https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/112995 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:50:05 GMT 2026-04-09T22:50:05Z https://www.um.edu.mt:443/library/oar/retrieve/6276f6a2-1209-407b-8e77-4b192f380c01/Front Page Resilience cover.jpg https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/112995 https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113836 Title: Resilience in a troubled world : proceedings of the Malta International Theological Conference, vol. III Authors: Berry, John Anthony Abstract: Resilience goes beyond mere resistance or endurance; it acts as a driving force for change by utilizing discernment and transformation. It encompasses a wide range of meanings in various fields, including biology, engineering, business, and sports. However, it is precisely this multi-dimensional quality that highlights the importance of a word that can be a valuable asset for society, the Church, and theology as a whole. This volume features the proceedings of a conference that sought to examine the term “resilience” while proposing a fresh interpretation in reference to three towering theological figures: Romano Guardini (1885–1968), Karl Barth (1886–1968), and Thomas Merton (1915–1968) on the fiftieth anniversary of their passing. The conference endeavoured to examine the importance of integrating resilience into theological discourse and reasoning. The presence of resilience is crucial for individuals from different backgrounds to confront their fears and overcome challenges, ultimately finding meaning in their lives. It is an essential component for both everyday existence and spiritual well-being. Ultimately, resilience is not just an abstract concept; rather, it is a tangible expression of Christian faith that involves reconciling with oneself and surpassing limitations to embrace growth. The purpose of these proceedings is to offer a glimmer of hope to our challenging world, illustrating that each person can live in the present moment, constantly surprised and grateful. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113836 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113641 Title: The awakening Church. Resilience and the people of God in Guardini Authors: Zammit, Mark Joseph Abstract: The 50th anniversary of the death of the German theologian and philosopher Romano Guardini is a milestone to rethink the resilient Church. One may think of resilience as an attribute pertaining only to the Church institution in times of difficulties and challenges, however, resilience is not only the institution’s reply to difficult moments in history, but also the responsibility of every person to acquire. Theologian Avery Dulles discusses resilience and mentions that “Catholics tend to wait passively for some directive to come down from on high, and when it does they are all too likely to receive it without enthusiasm.”1 Resilience involves reform within the whole community, which integrally proposes new methods to inspire the present without destroying tradition. Hence, resilience implies knowing well what constitutes one’s own being and identity, in order to present it anew and implement change according to necessity. Guardini’s manner of resilience, when confronted with his changing society, was one which kept loyal to eternal truths, while proposing a Church which adapts to the needs of the community. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113641 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113639 Title: The nature of religiosity in our time. Being resilient through the courage of interfaith encounter Authors: Bongiovanni, Ambrogio Abstract: The aim of this essay is to examine a trait of being religious today as the interreligious encounter, within the complexity of our time. I will try to develop my thoughts around two questions that I have posed myself in view of this conference that are associated with my preoccupation as teacher and believer in the perspective of looking at interreligious dialogue and more specifically at interfaith encounter as a new way of being religious in relation to the ‘other’ and as a new form of testimony of faith, lived in relation to diversity: (a) How the nature of religiosity and the way of being religious have changed in a secular age? (b) What does Christian Revelation teach us today, in terms of resilience, in the way of being believers when at the same time religious and cultural pluralism, secularism and fundamentalisms are phenomena extremely active at global level? Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113639 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113638 Title: Romano Guardini, virtue ethics and resilience Authors: Mróz, Mirosław Abstract: This article is divided into two parts. The first refers to the second part of the title: “An Ethics of the ‘Living Concrete’” and my intention is to point out a “new method” used by Romano Guardini in his works. I will also try to provide an answer to the question whether a Christian can help the contemporary postmodern world which is having trouble with the human destiny. The second part of the article focuses on the first sentence of the title: “Romano Guardini on virtues.” Apart from discussing the content of Guardini’s aretology and presenting his catalogue of virtues I intend to take one step further and demonstrate the next fragment of his “new method” which refers to the “theory of opposites” applied to virtues. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113638 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z