/library/oar/handle/123456789/142194 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:28:54 GMT 2025-12-23T12:28:54Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/142426 Title: The Second Vatican Council – starting point for a new becoming of a global Church Authors: Eckholt, Margit Abstract: A new phase of the reception of the Second Vatican Council in global Church perspectives The Second Vatican Council opened on 11 October 1962; recently, we commemorated the opening of the Second Vatican Council 60 years ago and, with it, the reform process and going forth of the Roman Catholic Church towards a new understanding of becoming the global Church from the depth of the foundation of the Church, the Gospel of Jesus Christ: in the diversity of local churches and in dialogue with other Christian churches, the world religions and all people of ‘good will’, in the service of the human community and of justice and peace for all creation. [excerpt] Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/142426 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/142421 Title: Responsible freedom Authors: Berry, John Anthony Abstract: When Into the Wild was released in the cinemas, it reignited a profound meditation on the nature of freedom through the real-life journey of Christopher McCandless. Rejecting the trappings of material wealth and societal expectations, McCandless sought an existence untethered from convention, believing that true freedom could be found in radical self-sufficiency and immersion in the wilderness. Yet, his odyssey, marked by fleeting connections and ultimate solitude, reveals a paradox at the heart of human freedom: is it best realized in absolute autonomy, or does it require the bonds of relationship and communion? Can true freedom, then, be fully understood without acknowledging the responsibility that comes with it, an obligation to engage with others and the world around us? Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/142421 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/142420 Title: Forming catechists for a sound moral catechesis Authors: Sultana, Carl-Mario Abstract: The aim of this paper is to situate moral catechesis as a central aspect of the catechist’s ministry that calls for a specific formation. The General Directory for Catechesis (1997) and the Directory for Catechesis (2020) both stipulate that moral life is one of the tasks of catechesis, and that without imparting a moral formation, catechesis would be lacking a very basic component. However, if the catechist seeks to be credible with the interlocutors, s/he must be thoroughly and comprehensively formed for imparting moral formation and moral catechesis in our contemporary world. We are all aware that actions speak louder than words. In this respect, the catechist is not only a teacher, but s/he is also a person who accompanies the interlocutor on a journey towards Christ in the form of an apprenticeship, in which both the catechist and the interlocutor are learners and teachers at the same time. However, the catechist, being a person who the interlocutor looks at for advice and for learning, is in a more central position of being a moral exemplar to the interlocutor. To achieve and live the status of a moral exemplar, the catechist requires special training in the form of both initial and ongoing formation. [excerpt] Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/142420 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/142419 Title: A profile for ministry : vulnerability, recognition, and listening Authors: Keenan, James F. Abstract: As a tribute to Emmanuel Agius, I would like to offer a profile for ministry that includes the newly developed concepts of vulnerability and recognition, as well as the practice of listening. In this essay, I highlight the necessity of listening by considering its importance to one who is suffering. I believe that, as great a teacher and researcher that Agius is, it is in his listening that we see a true exemplar of the moral theologian. [excerpt] Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/142419 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z