An Indonesian priest wants students to choose a biblical verse as their motto for life and learn it off by heart. Father Agustinus Nunung Wuryantoko, director of the Yogyakarta vicariate’s Biblical Commission, outlined his idea to a gathering of around 200 teachers at a Bible studies education workshop in central Java. “Let your students choose any biblical verse,” he said. “With your guidance, tell them to write down their verse on a piece of paper, then decorate and frame it. Ask them to put it in a place where they can see it.” “Let these biblical verses become their motto, which they memorize until they are old.” He said the idea was inspired by Shema, an ancient Jewish practice. “Jewish people have a tradition of making Shema,” he said. “It is a small box containing a declaration that proclaims the absolute unity of God. This small box must be tied onto the arm or forehead. Jewish children are obliged to put on the Shema and memorize the verse.” Anastasia Astuti, who teaches at the state-run Elementary School of Banguntapan in Bantul, said the priest’s idea was a practical one. “I am sure if it becomes a movement, the result will be concrete. Students will not just get good marks but also more value out of life,” she said. The workshop was organized by Kanisius Publishing and Yogyakarta’s Directorate for Catholic Community Guidance (Bimas Katolik) to mark Bible Month, which is celebrated in September. Related reports Catholic minority gets a spiritual boost at school Fair introduces Religious charisms to youths IJ11084.1618