“Excellent opportunity to deepen reverence for Scripture”: Nairobi Archdiocese Issues Guidelines for Word of God Sunday

According to the guidelines, “the procession should be accompanied by a sung hymn or chant focusing on the celebration of the Word.”

This is to be followed by the Enthronement of the Word, with a special elevated stand prepared near the Ambo or another suitable place in the sanctuary.

The Archdiocesan Commission for Liturgy instructs that the Bible remains enthroned from the Sunday of the Word of God until Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time, as a visible sign of its sacredness.

A traditional African pot with burning incense is also to be placed nearby, serving as “a visible and fragrant reminder of reverence for the Word,” while observing safety precautions.

Blessing of Bibles and adornment of the Ambo

The Commission has asked Priests to invite the faithful to bring their personal, family and Jumuiya (Small Christian Community) Bibles to Holy Mass on that Sunday. After the post-communion prayer, the Bibles are to be blessed using a prayer provided by the Commission.

Parishes are also encouraged to decorate the Ambo with flowers, appropriate liturgical colours, or banners that emphasize the centrality of the Word of God, using symbols such as an open Bible or a lamp to underscore the place of Scripture in the liturgy.

Proclaimers and Bible study

Another key focus is ministers of the Word. The January 16 circular calls for the commissioning of newly trained proclaimers who have completed liturgical formation, while already commissioned proclaimers are to be invited to renew their commitment.

Parishes are further encouraged to give proclaimers a special role in animating the Eucharistic celebration on that day.

Beyond the liturgy, Priests are asked to announce the launch or strengthening of parish Bible study programmes, responding to “the Pope’s call to grow in knowledge of Scripture,” and to offer resources and introductory sessions on biblical themes or reflections on the Gospel.

Guidance for the homily and bookmarks

The Commission for Liturgy of ADN has also emphasized preaching. In his two-page circular, Fr. Kabiu directs that “the homily on the Sunday of the Word of Cod focus on Scripture as the living Word of God.”

The member of Clergy of ADN adds that on this day, “the homily should draw deeply from the sacred readings, helping the faithful to understand the Scriptures and to relate them meaningfully to daily life (Aperuit Illis, 5).”

To encourage personal engagement with the Bible beyond Sunday Mass, Priests are advised that “you may distribute bookmarks or handouts with key Scripture passages to encourage personal reading of the Bible.”

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The leadership of the Archdiocesan Commission for Liturgy also suggests Bible trivia activities, especially for children and youth, as a way of nurturing interest in God’s Word.

Importance of the celebration

Summing up the significance of the annual observance, the ADN Commission for Liturgy notes that “this celebration deepens our love for Scripture by inviting us to reflect on, study, and share God’s Word, so that it may shape our faith and daily lives as a parish community.”

The circular, which Fr. Kabiu signed and copied to the Pastoral Coordinator and all Deans concludes with the prayerful wish: “May God bless you all as we rejoice in the gift of His Word.”

Sunday of the Word of God aims to strengthen Catholics’ connection with sacred Scripture and emphasise the living nature of God’s word in the Church’s life.

This year, the annual event is to be marked under the theme: “The word of Christ dwells among you”, drawn from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians.