/library/oar/handle/123456789/107532 2025-11-15T10:04:55Z 2025-11-15T10:04:55Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/118653 2024-05-21T14:44:11Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The evolving identity and mission of the parish and the parish priest : a critical analysis Abstract: This dissertation explores the present-day understanding of the parish and the parish priest in canonical legislation and canonical literature with some theological insights. It provides a holistic understanding of the multifaceted responsibilities of the parish priests while addressing the challenges and opportunities that shape their ministry today. This study also explores their roles, missions, rights, and duties in the context of the contemporary ecclesiastical landscape. The dissertation unfolds through three chapters, each contributing to a nuanced portrayal of the parish priest’s identity and mission. It begins with an exploration of the historical and canonical foundations of the parish and its role within the Church. The subsequent chapters delve into the parish priest’s identity, focusing on the multifaceted aspects of their ministry, which encompass spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and administrative tasks. The research emphasises the evolving role of parish priests, who must navigate a complex web of sociocultural developments while remaining true to their pastoral calling. Additionally, it delves into the challenges that arise when administrative demands encroach on the spiritual and pastoral aspects of their work, proposing the need for a balance that aligns with the evolving signs of the times. It also highlights the enduring importance of the parish in the Church’s mission, drawing on teachings from successive popes to emphasise its role in shaping the lives of individuals and families. Description: M.Th.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/118642 2024-02-19T10:31:48Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The concept of ‘menein’ in the Gospel of John : a source of inspiration for Salesian Youth Ministry Abstract: The concept of menein in the Gospel of John runs throughout this gospel like a golden thread, and though it presents us with various possible interpretations, it culminates in the love that exists between the Son and the Father, which in turn is shared with the disciples in a relationship of friendship. This friendship has inspired many Christian authors and saints, amongst them St Francis de Sales. This saint made use of the Johannine menein concept to present a spirituality based on the loving union of hearts. St John Bosco, commonly known with the familiar name of “Don Bosco,” was intrigued and inspired by this spirituality. It led him to start a Religious Congregation that bears the name of St Francis de Sales, the “Salesian” Congregation. His Preventive System, which serves as basis for all Salesian youth ministry, is rooted in this spirituality. This study looks at how St John Bosco’s friendship with and abiding in God matured in such a way that he was led to propose this same friendship with God to the young persons he encountered, so that they too could abide in God, in time and in eternity. He achieved this through a pastoral method to which today we refer to as ‘Salesian youth ministry.’ It is a pastoral proposal, a journey that enfolds and embraces various dimensions that can find a central point: menein – inhabiting a safe place, a place that favours growth and maturity. It is characterised by four dimensions: 1) education to faith, 2) educational and cultural formation, 3) the communal and social experience, which together ultimately lead to 4) discover God’s call from within the intimate experience of “abiding” with God. John’s concept of menein offers a privileged standpoint to contemplate the charism of St John Bosco. From this contemplative stance one can enter into the depth of the Salesian charism which is entrusted to us today for the benefit of so many young people who are asking the same question that the first disciples in John’s Gospel put to Jesus: “Where do you abide?” The answer to this question expects educators and witnesses to help the young generation and accompany them on this journey of discovery. Description: M.Th.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/118598 2024-02-15T07:06:28Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Paschal mystery in the life and writings of St Thérèse of Lisieux Abstract: The life of St Thérèse of Lisieux sheds insights on the mission of Christ in his life on earth, especially on his self-giving and his self-emptying. Her experience of Jesus, as expressed in her Little Way, serves as a guide of the evangelical ideal, re-expressed for the modern world. This ideal is none other than love that has no limits, the love of God, a love that God freely bestows on all humankind, shining forth through Jesus, who loved us until the end. Thérèse shows us that our lives must be united with that of Christ, in abandonment and trust, so as to run with him towards a love that is infinitely extreme, the merciful love of God. This journey is the willingness to love till the total giving of oneself, and thus to participate in the redemptive love of Christ. Thérèse can guide modern man towards this Love, not only for the sake of our own salvation, but also for the salvation of others. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/118596 2024-02-15T07:04:39Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Witness through suffering : an inspiration from the early church for contemporary Christians Abstract: In the early Church era, when suffering was inflicted by the State, faithful Christians chose to follow Christ’s footsteps and endured torture, exile, and martyrdom for their own good and for the rest of the community. Likewise, nowadays people who experience some kind of distress caused by illness can turn such a painful experience into a fruitful one when they turn to God and entrust him with their suffering. Present-day experiences of many Christians are a testimony of this. This dissertation will seek to demonstrate that if suffering is accepted and is used in function of one’s journey of inner growth, it can enhance one’s courage, faith, and hope, empowering the person to become a living witness in times of trial. Models from the early Church and the contemporary era will be analysed to highlight their concrete witness experience of courage, faith, and hope during their suffering. The relation between the two kinds of models is that ultimately the body that is torn apart in persecution and martyrdom as well as the body that is torn apart by sickness will be glorified in eternity. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z