WEB EXCLUSIVE On the last day of regular classes before next week’s final exams, sophomores in Bryan Lorentz’s theology class work on their “Lectio Divina” project. 

The term “Lectio Divina” means “divine reading” in Latin and is the term for the monastic practice of guided meditation in the Catholic faith. This type of meditation has four stages: read, reflect, respond and rest, according to Lorentz. 

“I’m using the story of the Good Samaritan in my Lectio Divina,” sophomore Madison Wong said. “I learned the importance of helping others and not judging people based on how they appear.”

For the final, students will record a five minute Lectio Divina podcast which will include a reading from a scripture of their choice and a response in which the students will create. 

“This project allowed me to reflect on how the Bible affects my daily life,” sophomore Madeleine Richardson said. “My passage taught me the importance of being thankful for everything I have.”

Lorentz decided to assign the project because he wanted his students to practice exegesis. Lorentz says he also wanted to make the ancient text relevant to the student’s lives. 

“I always want to design projects for my students in which they can simultaneously learn the material that we are working on in class and elevate their understanding of themselves and the world,” Lorentz said. “Students can connect to the scripture and interpret it to the needs of our society.”

 On the day of the final, the students will share their projects in a potluck-style celebration marking the completion of the course. 

“I really like that this final project isn’t too much pressure,” Wong said. “We’re all super busy so it’s a great alternative to an essay or a test that we can still learn a lot from.”