https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117789 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:47:44 GMT 2026-04-20T06:47:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133087 Title: Maurice Eminyan’s theology of conversation Abstract: This dissertation investigates the profound impact of Maurice Eminyan on the local Catholic Church and broader society. Central to Eminyan's identity is his commitment to open and respectful dialogue, shaping his theology into a conversation between friends. As a pioneer in communication, he utilized various channels to convey Church teachings practically, authoring 26 books and contributing extensively to theological discourse. Eminyan's innovative and down-to-earth approach, guided by a vision rooted in Vatican Council II, continues to be recognized as unique and invigorating. The dissertation is structured into three parts. After introducing Eminyan as a Jesuit theologian, it delves into his theological vision of meaningful dialogue. Examining God as the initiator of salvation-focused dialogue, the dissertation then explores Eminyan's perspective on the ongoing conversation between the Church and the world. Finally, it provides a focused analysis of the power of the Word in Eminyan's Sunday reflections. Conclusively, the dissertation argues for the necessity of honest dialogue in embodying true Christian values in today's world, echoing Eminyan's emphasis in his writings and pastoral endeavours. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/133087 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128926 Title: Pastoral reception of Amoris Laetitia in Africa Abstract: The notion of pastoral reception of Amoris Laetitia (AL) regarding those in irregular unions in the light of marriage and family life in the Roman Catholic Church is a phenomenon that requires clear pastoral catechesis. Meanwhile, the underlying pastoral emphasis that has governed the whole life of the church is the salvation of souls. To live up to this role, there is a need to apply pastoral discernment, integration, and accompaniment to certain pastoral issues regarding marriage. The question of how the church, especially in Africa, is responding to these demands becomes a subject to be researched. Is the church in Africa pastoral in nature? To what extent has the pastoral nature of the church in Africa accommodated the lives of its faithful? What is the view of the church in Africa regarding the pastoral recommendations in AL? Would the local church in Africa allow reception of communion to the civilly divorced and remarried based on AL’s pastoral recommendations? What about its peculiar pastoral challenges besides communion to the civilly divorced and remarried? What concrete pastoral plan would the church propose for families torn apart due to childlessness, polygamy, posthumous marriage, cohabitation? Would the church in Africa allow reception of communion to couple in this irregular unions? These are the research questions that will be explored deeply in this academic work. Being a very diverse continent with differences in culture and circumstances, the African local churches have no generally accepted pastoral plans and proposals regarding the reception of AL, rather according to each individual episcopal conference or diocese. The research, therefore, will present proposals, plans, and recommendations from the different local churches both in Africa and in the West. The dissertation will be extensively bibliographic. The identified themes will be evaluated using tools such as articles published in journals, books, and online materials. Description: S.Th.L.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128926 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128802 Title: The promotion of children’s rights in the Catholic Diocese of Gweru in Zimbabwe Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive examination of children’s rights within the Catholic Diocese of Gweru, set against the broader contexts of global and African children’s rights frameworks. Chapter 1 explores the historical evolution and significance of children’s rights, emphasizing the critical role of international treaties like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC, 1990). It highlights the persistent challenges such as poverty, child labor, and gender inequality, and underscores the importance of context-sensitive approaches to these issues within Africa. The chapter also details the contributions of Zimbabwean organizations in promoting children’s rights through advocacy, legal assistance, and service provision. Chapter 2 and 3 focus on the Catholic Church’s role in promoting children’s rights in the world and Gweru Diocese at large. It examines the philosophical and theological foundations supporting children’s rights within Catholicism and evaluates the contemporary implementation of these rights. In chapter 4, the study finds that the Diocese of Gweru has implemented various programs to promote fundamental children’s rights, including the right to education, the right to provision, the right to protection and the right to participation. However, it also identifies significant challenges, such as instances of abuse within the Catholic Diocese of Gweru institutions, necessitating stronger policies and safeguarding measures to be put in place. The study proposes several areas for future research to further enhance the promotion and protection of children’s rights in Zimbabwe. These include examining the impact of poverty on children’s rights, comparing educational access in rural and urban areas, evaluating the role of NGOs, and investigating the effectiveness of Zimbabwe’s legal framework for children’s rights. Other suggested areas of study include the experiences of children with disabilities, the impact of HIV/AIDS, the influence of traditional practices, and the mental health of children in Zimbabwe. By addressing these areas, future research can contribute to a deeper understanding and more effective advocacy for children’s rights in Zimbabwe. This study underscores the ongoing struggle and collective efforts required to ensure the well-being and rights of children, highlighting the need for holistic approaches, community engagement, and international cooperation. Description: S.Th.L.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128802 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128692 Title: The impact of Catholic values on schools' decision making : perspectives of the leadership teams of two Maltese Catholic faith schools Abstract: In a society where contemporary culture is having a toll on Catholic values, church schools in Malta play a fundamental role in being a community of good Catholic practise. Due to the evident drop in vocations, the majority of Maltese church schools are run by lay people: boards of governors, directors, heads, senior leadership teams, teachers and staff. This state of affairs could jeopardise the role of Catholic faith schools in evangelising through the word of God. Thus the purpose of this mixed-method research study is to explore the influence of Catholic values on Senior Leadership Teams’ decision-making in two Maltese Catholic faith schools. This study seeks to provide valuable insight into how Catholic values influence decision-making in the daily life of church schools bringing to the fore view understandings and perceptions of various lay stakeholders. Significant similarities in how both colleges embody Catholic values within their communities and decision-making processes transpire. Four key themes emerge, reflecting the crucial role of local Catholic faith colleges in the Church’s mission of evangelization and the need to preserve and nurture this mission. This mission is evidenced through the enactment of Gospel values as a way of life, with an emphasis on holistic education that encompasses both academic and spiritual development. Addressing the main research question and its sub-questions, the study highlights the comprehensive and interconnected efforts of educators and leaders in these schools to foster communities that uphold Catholic principles. The study underscores the importance of maintaining a strong Catholic identity in all aspects of school life, particularly in curricular decision-making. Despite the challenges posed by contemporary culture, these educators and leaders adapt to modern times while striving to keep their school legacy relevant, thereby reinforcing the vital role of Catholic values in the educational landscape of Malta's church schools. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128692 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z