100 years of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum in Jerusalem

By Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik 

Celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum in Jerusalem, taking place in Rome on 15 and 16 of January, have concluded. The celebrations opened with an audience with Pope Francis, while a historic conference was held on the second day. A special exhibition will remain open until 27 January. The Studium Biblicum Franciscanum is the only Catholic university in the Holy Land offering regular undergraduate and doctoral biblical studies. It also holds courses in archaeology, history, and geography of the Holy Land, along with visits to biblical sites.

In audience with Pope Francis

“Your discreet and passionate work is most precious,” Pope Francis said during the audience on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum. He added that study, meditation, and reflection on the Bible and biblical texts should be „at the heart of the Church, God's holy and faithful people. Outside the body of the Church, these studies are useless.”

Brother Massimo Fusarelli, Superior General of the Franciscans, recalled these words in an interview with Vatican News. He said that the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum exists precisely for the people of God. Students explore biblical sites and learn the original languages to serve the people in their own countries later. They return with experience that can only be gained in the Holy Land. "That is why this college is our pearl,” said the Superior General of the Franciscans.

A deeper understanding of the Sacred Scripture

During a lecture on 16 January at the Antonianum University, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, emphasised that the students at this university achieve a deeper understanding of the Sacred Scripture due to their direct contact with the Holy Land during their studies. He emphasised that the university's "distinctive character” as a scientific institution allows it to make an appropriate contribution.

In an interview with Vatican News, Brother Rosario Pierri, dean of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, pointed out that the university draws from an 800-year tradition of Franciscan presence in the Holy Land and historical and geographical research conducted over the centuries. "This is the experience we pass on to our students, and they then share it in their countries,” Dean Perri added. 

A new exhibition

At the end of the celebration, an exhibition was opened on the 100th anniversary of the Studium Biblicum  Franciscanum, entitled: "What we have heard, seen and touched we proclaim to you,” a reference to the first letter of St. John. It highlights the unique features of this college, which facilitates Bible study in the Holy Land. The exhibition will remain open until 27 January in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Anthony in Rome.

The gift of the studies

Franciscan Bible Study graduate Fr. Wojciech Węgrzyniak, Ph.D., a lecturer at Pope John Paul II University in Krakow, stressed how studying in Jerusalem allowed him to learn about the Word of God, where it became flesh. "Thanks to the professors and archaeologists who, during their work, discovered much of the Holy Land, I could touch those places that take us back to biblical times. It was unique,” he pointed out. In addition, he shares his experience: "I saw professors ascending the Way of the Cross or praying at Golgotha, participating in the liturgy. They are an example of living what they teach”. “I'm happy that the Holy Father said at the meeting with us that one should interpret the Bible, read and work precisely in the Church and that any scientific, biblical work outside the Church makes no sense,” he said.

In recognition of the high level of teaching, in 2001, the then-Congregation for Catholic Education issued a decree giving the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum the authority to confer licentiate and doctoral degrees in biblical studies and archaeology. In the Holy Land, in addition to the Franciscan Bible Study, biblical scholarly activity is carried out by the Dominican center École Biblique et Archéologique Française, which has the right to confer a doctorate in biblical studies, and the Jesuit branch of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.