UCA News
Contribute

Indonesia

Students to choose a scripture motto

Stefanus Tartono, Yogyakarta

Stefanus Tartono, Yogyakarta

Updated: September 06, 2010 05:15 AM GMT
Support Asia's largest network of Catholic journalists and editors
Support Asia's largest network of Catholic journalists and editors
Teachers convened at a workshop to discuss how they could inspire their students to make more use of the Bible
Teachers convened at a workshop to discuss how they could inspire their students to make more use of the Bible
Share this article :

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

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
November begins with the Feast of All Saints. That month will mark the beginning of a new UCA News series, Saints of the New Millenium, that will profile some of Asia’s saints, “ordinary” people who try to live faithfully amid the demands of life in our time.
Perhaps the closest they will ever come to fame will be in your reading about them in UCA News. But they are saints for today. Let their example challenge and encourage you to live your own sainthood.
Your contribution will help us present more such features and make a difference in society by being independent and objective.
A small donation of US$5 a month would make a big difference in our quest to achieve our goals.
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
YOUR DAILY
NEWSLETTER
Thank you. You are now signed up to our Daily Full Bulletin newsletter
 
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia