/library/oar/handle/123456789/26426 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:57:21 GMT 2026-01-08T23:57:21Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/132737 Title: Justice in the practice of medicine Abstract: It is contended in this dissertation that justice in the practice of medicine is a sequence of moral arguments that strive to improve the reasoning and activities with which the practice of medicine fulfils its primary aims. Through such a process, the medical profession seeks to define its scope of practice, whereas patients endeavour to gain the benefits of medical knowledge. This work seeks to establish principles that assist in exercising justice in the practice of medicine using the Maltese legal framework. In doing so, laws, circulars, and traditions of professional practices are interpreted in terms of moral reasoning. The role of the national professional body that determines the professional and ethical obligations of medical practitioners in Malta (the Medical Council) is used to exemplify how authority and power to deliver justice are granted by society through legislation. This work is important because it presents a novel perspective on arguments concerning the exercise of justice in medicine according to its practice using Maltese regulatory frameworks. It provides an opportunity to link principles and seek insights into the ethos and ontology of professions in general. By demonstrating principles that unite morality, tradition, virtue, and deontology through a framework of justice, the author concludes that medical practice can be carried out in a rational manner that allows medical practitioners to achieve their intended goals: the well-being and flourishing of patients. Such a framework involves charity and solidarity that provide a driving force for medical practitioners to practice medicine. A moral community of medical practitioners would unite behind such principles and decide on the respective goals they wish to pursue. Standards and practices for the profession are not static but a tradition that is rebranded according to the cultural and scientific advancements it adopts. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/132737 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/121656 Title: The identity and role of priests as spiritual fathers in contemporary western society Abstract: Nowhere do we find writings or sayings which imply that spiritual direction is a responsibility reserved only for priests. Being ordained does not automatically grant one the right to guide others. However, priests are often invited to serve as spiritual directors, expressing their identity as spiritual fathers through personal accompaniment. This dissertation delves into the concept of spiritual fatherhood within the priesthood, particularly in the context of spiritual direction. It examines the tradition of spiritual fatherhood and its relevance in today’s family and societal settings. The study aims to understand how contemporary experiences of fatherhood can influence the way Catholic priests approach spiritual companionship. This research acknowledges the ongoing debate around the notion of fatherhood, with terms like “fatherhood crisis” and “the inconsistency, fragility and evaporation of fatherhood” becoming increasingly prevalent. In what Pope Francis describes as an orphaned society, the author questions how fatherhood is perceived and what truly constitutes a father. The dissertation also examines the parallels between biological and spiritual fatherhood. Just as being a man does not automatically confer the gift of fatherhood, priests too must develop their paternal identity within their vocation. The author argues that priests, like biological fathers, have the choice to embrace or evade their responsibilities of fatherhood. By revisiting the analogy of spiritual fatherhood in the light of today’s cultural context, the study seeks to ascertain its applicability within the broad mission of priesthood. The ultimate goal is to inform and enhance the practice of spiritual direction, thereby fostering a deeper sense of spiritual companionship among priests. Description: M.A. Spirit. Comp.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/121656 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/121369 Title: Formative relationships in the thought and spirituality of Chiara Lubich Abstract: This study proposes Chiara Lubich’s thought and spirituality as a model to enhance relationships that form the person holistically in the spiritual, as well as the human dimension. The human person, created as ‘imago dei’ is destined to partake of the dynamic relationship of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The study traces how a deepening relationship with God who is Love, by living the Word, as the Holy Spirit suggests, is bound to love of neighbour and leads to relationships with others on the model of the Trinity – the perfect model of communion. Through a bibliographical (literature review) approach, the study traces the formation of Chiara Lubich’s spirituality together with other individuals, making it a spirituality of communion which by its nature, is relational. Lubich’s intuitions as to how to relate to others and be formed – fruit of a lived experience – are expounded in the work. The call to “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21), the hallmark of the Work of Mary or Focolare Movement is pivotal and can be a valid contribution to the contemporary Church in its journey, marked by synodality. The work studies how one can be formed to an openness to the other, by giving space to the other, to be able to freely make yourself one with the other, despite diversity, to the point of a reciprocal indwelling in the dynamic of love itself. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/121369 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/118598 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.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/118598 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z