Congratulations to LST Student Fr. Jerin Chandy, C.M.I. from India for winning the Ateneo de Manila University’s Ramon C. Reyes Outstanding Dissertation Award for 2021-2022!
“Wombcat: A Unique Spiritual Pregnancy Companion for Catholic Families”
Degree: Doctor of Ministry with specialization in Spirituality and Retreat Direction
Department: Theology and Ministry Program
Adviser: Ingeborg del Rosario, D.Min., Psy. A.
Fr. Chandy defended his Dissertation last December 1, 2021 before a panel composed of Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, S.J., S.T.D. (Second Reader and Principal Examiner), Carmen Lourdes Valdes, Ph.D., Rachel Joyce Marie Sanchez, Ph.D., and Gabriel Dy-Liacco, Ph.D., L.P.C.
A simple awarding ceremony will be hosted in the University for Fr. Chandy and the other awardees. He will receive a P30,000 award.
Here is the abstract of the award-winning Dissertation.
Being a unique phase in human life, the period of gestation is generally associated with mixed feelings: pleasant ideals of motherhood coupled with emotions of vulnerability and distress.
The significance of the antenatal period in determining the quality of the relationship between parent and child is well-documented. Pregnancy and childbirth are ideal contexts for enriching the spirituality of expecting couples and their families. Moreover, specific pregnancy-related practices prevalent in almost all major religions indicate the significance of careful accompaniment during this pivotal phase with respect to physiological, psychological, and spiritual realms. In this context, by adopting a qualitative method design, the dissertation aims to offer a unique spiritual pregnancy companion (WOMBCAT) for expecting couples to use.
Employing a thematic analysis approach, the unique spiritual pregnancy practices of a few distinctive catholic families are explored in depth. Simultaneously, Biblical tradition and authentic church teachings related to marriage and family as well as those from the life of saints are identified and synthesized. Incorporating both findings and teachings, WOMBCAT evolved as a ready-to-use material from the day of matrimony of the couple to the child’s reception of the Sacrament of Baptism.
As a companion, WOMBCAT is expected to help the couple to deepen their spirituality and religiosity, gracefully dealing with pregnancy-related physiological and psychological struggles. Moreover, it offers maximal spiritual nourishment to the baby in the womb, along with a holistic development, and strengthens the bonding among family members by celebrating their pregnancy. See less
