This book, titled Whispers of God: A Theological Exploration into the Themes of the Old Testament, delves into the profound theological messages woven throughout the Old Testament, inviting readers to hear the subtle yet powerful whispers of God that echo through its narratives. These whispers are not only found in grand moments of divine intervention but are also present in the everyday lives of individuals, communities, and even the struggles of God's people. This book invites readers to embark on an exploration of the sacred texts, not as relics of a bygone era but as living dialogues that resonate across times. It seeks to illuminate the enduring relevance of the Old Testament by focusing on its various key themes. In exploring these themes, it offers reflections that draw from the depth of divine wisdom and insight. It calls readers to consider how the ancient religious texts speak to contemporary issues of faith, morality, and identity. Each chapter delves into a specific theme, drawing connections between the world of the Old Testament and our modern lives. By exploring the cultural, historical, and theological contexts of these themes, this book aims to uncover the richness of the Old Testament's message and its ability to speak to the challenges and aspirations of modern readers.
Sr. Jamesy Vakayil, a member of the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites, holds a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) from Kristujyoti College, Bengaluru, and two Master of Theology (MTh) degrees in Biblical Theology and Spiritual Theology from St. Peter's Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru. She earned her Doctorate in Systematic Theology from Jnana Deepa, Pontifical Athenacum, Pune, and completed a Diploma in Pastoral Counseling & Religious Formation at NVSC, Pune. Sr. Jamesy has served as a formator in her Congregation and is a visiting faculty member at Kristujyoti College and Vidhyadeep College, Bengaluru. Currently, she serves as the Coordinator of Academics and Treasurer at Institute Mater Dei, Goa, while continuing as a teaching staff member.
Fr. Thomas Karimundackal is a professor of the Old Testament and Biblical Exegesis at the Faculty of Theology, Jnana Deepa (JD), Pontifical Athenacum of Philosophy and Theology, Pune. He is the editor of Jnanadeepa: Pune Journal of Religious Studies, AUC: Asian Journal of Religious Studies, Christ College Pune Research Series (CCPRS), and founder and editor of Wisdom Research Series (WRS). He has authored/edited 15 books and published several research articles in national and international journals and periodicals. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (SSL) from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, a Doctorate in Old Testament Exegesis (PhD) from the University of Innsbruck, Austria; a Masters in Chemistry (MSc) from Bharathidasan University, Trichy and a Masters in Counselling Psychology (MSc) from Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
The Church today stands at a critical juncture, facing profound shifts in society, culture, and spirituality. Traditional structures and methods of formation, once considered unshakable, are now being questioned in an era where institutional authority is declining, and people seek a more authentic, relational, and Christ-centered faith. This Post-Institutional Era calls for a deep re-examination of how we prepare priests and religious for their sacred mission.
This book is the fruit of the Inter-Institute Symposium on ""De-Constructing Tradition: Rethinking Priestly and Religious Formation for a Post-Institutional Era,"" organized by Institute Mater Dei, Santa Monica Convent, Old Goa, in collaboration with the Patriarchal Seminary, Rachol, and the Pilar Theological Institute, Goa, on September 28, 2024. The symposium was held as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Institute Mater Dei, founded in 1964 in response to the renewal of religious life inspired by the Second Vatican Council. It served as a platform for reflection and dialogue on the evolving landscape of priestly and religious formation in today's world. The primary objectives of the symposium were:
To bring together scholars, theologians, and experts to share their wisdom, knowledge, and insights on the theme.
To strengthen networks and foster collaboration between institutions, paving the way for new joint initiatives.
To deepen the experience of walking together in a synodal spirit, embracing the call to shared discernment and communion in the Church.
This book captures the essence of these discussions, offering valuable perspectives and reflections for reimagining formation in a changing ecclesial and social context.
This book, ""De-Constructing Tradition: Reimagining Priestly and Religious Formation for a Post-Institutional Era,"" is an attempt to critically assess, discern, and renew the existing models of priestly and religious formation. It does not aim to discard the rich spiritual heritage of the Church but rather to reimagine it in the light of contemporary challenges. Formation must continue to be deeply rooted in Christ, Scripture, and the sacramental life while also being human-oriented, psychologically sound, and mission-focused. This book is an invitation to rethink formation in a way that allows future priests and religious to become authentic witnesses of Christ, prophetic leaders, and compassionate servants of God's people.
It is certainly good news that Institute Mater Dei, Old Goa - which was founded in 1964 following the Second Vatican Council's call for renewal in religious life has decided to celebrate its 60ª Anniversary with an Inter-Institute Symposium on ""De-Constructing Tradition: Reimagining Priestly and Religious Formation for a Post-Institutional Era,"" organized, in September 2024, in collaboration with the Goa-based Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol and the Pilar Theological Institute. The symposium provided the opportunity to reflect on the changing context of priestly and religious formation. This book is a compilation of the erudite presentations made during that event. The title of this book, ""De-Constructing Tradition: Reimagining Priestly and Religious Formation for a Post-Institutional Era,"" does not imply a rejection of traditional priestly and religious formation, but a call to rediscover it a new for greater legitimacy and relevance in the challenging times in which we live today. Consequently, the book seeks to critically assess traditional models of the formation, while honouring, at the same time, the Church's rich spiritual heritage, to propose new perspectives and possibilities. Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of ongoing, holistic and mission-oriented formation in various aspects of Church life, particularly in the context of education and priestly formation. With regard to priests and religious leaders, he has frequently underscored the qualities of humility, transparency, emotional maturity and a deep personal relationship with Jesus, the model for shepherds who care passionately for their flock. This book expands on that vision by exploring key themes essential for reimagining formation in today's context. The themes ranging from the foundational Rethinking Priestly and Religious Formation for a Post-Institutionalized Era to the all-pervasive Al Revolution, which deeply affects the future identity of Religious Leaders - have been masterly explicated by a plethora of learned scholars.
The book advocates the need to move away from an overly intellectual or rigid approach to priestly and religious formation. Instead, it focuses on a more holistic outlook that nurtures the human, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions. Indeed, in this post-institutional era, we must prepare mature leaders who can navigate the complexities of the modern Church and society.
This valuable Vademecum has been expertly co-edited by two scholars, Rev Dr. Thomas Karimundackal SJ, Head of the Department of Biblical Studies at Jnana Deepa, Pune, and Dr. Sr. Vakayil Jamesy CTC, a visiting theology faculty professor at both Kristu Jyoti College and Vidya Deep College in Bangalore and presently Coordinator of Academics at Institute Mater Dei, Goa.
This book is indeed not just for the clergy, it is rather a call to action for all members of the Church to help shape the future of priestly and religious formation and ministry.
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