The Dominican motto “Veritas” sums up their mission perfectly. Saint Dominic believed in a truth that is discovered through rigorous study, informed by faith and human experience. At the École Biblique, the friars responded to this call to study the Bible in its historical and cultural context. Father Lagrange, a pioneer of this approach, spoke of “the union of monument and document”.
The Dominican friars of the École therefore dedicate their lives to this ideal and, in this time of Pentecost, strive to see in the manifestation of the Esprit a call to mission. Among the gifts received by believers is the gift of science and intelligence, particularly precious for researchers! They impel us to scrutinize and interpret the Scriptures with a clear mind. Researching, testing, discovering and imagining are the watchwords of the École library, the scene of great discoveries. The stakes are high here: For fr. Bernard, the École’s librarian, the Spirit of Science must be directed towards human development. “What’s the point of decoding ancient texts if it doesn’t serve the vocation of a Dominican preacher? The friars draw this wisdom from the Spirit. This requires strength, another fruit of the Spirit! “
Fr Bernard Ntamak, compares scientific research to asceticism. Studying the Bible scientifically means sitting down at your desk, cutting yourself off from the world and enduring long hours of work, the better to rediscover it. The great challenge is not to do science for science’s sake, but science for the salvation of mankind. Trying always to look at the world through God’s eyes requires faith and perseverance that only the Spirit can provide – and that’s not lacking at the School!
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John, 14:6)
On this feast of Pentecost, may the Spirit of truth inspire all those who seek God.
