https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92364 2026-07-12T04:31:39Z 2026-07-12T04:31:39Z Sultana, Carl-Mario https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147841 2026-07-07T07:45:17Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Faith at every crossroad : restoring the balance between fides qua and fides quae in our contemporary times Authors: Sultana, Carl-Mario Abstract: This paper addresses the contemporary challenge of religious disaffiliation and the “supermarket mentality” of liquid religion by proposing a prophetic paradigm shift in evangelisation and catechesis. Utilising Richard Osmer’s practical theological framework as a structure, the study identifies a historical shift from the lived apostolic kerygma (fides qua) toward an over-reliance on formal conciliar definitions and Magisterial formulae (fides quae). This diachronic analysis suggests that the current “apparent failure” of institutional engagement is rooted in a linguistic and methodological disconnect. Drawing on the visionary models of St Augustine and St Benedict, and grounded in Karl Rahner’s transcendental theology, the paper proposes a normative way forward: an inductive pedagogy of the heart. This model prioritises the art of accompaniment and the return to elementary, foundational concepts that address the experiential core of the human person. Ultimately, the study argues that restoring the balance between the lived tradition and the contents of the faith is a theological requirement for helping contemporary believers to live their faith in daily life.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z 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 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