https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85569 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:39:11 GMT 2026-06-02T22:39:11Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95680 Title: A spiritual formation programme for today's young generation : insights from Augustinian pedagogy Abstract: This work aims to offer spiritual and formative insights to today’s young generation, inspired by the Augustinian charism. The characteristics that emerge from the Augustinian spirituality are qualities that are still significant in today’s world. However, their worth needs to be rediscovered and applied to today’s needs. They are characteristics that invite the Christian on a journey of transformation from his old self to the birth of the new self while seeking meaning and discovering true happiness. This study aims to demonstrate that certain practices (such as silence and meditation), which were cherished by our elders, can still offer wisdom for today’s society, and provide recommendations for a better life. Description: M.A. Spirit. Comp.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95680 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85658 Title: The true Christian is a monk and a monk is a true Christian : a reappraisal of Basil of Caesarea’s ideals for an authentic Christian life Abstract: Basil of Caesarea (330-379), a great Father of the Church and an outstanding figure in the history of monasticism has left us invaluable teaching and guidelines for Christian living. This dissertation brings to the fore his ideals for an authentic Christian life as it presents spiritual practices from the monastic tradition to Christian seekers as support for commitment to spiritual growth. Basil’s spirituality is founded on the double commandment of love. As it discusses the two essential aspects of action and contemplation in the Christian life this study shows how the love of neighbour expressed in a life of service is to be inspired by the love of God. Furthermore, this study highlights the character of the Christian disciple as a monk at heart who is distinguished by the constant readiness to put on Christ by keeping his commandments, giving God a pure and undivided heart. Ultimately an authentic Christian life is a response to the Baptismal call. Hence, on a final note this study calls for a rethinking of Basil of Caesarea’s view on the Baptismal call placing it both in theology and in praxis at the centre of the Christian life. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85658 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85606 Title: Christ our perfection : the Christological spirituality of Fr. Avertan Fenech, Carmelite Abstract: The overall purpose of this study examines the Christological spirituality of the Servant of God Fr Avertan Fenech, Carmelite, in his writings and life. The study’s method is an intertextual and hermeneutical analysis of Fr Avertan’s writings, consisting mainly of meditations and conferences for novices placed under his direction and formation, as well as his personal writing; his sources were also evaluated. The aim is to reveal the image of Jesus Christ developed in Fr Avertan’s writings and spiritual writings and spiritual life. By primarily examining his socio-politico-religious background, the thesis relates the great political and economic transition in Malta at the turn of the twentieth century and a renaissance of pastoral and social outreach for the Catholic Church in Malta. Simultaneously, the Carmelite Order emraced the Reform of Touraine in its Constitutions and ways of living. From this integral context to comprehend Fr Avertan’s writing and life, the thesis then recreates a spiritual profile of Fr Avertan as a man of prayer, a novice master and spiritual father, a priest, and the quiet sufferer. Here, he is portrayed as a friar who continuously sought the presence of God and wholly dedicated to the Divine Will. The third section examines his Christological spirituality in his writings, where the figure of Christ is brought out under four titles: Christ the Master, Christ the Healer, Christ the poor and meek Lord, and Christ the Eternal Priest and Victim. From these four images, this study’s final section explores the mirroring of these images in Fr Avertan’s own person, expanding upon the previously discussed spiritual profile and giving it a new perspective. The study, concluding that Fr Avertan Fenech was indeed authentically Carmelite and mystical, also paves the way for further literary and theological studies on the life and spirituality of Fr Avertan Fenech. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85606 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85603 Title: The Carmelite Secular Order as a proper vocation within the Church Abstract: From the inception of Religious Life, the laity always held an important space and role within the respective Religious Family. Aggregation to Religious Orders took various shapes and forms along the ages according to the Charism of the respective Order. Affiliations and aggregations led to the Mendicant Movement to be organised in the three classic ‘Orders’; the First Order for the friars, the Second Order for the cloistered nuns and the Third Order which has two further branches, the Regular branch for Religious Congregations and the Secular branch for Secular Institutes and secular tertiaries. This study focuses on the development of the Carmelite Secular Third Order along the ages, whilst taking into consideration the desire for a reappraisal of the way lay and seculars participate actively in the Charism, life and mission of the Carmelite Order. From information gathered through research and data collection from a questionnaire distributed amongst Carmelite Third Order Seculars, this study provides an overview of the historical development as well as proposals of new insights for the authentic living of Secular Carmelites within the Order. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/85603 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z