The Theology and Ministry Program of the School of Humanities invites you to the online oral defense of the M.A. Thesis entitled “THE FOURTH VOW FOR MISSIONS: A Contemporary Approach to Living Out the Vow of Obedience to the Pope in the Congregation of Jesus” by Sr. SUJIN THERESA PARK, C.J. on 18 February 2026, Wednesday, 3:30-5:00 p.m. The Board of Examiners is composed of Fr. Arnel Aquino, S.J., S.T.D. (Adviser), Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, S.J., S.T.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), Fr. Mark Aloysius, S.J., D.Phil., and Fr. Salvador Agualada, Jr., C.M.F., S.T.D. 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: This thesis explores Elizabeth A. Johnson’s Christology as a framework for a contemporary understanding of the fourth vow of obedience to the Pope for mission within the Congregation of Jesus. It argues that, through the lens of Jesus-Sophia, the fourth vow calls the Congregation to greater universality, in not only geographical but also in ontological dimensions, embodying the inclusivity and mutuality of Jesus and presenting interculturality as a concrete expression of this universality in the contemporary context.
To develop this renewed interpretation, the thesis examines the original meaning of the fourth vow for Ignatius and Mary Ward, foundress of the Congregation of Jesus (1609). Despite opposition and the suppression of her Congregation, her desire to be sent anywhere in the world for mission deepened over time. Recognizing the struggles of Mary Ward and her sisters within the patriarchal structure of the Church, this study employs Johnson’s inclusive Christology – which affirms women’s full participation in the life of Jesus and thus women’s discipleship – to offer a fresh understanding of the fourth vow.
The research problem is grounded in the experience of the Korean Province and the recent merger of the IBVM and the Congregation of Jesus. As the Congregation continues to move toward unity in Mary Ward’s charism, this thesis demonstrates, through its critique of the Constitutions and suggestions concerning the fourth vow, that this vow remains central to realizing her vision and to fostering greater universality.
