By Editor, September 10, 2026
Graduate students of the liturgy have another opportunity to take part in an excellent international summer course this Summer of 2027!
The Catholic University of America and the Theologische Fakultät Trier (Trier, Germany) will offer the 3-credit course, “Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy” from May 17-June 11, 2027.
In addition to study, accepted students will have opportunities to explore German liturgical heritage sites (such as Maria Laach Abbey and Mainz, of Gutenberg Bible fame), and have opportunities to explore the rich liturgical-historical resources and archives held at Trier.
The course will be held in English, with core reading in English; additional course options are available for those wishing to perfect their skills in German!
For some experiences of past Summer Sessions, visit Trier’s Liturgical Studies page here.
More information and details regarding cost and application may be found below. Share the news of this formative experience and important opportunity to enrich the future of liturgical studies across international borders!
How to apply:
● Please send your application (CV, letter of intent, recommendation letter from your professor) to benini@uni-trier.de by October 30, 2026.
● The application will be reviewed by the professors Stefanos Alexopoulos (CUA), Hans Georg Gradl (Trier), and Marco Benini (Trier). We will reply to all applicants by November 15, 2026 and invite the chosen students to a Zoom-meeting (TBA) to provide further information on practical steps.
For any questions please contact: benini@cua.edu
More details!
Costs: $2,490
● Program fee includes tuition, housing (single room with private bathroom) in the seminary in the city center next to the Liturgical Institute. Included also are the study trips, wine tasting, daily breakfast, six days with full board, bus to Maria Laach.
● Some financial assistance may be possible; please contact Prof. Benini to inquire.
Course description:
“Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy” (3 credits)
Professors: Dr. Marco Benini (liturgy, Trier; taught 7 semesters at CUA), with some classes by Dr. Stefanos Alexopoulos (liturgy, CUA), Dr. Michael Witczak (liturgy, CUA), Dr. Hans-Georg Gradl (NT, Trier), and Dr. Carolin Neuber (OT, Trier), Dr. Jean Ehret (systematics, Trier), Rabbi Dr. Jehoschua Ahrens (Jewish liturgy, Trier).
“Sacred Scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy.” (SC 24). The Bible shapes the liturgy like no other book: OT and NT readings are intertextually combined. Psalms are often specifically chosen. Prayers and hymns are biblically permeated. Liturgical actions and symbols (e.g., the washing of feet on Holy Thursday, baptismal rites, etc.) are inspired by sacred
Scripture. At the same time, the liturgy interprets sacred Scripture and makes the Bible, a written echo of the revelation, to the living Word of God, whom we encounter in the liturgy. The reception of Scripture (e.g., according to the literary reception theory) is part of the active participation in the liturgy.
The course explores the rich relationships between Bible and liturgy. The first part examines liturgical elements within the OT and NT. The second part discusses the various ways in which liturgy uses Scripture (cf. SC 24). The course finally pays attention to systematic-theological dimensions of the liturgical hermeneutics of Scripture. The whole course promotes an interdisciplinary dialogue of liturgical and biblical studies and considers pastoral implications in
the current challenges and opportunities for the Church.
Assigned readings for each class are in English (additional ones in German and other languages are optional).
In the place of the final exam students will submit a research paper on a topic related to the course. An official transcript in German and English will be provided. That will facilitate the transfer of credits.
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