The North American Academy of Liturgy maintains this page for opportunities external to NAAL which may be of interest to our members.
Opportunity: Summer School in Trier, Germany “Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy”
Dates: May 17 – June 11, 2027
Opportunity for: Graduate students
Apply by: October 30, 2026
Overview:
● 3-credit course “Understanding the Bible from the Liturgy” in Trier (in English; see the
course description below)
● Visit to the Archive and Library of the German Liturgical Institute: A glimpse behind the
liturgical reform after Vatican II (in reference to the course).
● Use research opportunities at the theological libraries in Trier, esp. at the Library of the
German Liturgical Institute. It is one of the best international libraries for liturgical
studies in the world (including sacred art and music; in various languages; 90,000 titles
and 230 journals).
● Discover various liturgical manuscripts from Trier (there will be a practical introduction
to working with them).
● Meet German students.
● In addition, attend optional classes on the Liturgy of the Hours (“Praying the Bible”) and
Old Testament and New Testament classes in German
● Trier is a World Heritage Site with Roman architecture (the emperor Constantine lived in
Trier; early Christian excavations), medieval city center, wonderful churches, and modern
atmosphere (Click here for a video about Trier).
● Enjoy study trips to Cologne, Maria Laach (center of the Liturgical Movement in
Germany), Mainz (Gutenberg Bible), and get in touch with German culture and language.
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.
● Other meals can easily be found in the city or at the university (with a student discount).
● Travel expenses incurred for the excursions and public transportation cannot be covered,
since tickets must be obtained individually. The “Germany-ticket” provides regional and
local public transport for ca. €69 (approx. $80) per month. You receive assistance to book
the ticket (see more: https://www.bahn.com/en/offers/regional/deutschlandticket).
● If you have difficulties to afford the costs of the program and can prove it, you might
email Prof. Benini to explore some financial support.
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.
Some feedback from the evaluation of the participants:
• “I think the course mixed with the trips and research classes was wonderful. All of it was very
enriching for me and my growth. All of them combined in a logical fashion I can already tell have
helped my grow intellectually and spiritually in a way I hadn’t expected.”
• “This was a remarkable time for me. It has been very well organized and you have been amazingly
patient with all of us. This has helped me in my vocation a great deal. Thank you so much for all of
the work you put into having us here and I hope to see you guys again in the future.”
• “The overall program was truly excellent! I learned a lot, being both challenged and supported. The
events were also wonderful. Thank you so much!”
• “I highly enjoyed my time here. Overall, I would highly recommend the summer! Thank you for
your time and effort and interest in me as a theologian and a person! If nothing else, the
connections/networking students have with other students from various universities is a reason to
come.”
• See video feedback of participants 2022
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