VATICAN CITY, OCT. 12, 2008 (Zenit.org).- A cardinal from the U.S. "Bible Belt" is suggesting a compendium on sacred Scripture that would highlight the methods of the Church for reading and praying the word of God.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston, made this suggestion when he addressed the world Synod of Bishops on Saturday. The synod is underway in Rome through Oct. 26.

According to a summary of his address released by the Vatican, the cardinal recommended "a compendium, similar to other such documents, that would be directed to the faithful. It would be a clear and direct guide that would highlight the rich and useful methods of the Church for reading and sharing sacred Scriptures. Such a compendium would be an immeasurable help for personal Bible reading, for Bible study groups, etc."

The prelate said that such a volume, "totally ecclesial and Catholic" would also be an aid for Catholics who participate in ecumenical Bible studies with members of other Christian congregations.

"It would help retrieve a vivid and excellent sense of the Catholic understanding of the Holy Spirit's inspiration in sacred Scriptures," he affirmed. "The eternal Word emptied himself for our salvation. In an analogous way the Holy Spirit has also given and 'humbled' himself in the inspiration of the holy Scriptures. With great courtesy he has adapted the divine 'language' with thought toward our human nature."

The cardinal said he spoke on behalf of Catholics from the "famous Bible Belt of the Southern United States."

"It is a genuine location, but it is also a frame of mind, diffused through many places in the world," Cardinal DiNardo explained. "There are surely issues and problems with this mindset, but it has kept alive a biblical imagination and vocabulary and a sense of divine agency in the world that is important for us."