https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26663 2026-04-27T14:36:44Z 2026-04-27T14:36:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26674 2018-06-27T07:53:15Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Salesian spiritual companionship with young people today inspired by the praxis and thought of St John Bosco Abstract: With the young, Don Bosco sought to offer a very holistic accompaniment while promoting meaningful life options. He creatively responded to the needs of young people of his time and accompanied them in their discovery and embracing of a valid response to their human and Christian call. Don Bosco’s method of spiritual companionship did not end with his death. Through his Salesian congregation, he was able to radiate a charism built on genuine family relationships adapted to forms of expression which developed in different historical moments and within various cultures around the world. The scope of this research is to offer insight on Don Bosco’s understanding and experience of “spiritual companionship.” This study will initially contextualize Don Bosco’s style and praxis within that of church history. It will then delve into how Don Bosco himself experienced and benefitted from spiritual direction and how he developed his own spiritual direction praxis. Through an analysis of numerous primary sources and various studies by Salesian scholars, this dissertation attempts to offer an in-depth analysis of Don Bosco’s style of accompaniment and will identify the original contribution Don Bosco offers within the realm of spiritual direction. Such analysis will serve as a solid foundation on which to interpret and convey a Salesian spiritual companionship for today. While remaining faithful to Don Bosco’s praxis and thought, this study aims at proposing a practical style of accompaniment that responds particularly to the needs of youth in our contemporary Western context. In my view, the value and vitality of this research depends heavily on its ability to bring about authentic holistic growth. For such growth to occur, renewal (requiring study and adaptation) and continuity are essential. “Renewal” is a task that depends upon the persistent and tireless commitment of individuals and communities to the theory and practice of Salesian spiritual companionship adapting it to the needs and circustances of the time. It is an endeavor that demands faithful creativity and great openness. “Continuity,” on the other hand, can be guaranteed only by a ready return to one’s origins. Through this research I hope to rekindle a fidelity towards Don Bosco’s unique spiritual companionship approach in line with the times. Description: PH.D.THEOLOGY

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26672 2018-06-27T07:56:52Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Discovering Christian identity and memory through the meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:1-42) Abstract: In a climate of secularisation and breakdown of geographical barriers the Christian faith is being challenged in new ways. Ecumenical and interreligious dialogue have improved as the confrontation of faith is no longer only between those of different beliefs but with a society which is questioning its values and roots. Yet the past and history cannot be ignored. The meeting point for all divergent opinions (on faith) remains the human person. Neurotheology provides a neutral space where the relationship between the human person and God can be explored. However, whilst studying the effect on the person in relation to God, this science does not necessarily reflect the identity gained through the relationship – what makes a Christian a Christian? This dissertation will try to discover what characteristics are significant to the Christian identity. The scene near Jacob’s well provides a variety of examples of persons who believe in Jesus Christ. Past and present are reconciled when the Samaritan woman encounters Jesus. A new future is created with the Samaritans who invite Jesus to stay and proclaim him Saviour of the world (Jn 4:42). And Jesus engages his faithful disciples further in their mission. With characteristics of Christian identity discovered through this biblical background, liturgy is proposed as a space where the ‘spirit and truth’ can meet in worship to nourish and maintain the Christian identity whilst reliving the memorial of the history of salvation: Jesus carrying out the will of God the Father and proposing the gift of living water in the Holy Spirit. Description: M.A.SPIRITUALITY

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26670 2018-03-12T08:17:23Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The process of grace in Julian of Norwich’s experience of prayer and contemplation Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to engage Julian of Norwich’s texts as a spiritual text and to explore its meaning in Julian’s intention. Jean-Luc Marion’s phenomenological framework provides for the hermeneutics of Julian’s interpretation and her uncovering God’s revelation of love, as Julian is devoted by the grace to that gift of love, as love reveals itself. Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) and St. John of the Cross provide other lenses. Within Julian’s spiritual texts, the revelation experience is the manifestation of grace. Our human nature and divine grace are united in God’s mercy through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, as God’s remedy for sin. Yet, Julian’s needful nature was prepared for the gift of grace by the grace of prayer. Prayer is the continuous process for her transformation; and the substance of God in her soul is her grace. Grace, although it is full, develops over time in interaction with experience, knowledge, and faith; and this process is concordant with our human nature, freedom, and the gift of reason. But in the mystery of revelation, all knowledge beyond the region of our negative certainty is grace and faith. Julian is spiritually betrothed to God in the Trinity: in which her being fastened to the cross and to the love of God are both one in the same. So then, after 600 years, Julian’s contemporary gift to us reveals God’s meaning of love for her and for all of us, her “even-Cristen”: how to walk in the light of God’s mercy and grace; in the light of faith and in the light of charity; through the darkness of our natural lives. Description: M.A.SPIRITUALITY

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26665 2018-03-26T08:15:07Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Decision-making in the recruitment process : ethical considerations Abstract: This study looks into the decision-making element that is involved in the recruitment process, and aims to define and analyse the ethical concerns that may arise when an organisation is looking to recruit. The first chapter is devoted to different decision making models which focus on various factors that may affect one’s thought process. Subsequently the recruitment process is deconstructed and each step is analysed in order to uncover the ethical dilemmas that HR professional are faced with in the business world today. It will be argued that in order to have an ethical process, then the company itself must have an ethical culture, with ethical employees who have the right knowledge to spot and question the action that is about to be taken. The third chapter will focus on the qualities that make up ethical leaders and the role of an Ethics Officer in an organisation. Ethics Officers may be the key in solving most of the ethical issues that may arise on the workplace. Together with the HR team, the Ethics Officer can help to ensure that an ethical recruitment process is being observed in the organisation. Description: M.A.BUS.ETHICS

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z