/library/oar/handle/123456789/15373 2026-05-28T12:42:37Z 2026-05-28T12:42:37Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146072 2026-04-30T10:02:10Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Recognising treasures in the dross : prayer according to Ruth Burrows OCD Abstract: The main focus of this dissertation is to elucidate the nature of prayer as understood by Sr. Ruth Burrows, OCD. Her experiences led her to believe that prayer should be viewed as our primary way of communicating with God. Therefore, we must have the confidence to stand before Him as we truly are—His children—while surrendering to and trusting Him as our Father. We need to embrace our humanness, with its inherent limitations, as a necessary aspect of our fundamental obedience to God. This calls us to follow the perfect example of Jesus Crucified, who fully emptied Himself in order to receive all that God wanted to offer. Burrows asserts that it is precisely our emptiness that creates the capacity to receive God and His love, which she believes is the essence of authentic prayer. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Camilleri, Charló /library/oar/handle/123456789/145793 2026-04-21T13:11:54Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Mdina, Carmelite priory Authors: Camilleri, Charló Abstract: Constructed between 1660 and 1675, the priory and its adjoining church were designed by the French military engineer Mederico Blondel des Croisettes. Notably, the church was the first in Malta to be built with an elliptical plan, marking a significant development in Maltese Baroque architecture. Throughout its history, the priory has played a pivotal role in Mdina's religious landscape. During the French occupation in 1798, the church was stripped of its silver and precious hangings, events that contributed to the Maltese uprising against French rule. Additionally, following the 1693 earthquake that damaged the Mdina Cathedral, the Cathedral Chapter temporarily relocated to the Carmelite Church until the new cathedral was consecrated in 1702. [excerpt]

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/145578 2026-04-14T12:41:09Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A position paper on advance medical directives : ethical safeguards Abstract: This position paper has been prepared by an interdisciplinary group of academics from the University of Malta, bringing together expertise in medicine, ethics, theology, philosophy, law, and jurisprudence, in collaboration with senior clinical staff at Mater Dei Hospital, in response to the proposed Advanced Medical Directives Act (2026). The proposed legislation aims to establish a legal framework governing the drafting, registration, recognition, and implementation of advance medical directives. The authors welcome this initiative as both timely and necessary, particularly in safeguarding patient dignity at the end of life, supporting families faced with difficult decisions, and providing guidance and legal protection to healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, the paper identifies several ethical considerations that must be addressed to ensure that the legislation achieves its intended purpose while protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining sound clinical judgement.; A central concern of the position paper is the need for a prudent interpretation of advance medical directives. While legal clarity is essential, decisions at the end of life cannot be reduced to a purely legalistic application of written instructions. Rather, advance directives must be interpreted within a broader ethical framework that includes prudence, proportionality of treatment, and respect for human dignity. The paper distinguishes between two commonly recognised forms of advance medical directives: the living will and the durable power of attorney for healthcare. It notes that the Bill provides for living wills but omits provisions for healthcare proxies, which are often considered more flexible and effective in ensuring that patient wishes are respected in complex clinical situations.; Particular attention is given to artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH), which the Bill treats as life-sustaining interventions. The paper identifies three broad clinical scenarios. First, temporary ANH in reversible conditions generally falls outside the scope of advance refusals. Second, long-term ANH in chronic illness may shift over time from supportive care to life-prolonging treatment, requiring prudent reassessment in light of evolving circumstances. Third, in the final stages of dying, ANH may become burdensome and ethically permissible to be withdrawn, particularly where its continuation increases discomfort or prolongs suffering. In these cases, the focus of care shifts from sustaining physiological functions to providing comfort, alleviating suffering, and supporting families.; Throughout the paper, emphasis is placed on maintaining the distinction between proportionate and disproportionate treatment, and between allowing natural death and euthanasia. Advance medical directives should guide clinical decision-making, preferably, in the context of advanced care planning. Additionally, the paper stresses the need to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly persons, from coercion or subtle pressure when drafting advance directives.; This paper also acknowledges that, despite the presence of a clear advance directive, the patient’s actual circumstances may not fully align with those anticipated in the directive. For this reason, it proposes the inclusion of a durable power of attorney alongside the advance medical directive.; The paper concludes with several recommendations, including: promoting advance care planning rather than relying solely on written directives; introducing a durable power of attorney for healthcare; establishing clinical ethics consultation services; strengthening palliative care; introducing a conscience clause; reviewing DNR practices; clarifying mental capacity assessment procedures; ensuring safeguards against coercion; providing clinical guidance on ANH; and allowing individuals to express ethical or religious values to guide interpretation of directives.; Ultimately, the paper affirms that advance medical directives can serve as valuable instruments for compassionate and ethically responsible end-of-life care, provided they are embedded within a robust ethical framework that prioritises dignity, prudence, and solidarity.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/145401 2026-04-08T08:00:32Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Electronic tagging and tracking of dementia patients : ethical concerns Abstract: Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which affects millions of individuals worldwide. This disorder presents significant challenges for affected patients, and also for families, caregivers and healthcare systems. Patients suffering from this condition often experience disorientation and wandering behaviour, which could put them at risk of harm, injury, or death. Technological solutions in response to these risks include electronic tracking and tagging devices. These tools have been introduced in various institutions as potential solutions for safeguarding individuals affected by this disorder. Such devices while providing reassurance to caregivers and reduce logistical and safety concerns, they also raise pressing ethical questions regarding autonomy, dignity, privacy, human rights, and the potential for discrimination and stereotyping. This dissertation aims to identify various types of electronic tagging and tracking devices used internationally, and to examine critically the ethical implications of using electronic tagging and tracking devices in dementia care, in the context of Malta. This research aims to balance the evaluation of potential benefits, including enhanced safety, reduced caregiver burden, and practical management of wandering behaviour, against significant concerns, including infringement upon freedom of movement and privacy, threats to personal dignity, and the risk of stereotyping or discrimination. The key guiding questions include: Does tagging and tracking affect human rights, related to freedom of movement, personhood and human safety? What are the benefits and detriments of human electronic tagging and tracking? Would the use of electronic tagging and tracking of dementia sufferers help to increase their safety? With the use of electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia, would primary care givers and legal guardians feel more at ease when caring for these individuals and reassured should any issues arise? Would electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia be discriminatory towards these individuals? Would electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia bring about stereotyping of these individuals? To what extent would the use of human tagging and tracking be a viable solution to combat issues arising from wandering behaviour of the older person living with dementia? This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, relying primarily on secondary data sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, policy reports, legal documents, and case studies. The dissertation is organised into three substantive chapters. The first chapter identifies the types of electronic tagging and tracking devices, their applications and benefits, situating them within both Maltese and international contexts and illustrating real-world consequences of wandering behaviour. The second chapter addresses legal considerations, including informed consent in the context of diminished capacity, confidentiality, and compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The third chapter engages in sustained ethical analysis, critically examining autonomy, dignity, wellbeing, safety, and the risks of stereotyping and discrimination. The conclusion summarises key findings, acknowledges limitations, and identifies gaps for future research. By undertaking this critical and balanced analysis, the dissertation aims to contribute meaningfully to contemporary bioethical discourse on the integration of emerging technologies in healthcare, specifically within dementia care. It seeks to clarify whether electronic tagging and tracking can be justified as both a practical and ethical means of safeguarding vulnerable individuals with dementia, while simultaneously respecting their fundamental human rights. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z