Migration is a growing phenomenon in Asia and all indications suggest that it will remain an important aspect of the region’s landscape. The local Churches of sending and receiving countries in Asia are called to promote theological reflections and studies on the phenomenon.

In this sense, the Instruction Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi states « Episcopal Conferences will likewise entrust to Catholic university faculties in their territories the task of studying the various aspects of migration more thoroughly for the benefit of concrete pastoral service for migrants. Compulsory courses of theological specialization could also be programmed for this purpose. » (EMCC, 71).

To answer this call, the Loyola School of Theology, the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-EMCI), and the Scalabrinian Migration Center (SMC) decided to establish a special program in Migration Theology.

THE CERTIFICATE

The Certificate in Pastoral Care of Migrants can be taken in one semester (five months) and requires five migration theology subjects.

The requirements for enrolling to the Diploma program are as follows:

a) Proficiency in English language;

b) Accomplished application and registration forms;

c) Personal letter of application or letter of recommendation from superior or bishop or official of institution;

d) An interview with the Program Coordinator will take place before enrolling;

e) At least 2 years of college (or its equivalent) and a basic theology course or “Exodus” certificate.

The Certificate program requires a passing grade in all five migration theology subjects as listed. Three courses are compulsory (MTP 01, 03, 04) while two subjects shall be chosen among the four elective courses. All courses are open to auditors.

The Certificate in Pastoral Care of Migrants is issued by the Loyola School of Theology, in cooperation with the CBCP-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People and Scalabrini Migration Center, .

Classes will start in June  2009 and end in October 2009. The tuition fees for the Certificate program are Php 26,500 (around USD550)

MASTERS AND LICENCIATE

For detailed information regarding the MA Theological/Pastoral Ministry specializing in Migration Theology and Licentiate in Migration Theology, kindly inquire with the Loyola School of Theology.

FIRST SEMESTER 2009-2010

MTP01   Introducing Theologies of Migration

Emmanuel de Guzman, PhD

The course focuses on methodological approaches in doing a theology of migration. It begins with anthropological-sociological perspectives to understanding the migrants’ experiences, and then deals with samples of attempts at doing systematic theologies from the migrants’ contexts. Students will participate in the construction of theologies for and with the migrants.

MTP03  Bible and Peoples of God on the Move

Fabio Baggio, cs, STD (Reading Course)

The Bible offers important spiritual insights on the foreigner, the wanderer, the stranger.  The significance of being a foreigner, an alien or a sojourner is constitutive of the history of the people of Israel.  This course intends to provide an overview of the theological perspectives on the foreigner in the Old and New Testaments, and explore other interrelated biblical topics.  The course will also offer some exegetical “tools” for the interpretation of the Scriptures through the lens of the theology of migration.

MTP04  Management of Pastoral Programs in Migration

Edwin Corros, cs

The course trains students in skills in pastoral planning, implementation and evaluation of programs with migrants and the families left behind. This would include as well training for advocacy and networking on migrants’ issues. The course will also offer possibilities of exposure to organizations involved in the migrant ministry.

ELECTIVES

Theo249.2/MTP08 Islam: Myths and Reality (R. Oliveros)

Theo 241.3/MTP09 Christianity in Dialogue, Theology of Inter-Faith Encounter (R. Viviano)

Theo248/MTP10 Missiology: Theology of Mission for the 21th Century (R. Viviano)

Theo 232/MTP11 Paul VI, Vatican II, and the Churches of Asia: Understanding the Contemporary Church History (F. Guillen)

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available to eligible applicants for any of the migration theology subjects or the Certificate in Pastoral Care of Migrants. 

On the availability of scholarships for the whole program of MA Theological/Pastoral Ministry specializing in Migration Theology and Licentiate in Migration Theology, kindly inquire with Fr. Edwin Corros and Fr. Fabio Baggio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Loyola School of Theology (LST)
Ateneo de Manila University
Katipunan Road, Loyola Hts, Q.C.
Tel: 4266430-35—Fax No. : 4265967

LST Secretariat: lst@admu.edu.ph

Fr. Edwin Corros

CBCP–ECMI

edwincorros@yahoo.com

Phone: 5274142

Fr. Fabio Baggio

Scalabrini Migration Center

smc@smc.org.ph

Phone: 7243512