Every now and then something pops up online that is a real breakthrough — and a wonderful resource.

This link is one of those: Biblia Clerus, a bible commentary set up by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy.

As Catholic World News puts it:

The Biblia Clerus site links each passage of the Bible– Old and New Testaments– with commentary taken from a rich variety of sources. In an introductory note Cardinal Claudio Hummes, the prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, explains that the site provides “Sacred Scripture, its interpretation in light of Sacred Tradition and the teachings of the Magisterium, with appropriate theological commentary and exegesis.”

The sources of the commentary– many of them provided in full on the site– include the works of the apostolic fathers, saints, Popes, and councils. The site also provides links to the Code of Canon Law (and the Code for the Eastern Church), and to the catechisms of the Council of Trent, St. Pius X, and the 1997 edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Although designed for priests, the Biblia Clerus site is available to the general public. The entire contents of the site can be downloaded.

Check it out. This is one to bookmark.