The Theology and Ministry Program of the School of Humanities invites you to the oral defense of the D.Min. Dissertation entitled “RE-THINKING EVANGELIZATION: An Inclusion of Faith Formation in Secular School in the Context of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM)” by LEOPOLDO H. LAREZA on 9 April 2026, Thursday, 10:00 a.m. at DLC 201 (Tipanan ni San Ignacio), 2/F Dela Costa Bldg., Loyola School of Theology. The Board of Examiners is composed of Fr. Jojo Fung, S.J., Ph.D. (Adviser), Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, S.J., S.T.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), Fr. Jerome Vallabaraj, S.D.B., Th.D., Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D., and Carmen Lourdes Valdes, Ph.D. The defense is being held in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Ministry with Religious Education as the field of specialization. It is open to the public.
Abstract: Given the rapid changes in today’s secular cultures, integrating Faith Formation into the framework of secular Education is a difficult undertaking. The goal of this dissertation is to bridge the gap between Evangelization and secular Education by exploring the concept of Evangelization through the lens of secular school Faith Formation. The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila groups—students and educators, as well as catechists from the different secular schools — are the focus of qualitative research methods such as surveys and interviews. The Theological Framework, See, Judge, Act, will be used to contextualize the needs and aspirations of public-school stakeholders and catechists to better understand Faith Formation and to develop a relevant Faith Formation program that will support students’ spiritual and moral development in a secular setting. Respecting the separation of Church and State, bridging the gap between Evangelization and secular Education can accomplish the fundamental aims of synodality by attending to the spiritual needs of the students and the whole school community. Furthermore, this study will show how Faith Formation is unavoidable, even in a secular institution. Developing a comprehensive framework that honors and safeguards the diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs within the school is essential for promoting common goals. Overall, this study highlights the vital need for Catholic Faith Formation within a comprehensive secular Education system, especially Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. In addition to encouraging acceptance of people with diverse religious backgrounds and beliefs, it emphasizes Evangelization by demonstrating that every baptized person is part of Jesus’ mission to proclaim the gospel of salvation (cf. Mk 15:16; EN 59) and to invite people to respond in faith.
