Attention Assignment Editors
MEDIA RELEASE

ARCHBISHOP THOMAS COLLINS BEGINS
MONTHLY LECTIO DIVINA (SACRED PRAYER) SEPTEMBER 9
2000-YEAR PRAYER TRADITION OPEN TO ALL!

TORONTO (September 6, 2007) His Grace, Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, invites the community to join him in a 2000-year prayer tradition (Lectio Divina) this Sunday, September 9, at St. Michael’s Cathedral. The evening will begin with Vespers (Evening Prayer) at 7:00 p.m. followed by Lectio Divina at 7:30 p.m. Catholics and non-Catholics alike are welcome to attend. This Sunday’s Lectio Divina is the first in a series of regular spiritual gatherings with the people of the Archdiocese of Toronto, extending from September 2007 to June 2008.

Latin for sacred reading, Lectio Divina is not a bible study but a method of prayer, involving slow contemplative praying of the scriptures, with regular pauses for reflection and silence. This spiritual expression has enriched the lives of Christians for two thousand years. The monthly gatherings at the cathedral are a tradition Archbishop Collins brings to Toronto from his previous appointment as Archbishop of Edmonton.

This year’s theme will be the prayerful encounter with Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount which summarizes the foundation of Christian life. Sunday’s scripture passage is Matthew 5:1-12.

In speaking about the tradition of Lectio Divina, in September 2005, Pope Benedict XVI remarked:

“I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart (cf. Dei Verbum, n.25) If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime.”

As one of the most diverse dioceses in the world, the Archdiocese of Toronto is home to 1.7 million Catholics, with Mass celebrated each week in over 30 different languages at more than 220 churches.

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Background Resources:
For more information on Lectio Divina, please click here.

For more information contact:
Neil MacCarthy, Director,
Public Relations & Communications, Archdiocese of Toronto
(416) 934-3400 x 552 (416) 879-2846 (cell) neilm@archtoronto.org www.archtoronto.org

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