The Theology and Ministry Program of the School of Humanities invites you to the oral defense of the M.A. Thesis entitled “An Ecotheological Understanding to Youth Accompaniment for Discerning Life Questions 10 Using Christus Vivit and Elizabeth Johnson’s Theology of Accompaniment” by MA. AGNES VELAROSA C. FRIAS on 10 April 2026, Friday, 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Room SIB 209, 2/F St. Ignatius Bldg., Loyola School of Theology. The Board of Examiners is composed of Stephanie Ann Puen, Ph.D. (Adviser), Fr. Jerome Vallabaraj, S.D.B., Th.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), Fr. Francis Alvarez, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D., and Fr. Mark Aloysius, S.J., D.Phil. The defense is being held in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a field of specialization in Systematic Theology. It is open to the public.
Abstract: Emerging research has shown that the continuous threat of climate change has contributed to heightened levels of ecological anxiety among young people, particularly among Filipino youth. Eco-anxiety in general is a term that has been used to describe the distress arising from an uncertain future due to the vulnerability to climate change. While young Filipinos may cope with climate change by engaging in individual or issue-based efforts, responses often remain fragmented and difficult to sustain. This reveals the need for a more ecologically conscious form of youth accompaniment. In this light, this study proposes principles for an ecotheological approach to youth accompaniment in the Discerning Life Questions 10 (DLQ 10) course of the Ateneo de Manila University. It explores how Elizabeth Johnson’s theology of accompaniment, in dialogue with Pope Francis’ Christus Vivit, Laudato Si’, and Laudate Deum, can assist in reframing ecological anxiety as space for discernment and an opportunity to nurture hope as a community. It argues that ecological anxiety can be understood as a response to shared vulnerability, a function of God’s empowering love within creation, and a call to participate in the community of creation.
