred Scripture, St. Jerome is famous for his statement: *"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."*

As we prepare to begin the Bible month, let us examine our knowledge of the Bible.

1. Which are the major divisions of the Bible?

2. How many books are contained in the Bible?

3. Which books are called apocryphal and why are they called with that name?