Father Belmonte Teaches Junior High Religion Classes

On Thursday, October 29th Father John Belmonte, SJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Joliet, taught the 7th and 8th Grade Religion classes on the topic of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is an ancient monastic method of reading the Bible that literally means "holy reading". This ancient form of prayer is divided into four parts: Lectio (reading), Meditatio (meditation), Oratio (prayer), and Actio (living). Father Belmonte chose the Book of Jonah as the subject of lesson. After reviewing the events of the text the students looked at the etymology of the words, the historical development and their meaning in the text. Lectio divina is an attentive and in-depth reading of the sacred Scriptures intended not simply to satisfy one's curiosity but to nourish one's faith. Father's introduction will allow the 7th and 8th graders to be able to employ this method of reading sacred Scripture throughout the school year. We are honored that Father Belmonte was able to spend the entire day at SIJ.