Last 9 May 2019, LST’s PhD in Theology graduate, Rachel Joyce Sanchez, received the 2019 Dr. Ramon C. Reyes Best Dissertation Award of the School of Humanities, Ateneo de Manila University for her dissertation entitled, “Post Colonial Feminist Theologizing in the Philippines: A Critical Study of Mary John Mananzan, Judette Gallares and Agnes Brazal”. The award was conferred by Dr. Jonathan Chua, Dean of the School of Humanites, and Dr. Manuel Dy of the Philosophy Department in simple ceremonies held at the Natividad Galang Fajardo Conference Room.
Rae successfully defended her dissertation last 22 March 2018 under the Theology and Ministry Program, Loyola School of Theology. The Board of Examiners was composed of Dr. Patricia Lambino (Principal Examiner), Dr. Maricel Ibita, Fr. Jojo Fung, S.J., Ph.D., and Fr. Oliver Dy, S.J., S.T.D. Fr. Jose Mario Francisco, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D. was Dissertation Adviser. Below is the abstract of her dissertation:
The writings of Mary John Mananzan, Judette Gallares, and Agnes Brazal exhibit Philippine postcolonial theological reclamations in the context of a nation that is ever-becoming. However, they do so using different methodologies that present varying notions and representations of Filipinas in relation to Philippine identity and nationalism. This thesis investigates the interrelation between nation-building and feminism in the postcolonial feminist theologies of these three theologians based on an analysis of their works employing a three-fold schema of the types of postcolonial theologizing based on R.S. Sugirthrajah’s framework. It argues that the theologies of Mananzan, Gallares, and Brazal show that postcolonial feminist theologies in the Philippines are crucial to nation-building because these provide resistance and alternatives to the forms of machismo nationalism that intertwine with postcolonial resistance.
This argument is developed through the following assertions: First, while Mananzan, Gallares, and Brazal all employ postcolonial feminist theologies in the Philippine context, they use varying approaches that can be understood using Sugirtharajah’s three-fold schema. Second, the different types of postcolonial reclamation can involve machismo nationalism in different ways. Third, the works of Mananzan, Gallares, and Brazal have shown how Philippine identity and nationalism can be valued while remaining critical of machismo nationalism and its false assumptions. Fourth, Mananzan, Gallares, and Brazal show, in different ways, how feminist theologizing based on Filipinas’ experiences and dialogue with culture and other disciplines can contribute to creative imagination, inclusivity amidst diversity, and responsiveness to change needed for building the Philippine nation. Insights from these Philippine feminist theologians lead to a critical appreciation of the complexity of postcoloniality, the recognition of diversity, and the promotion of solidarity towards nation-building.
The dissertation was judged according to originality, innovation, scholarly excellence, excellence in writing, methodological sophistication, and significant contribution to the field. The School of Humanities bestows two awards for outstanding post-graduate papers namely the Dr. Ramon C. Reyes Best Doctoral Dissertation Award and Dr. Manuel B. Dy Best Masters Thesis Award.
Last year, LST MA Theological Studies graduate Fr. Ambrosio F. Flores, S.J. received the Dr. Manuel B. Dy Best Thesis Award for his work entitled, “Towards ‘Inculturating’ Theology in the Context of the Umajamnèns of Bukidnon in the Light of the FABC Vision of Inculturation”.
Congratulations, Rae!
