On 13 May, professors, students, collaborators and various friends of the institute took part in the centenary celebration event of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum in Jerusalem. The scientific institution for the research and academic teaching of Holy Scripture and biblical archaeology is indeed 100 years old. Moments rich in sharing. In the words of Brother Rosario Pierri, dean of the SBF, 13th May, the day of Our Lady of Fatima, is a happy day to celebrate this anniversary. We are here today to complete the centenary since the foundation of the Studium Biblicum. After the meeting with the Pope at the Vatican, after the Conference held in Rome at the Antonianum University, it was a must to schedule this meeting here in the Holy City, to share the joy of the commemoration with those who could not come to Rome. Brother Rosario also thanked all the authorities present at the event. For Brother Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, the contribution made by the Bible Study in these 100 has been truly important throughout this century. Br FRANCESCO PATTON, ofm Custos of the Holy Land Through both archaeological and linguistic research, the study of the Bible has been safeguarded from ideological drift. The study of archaeology as well as the study of the context of the geographical and historical environment, and also the rigorous study of biblical languages has helped to provide a very solid basis for exegesis. And it has also helped to strongly unite the aspect of Revelation and the aspect of Incarnation, that is, the mystery of the God who reveals himself. And in a small way, for us as friars minor, this was a little bit of feeling within the groove of Francis' love for the Word of God and for the humanity of Jesus Christ. H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa Patriarch of the Latins of Jerusalem was one of the students at the Studium Biblicum . H B CARDINALE PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA Patriarch of the Latins of Jerusalem It was the first 10 years, 10 years of incubation, if one can call it that, where I studied, like all students, writing, archaeology. I learnt a method of study, which is very important, but above all I learnt from those professors to unite study with life. Very often they keep these aspects separate, but this was also very decisive for me. Seeing above all their synthesis between study and life and I learnt to make my own synthesis, that is what accompanies me to this day. As I have said many times, we need the Studium Biblicum, which in the past made it possible to reunite faith with history and man in a scientific manner. Mgr. Jaime Spengler President of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil and the Latin American Conference, who studied in Jerusalem from ‘87 until ’90, was also invited. Due to the tragic situation caused by the floods in southern Brazil, his trip was cancelled and he sent a video message. Once again I would like to say a thousand thanks to the Custody of the Holy Land. May God reward you not with double but with the measure of the Gospel, a hundred times more. Happy celebration. Bishop Spengler said. Br. Alessandro Coniglio Professor of the SBF presented the activities of the Studium Biblicum Br ALESSANDRO CONIGLIO, ofm Professor Studium Biblicum Franciscanum But for me it was wonderful to be able to recover the tradition and history of the scientific productions made by our forefathers. Because having just arrived ten years ago in the studio as a professor, I only knew a little of what was the vast production of our own, first archaeologists, then linguists, exegetes. And having to prepare this synthesis was a bit like getting back into that spirit that moved these early fathers of ours to found the study and to carry on this research over these 100 years. ‘Return to Jerusalem’ was the theme of Professor Giuseppe Buffon, Vice Rector of the Pontifical Antonianum University in Rome. He retraced the history of the foundation of the SBF, following above all the link with the ecclesiastical institutions and the international relationship with Rome. He emphasised the political and civil implications of a reality that - particularly with the archaeological investigation - has contributed to the direction of exegetical studies. Prof. Augustin Hernandez Vidales, Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical Antonianum University, recalled the importance of the commitment to the in-depth study of the Word of God that has been carried out in recent years. Not only speakers of the word, therefore, but attentive and passionate scholars of Sacred Scripture. Fr Olivier Poquillon, director of the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem also spoke about the fraternal relationship between the two institutions Fr OLIVIER POQUILLON, op Ecole biblique et archeologique francaise de Jerusalem For the École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem, there is indeed a fraternal relationship with the Franciscan Bible Study. This is fundamental, the fraternal relationship. We are a bit like an older sister, since we are a bit older, but an older sister who is not at all jealous, on the contrary, who rejoices seeing how her younger sister grows and bears fruit We are a bit like an older sister, since we are a bit older. But an older sister who is not at all jealous, on the contrary, who rejoices seeing how her younger sister grows and bears fruit. And all this is really important, especially today, for the intelligence of faith. At the concluding act of the meeting Fr. Rosario Pierri presented the commemorative medal. Br ROSARIO PIERRI, ofm Dean - Studium Biblicum Franciscanum It was a gift without a doubt, what we are experiencing now. We were able to recall the past of our Arcanum to open a new perspective and continue this tradition. There was also the testimony of the Patriarch, who was a student. There was a very touching one from Monsignor Spengler, who could not come but who nevertheless sent us this splendid film. And this is the centenary celebration, this day towards Jerusalem that was necessary. We lived it first in Rome with the Holy Father. Now we live it here, with family, for family, with so many friends and with so many people who love us. And it is a testimony that this grace that we have all simply received is a thanksgiving to God for all the gifts he has given us over these years, over this centenary. Read More