For the past ten years, the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum (SBF) and the Ébaf have organised a joint Dies Academicus to mark the start of their academic year. On Wednesday 8 November 2023, the Custody hosted this event, which featured a presentation of the past year’s activities and a lecture.
His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, honoured both institutions with his presence.
Photo : Custodia Terrae Sanctae
In his welcome address, Friar Rosario Pierre, Dean of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, emphasised how unique and valuable the academic proposal of the two institutions was for the study of the Scriptures. Each is the guarantor of an incredible literary biblical heritage and of a very precious intellectual animation.
Friar Olivier Poquillon, o.p., who has just arrived in Jerusalem after a month in Rome as spokesman for the Synod, wanted to pay tribute to the work done by his predecessor, Friar Jean-Jacques Pérennès, o.p.. After two four-year terms as director of Ébaf, Pérennès bequeathed a long-term strategic plan, including the creation of two chairs – one in archaeology and one in biblical theology – and the strengthening of the teaching staff.
In this respect, fr Olivier Poquillon, o.p., thanked Yunus Demirci, o.f.cap., who has been in charge of the topography course since 2022. Then he praised the eight-century-old collaboration between Franciscans and Dominicans.
“This is a synergy that can only continue to bear valuable fruit. Despite the conflict, we must continue our mission: the university lecturers and researchers, and students are called upon to share and pass on the fruit of the studies and scientific work carried out here.”
Photo : Custodia Terrae Sanctae
The inaugural lecture given by Professor Ofer Sion, archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority, was on “The settlements of the Negev in the Byzantine period and the surrounding agricultural hinterland”. Professor Ofer Sion shared his recent archaeological analyses, which will lead to the publication of a book as part of the SBF’s Collectio Maior.
The Ébaf is looking forward to hosting the 2024-2025 edition, following the tradition…
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