Abstract:

This capstone research project includes four different essays with the Pauline Charism as their underlying theme. The first essay is an historical essay, detailing the beginnings of the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Paul in Italy, in the Philippines and in Malaysia. It also sets in relief Father Alberione’s (Founder of the Pauline Family) profound ecclesial sense and his involvement in Vatican Council II. The second essay delves into the heart of the Pauline Charism – the centrality of Christ in its spirituality – and is presented in three parts: the Founder’s charismatic experience; the Eucharist as the center of the Pauline spirituality; and Jesus as the Way for humanity under three aspects: the way of friendship, the way of hiddenness and the way of service. The third essay relates the Pauline Charism to the Living Tradition of the Church. By using social media to spread the Good News and the wisdom of the Church, the Founder pioneered new forms and ways by which the Church can express herself so that the Gospel may be lived and proclaimed in the new culture of communication. The fourth essay provides the socio-cultural-religious context in which the Pauline Charism has been implanted and has taken root these past fifty years in Malaysia. It focuses on the “Allah” controversy, delving into its underlying causes, and highlights the necessity of interfaith dialogue between the adherents of the two religions.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D. (Principal Examiner), Fr. Fernando Guillen Preckler, Sch.P., S.T.D. and Fr. Jojo Fung, S.J., Ph.D.

Proposal Defense: