https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/332 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:54:22 GMT 2026-06-21T21:54:22Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147563 Title: Discernment and decision-making in a synodal Church Authors: Conway, Michael A. Abstract: By now it is clear that synodality as an ecclesial reality can no longer be considered a once off event that is limited in time, confined to a particular place, and reserved to a distinct group. It is much more about a process (a journey) and a healthier way of being Church, a new style of communal life and action. You could say that it is a fundamental paradigm shift in ecclesial life that was set in motion at the Second Vatican Council and that is now being substantially renewed in the pontificate of Pope Francis. It is a way of understanding relationships within the Church that respects each person’s fundamental dignity, difference, and voice, while maintaining the structuring dimensions of a hierarchically ordered communion. It is equally a new way of understanding communication within the ecclesial body that is built on adult, open exchange in place of one-way communication. Synodality is marked by participation and dialogue in the structures of governance at all levels, even when final responsibility rests with designated office holders in the Church. Such a vision aims to empower everyone in the living conversation that is Church, where there ought to be a high degree of differentiated mutuality in decision-making. [extract] Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147563 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147562 Title: Synodality and integral ecology : a survey of key passages in the official documents Authors: Becquart, Nathalie Abstract: Synodality and integral ecology are two key themes of Pope Francis’s pontificate. It is, therefore, no coincidence that there has been a deep connection and intertwining between these two concepts, or practices, in the last 10 years in the Church. The special Synod for the Pan-Amazonian region is an eloquent, concrete, and profound example of this essential complementarity between ecological conversion and synodality, which was reflected in the lived experience during the days of the synod, as well as in its valuable text Querida Amazonia (QA). [extract] Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147562 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147546 Title: Kenotic and trusting love according to Thérèse of the child Jesus of the holy face Abstract: During a period of six years from 2021 to 2027, the Discalced Carmelite Order and the Shrine of Lisieux in particular, as well as the Church in general, will celebrate • in 2023: the 150th anniversary of the birth of Thérèse of the Child Jesus; • in 2025: the first centenary of her canonisation; • in 2027: the 130th anniversary of her death, and the 30th anniversary of her proclamation as Doctor of the Church. All of the recognised Doctors of the Church, thirty-six in total, have provided the Church with sound doctrine on particular areas of the Church's living faith. Pope John Paul II officially recognised Thérèse of Lisieux as a teacher of the 'Science of Love' in the Church. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147546 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147514 Title: Omm Ġesù fl-Evanġelju skont San Ġwann Abstract: L-ewwel personaġġ femminili li jissemma fl- Evanġelju skont San Ġwann hija omm Ġesù li kienet mistiedna għall-festa ta’ tieġ li sar f’Kana. Kienet hi li dakinhar indunat li kien spiċċa l-inbid u marret tinforma b’dan lil Ġesù. Fl-aħħar tal-Evanġelju, imbagħad, nerġgħu niltaqgħu ma’ omm Ġesù, din id-darba taħt is-salib ta’ binha. Dawn iż-żewġ narrattivi jiffurmaw bħal kwadru madwar il-missjoni ta’ Ġesù. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147514 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z