New guide to daily prayer helps Spanish-speakers celebrate and strengthen their faith

Spanish-speaking Catholics in the U.S. have a new family-friendly guide to prayer and the daily Lectionary readings thanks to Palabra, Vida y Fe (Word, Life & Faith), published here in July.

Developed by OCP (Oregon Catholic Press), one of the leading publishers of worship resources in the U.S., the book offers scripture readings, reflections, saint profiles and more for every day of the week. OCP will publish two editions each year. The inaugural book, available now, covers January through June 2007.

“It’s a unique and much-needed guide,” said Pedro Rubalcava, director of Hispanic Ministries at OCP. “Catholic bookstores are packed with missals and weekly devotionals in English, but very few such resources exist in Spanish. Of the few available, none covers half the year in one book, or contains extensive catechetical and prayer sections, like Palabra, Vida y Fe.”

The book is an excellent way, Rubalcava explained, for Spanish speakers to experience the ancient, monastic practice of “lectio divina” or prayerful meditation on the church’s daily Bible readings. Ideal for family and personal prayer, the book is also a good resource for small prayer groups, RCIA and catechetical groups.

Palabra, Vida y Fe opens with simple instructions for using the book and commentaries on upcoming liturgical seasons. It then provides, for each weekday, a historical outline or “Santoral,” with information on that day’s saint or feast, a first reading citation, a psalm citation and response, the complete Gospel text, and a reflection.

For each Sunday, the book gives a historical sketch or saint profile, the complete first reading, psalm, second reading and Gospel texts, and a reflection. Beautifully bound, the book features a durable, full-color, softbound cover with sacred art. Icons and other devotional images appear throughout its pages.

The special prayer section contains many beloved, traditional prayers of the church, such as morning, evening and night prayer, the rosary, the way of the cross, and the angelus. The catechetical section, listing the Ten Commandments, the beatitudes and more, is a great way for young people, catechumens and others to learn more about their faith and the church.

Palabra, Vida y Fe includes original reflections on each day’s Gospel reading by Miguel Arias. Well-known as a writer and as the Spanish editor and product manager at Loyola Press, Arias uses each reflection to lead the reader to a deeper understanding of how Jesus’ teachings can be lived out in a busy, modern world.

“It’s a superb new way,” Rubalcava added, “for everyone in the Hispanic Catholic community to nurture their relationship with God, study his word on a daily basis, and participate more fully in the liturgy.” For more information, contact OCP at 800-548-8749 or visit ocp.org.