https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15375 2026-05-22T12:42:49Z 2026-05-22T12:42:49Z Knieps-Port le Roi, Thomas Schembri, Kevin De Tavernier, Johan https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146461 2026-05-14T11:56:57Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The theology of marriage after Vatican II : theological and canonical perspectives Authors: Knieps-Port le Roi, Thomas; Schembri, Kevin; De Tavernier, Johan Abstract: What does it mean to speak of marriage today in a Church still coming to terms with the vision of the Second Vatican Council? Grounded in a person-centred, pastoral approach, this study offers a re-examination of the theology of marriage, bringing together theological insight and canonical analysis while understanding marriage as a dynamic, life-giving communion of love. At its heart lies the vision of Vatican II, still compelling and unfinished, yet continuing to shape the Church’s self-understanding. Attentive to the lived realities of couples and families, the authors engage with current Church teachings and norms, highlighting areas where development and greater pastoral sensitivity are needed.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Buttigieg, Dorianne https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145779 2026-04-21T09:58:27Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Lima document : four decades on : a re-reception of baptism, eucharist and ministry and the liturgical implications Authors: Buttigieg, Dorianne Abstract: The final seal of unity between the different churches and traditions is the full participation around the table of the Lord. In the end, for all the very successful bilateral dialogues, the main contentious aspect is this: full unity around the table. To this end, this paper explores an important document, Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, also called the Lima document. It was hailed as a very important document which underscored a number of understandings of the centripetal roles of baptism, eucharist and ministry. Looking back at the document and the liturgical ramifications, the supreme example being the Lima liturgy, can be of great help in establishing a trajectory towards an authentic worship between the different Christians of good faith.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145439 2026-04-09T09:50:08Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of the Catholic school ethos on students : a case study Abstract: This research examines how a Catholic secondary school communicates and sustains its ethos through the lived experiences of its students. Focusing on St Michael School, administered by the Society of Christian Doctrine, the study examines how its Catholic identity—shaped by the SDC virtues, particularly humility and meekness—is lived and transmitted to students within the school community. A mixed-methods case study design was employed to provide both quantitative breadth and qualitative depth. Data were collected through a comprehensive student questionnaire administered to the entire school population, a semi-structured interview with a member of the school leadership team, and a post-survey student focus group. Statistical analysis of survey data complemented a thematic analysis of interview and focus group responses, identifying key patterns and recurring themes. Findings indicate that St Michael School’s Catholic ethos is communicated through both explicit and implicit dimensions—ritual practice, curriculum, relationships, and leadership witness. Students reported a clear awareness of the school’s Catholic identity, valuing opportunities for religious participation and identifying core Gospel values such as humility, respect, and care as central to their experience. The results also highlight that ethos is most effectively transmitted through teachers’ relational presence, personal example, and pastoral attentiveness. Leadership accessibility and continuous staff formation emerged as essential in ensuring coherence and authenticity between belief and practice. The study concludes that St Michael School exemplifies the Church’s vision of integral human formation, where faith, reason, and culture are harmoniously united. It recommends that sustained investment in educator formation, relational leadership, and ongoing reflection on the SDC charism remain central to nurturing a living and credible Catholic identity in a changing educational context. Description: M.A.(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Knieps-Port le Roi, Thomas Schembri, Kevin https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144647 2026-03-05T10:59:00Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Implementing chapter 8 of Amoris laetitia throughout the world : a critical reading of episcopal pastoral guidelines Authors: Knieps-Port le Roi, Thomas; Schembri, Kevin Abstract: The authors critically analyze the numerous pastoral guidelines issued by several bishops’ conferences and individual bishops as a response to the publication of Pope Francis’s exhortation AL in 2016. While all bishops value AL as a significant and perceptive contribution to their local communities, they differ in the interpretation of the exhortation. The article focuses on their main areas of disagreement: first, from a methodological point of view, the role and function of pastoral care in church teachings for which AL has required a fundamental reorientation, where some bishops insist on placing doctrine systematically and structurally above the pastoral approach; second, from a moral theological perspective, the way in which some bishops override the weight of mitigating factors in the course of pastoral discernment by subordinating the conscience of the individual to the objectivity of moral law, contrary to the call of AL; third, with regard to sexual morality, the emphasis which certain bishops put on complete sexual abstinence, in contrast to the statement of AL that irregular situations can be accompanied in other ways. The article concludes by addressing the question of whether the bishops’ guidelines will lead to a positive reception in the local communities and to what extent the pastoral directives will help the church promote a better understanding of the faith.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z