Bishop Taylor presents LR Catholic Study Bible to pope

Bishop says new Bible will continue long tradition of Bible study in Arkansas

Published: October 22, 2011

L'Osservatore Romano

Pope Benedict XVI accepts a hardcover copy of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible Oct. 5 from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. The new study Bible was published this summer by Little Rock Scripture Study.

L'Osservatore Romano

Pope Benedict XVI accepts a hardcover copy of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible Oct. 5 from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. The new study Bible was published this summer by Little Rock Scripture Study.

St. Peter's Square provided the perfect backdrop for Bishop Anthony B. Taylor to present the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible to Pope Benedict XVI.

While in Rome for the ordination of Deacon Andrew Hart, Bishop Taylor was able to attend a general audience Oct. 5 and offered the Bible to the Holy Father as a personal gift, which was warmly received.

Pope Benedict has been encouraging the faithful to study the Scriptures more carefully. In the document, Verbum Domini, released earlier this year, Pope Benedict XVI wrote, "I wish to encourage all the people of God, pastors, consecrated persons and the laity to become increasingly familiar with the sacred Scriptures. We must never forget that all authentic and living Christian spirituality is based on the word of God proclaimed, accepted, celebrated, and meditated upon in the Church."

Bishop Taylor said he is pleased that the new study Bible will support this vision with the recently completed New American Bible Revised Edition texts augmented by solid Catholic scholarship.

"The Little Rock diocese has been instrumental for years in encouraging Catholics to become more literate about the Bible and to deepen their Biblical spirituality. The new Bible, which has been in development for nine years, is another valuable contribution to this mission,"Bishop Taylor said.

The Little Rock Catholic Study Bible, which is available in hardcover and paperback editions, provides the tools that Catholics need to respond to the Holy Father's call. Produced with the assistance of expertise from editors -- Sister Irene Nowell, OSB, Father Ron Witherup, SS, and LRSS director Cackie Upchurch -- and numerous contributors, the Bible is accessibly written and features engaging visuals. Among its noteworthy features are information boxes within the text and expanded essays, articles, and graphics in the front and back. Key symbols help readers quickly identify types of information, and colorful maps, timelines, photographs and inserts enhance the study experience

The Little Rock Catholic Study Bible was produced by Little Rock Scripture Study, a Catholic Bible study ministry launched by the Diocese of Little Rock in Arkansas in 1974. Little Rock Scripture Study continues as a ministry of the diocese, in partnership with Liturgical Press in Minnesota, developing and distributing Bible study materials for adult Catholics in parishes and small faith communities.

For more information, including bulk parish, diocesan and school discounts on the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible, visit http://www.littlerockscripture.org or call (800) 858-5434.