Category: News

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Bishop Rafic Nahra Opens Second Semester with Inspiring Jubilee Year Message

The Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS) celebrated the opening of its second semester for the 2024-2025 academic year on Monday, February 3, 2025. The event was marked by a keynote conference from His Excellency Bishop Rafic Nahra, Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem, who delivered a thought-provoking address on “The Pilgrims of Hope: Spiritual and Pastoral Relevance of the Jubilee Year.”

In his speech, Bishop Nahra reflected on the spiritual journey of hope that the Jubilee Year represents, emphasizing its relevance to both personal growth and pastoral service. His talk was part of a broader theme of the semester’s opening, which encouraged students and staff to approach their studies and community life with renewed purpose and hope.

The conference included a dynamic Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Bishop Nahra on the significance of the Jubilee in the context of their academic and spiritual lives. The atmosphere was further enriched by a musical interlude and opportunities for reflection during a student assembly later in the program.

The Principal, in his opening remarks, highlighted the successes of the past semester and emphasized the importance of community, faith, and continuous learning. He expressed gratitude for the presence of distinguished guests, including Fr. Ivo Coelho, General Councillor for Formation, and Fr. Simon Zakerian, the new Provincial of MOR, whose visitation underscores the importance of this moment for STS.

This inaugural event has set a hopeful and inspiring tone for the semester ahead, as students and faculty alike continue their theological journey together, grounded in faith and a shared mission.

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Secrets of the Salesian Style

Many people wonder how Don Bosco did it. How did he turn street boys—many of whom were neglected by their families and society—into a well-formed group of good Christians and honorable citizens?

To answer that question, we must go back in time to 19th-century Turin. City-state wars, political strife, and industrialization forced many families to flee rural areas, leading to overpopulation in the cities. The streets were overrun with abandoned boys—neglected and marginalized by society.

Don Bosco observed how these boys were treated—viewed as street animals, thieves, and parasites. It was then that he realized his purpose: to be a beacon of hope for these boys, reveal the love God had for them, and transform them into good Christians and honest citizens.

But how should he proceed? It was at this point that Don Bosco developed the principles that would later become the four pillars of the Salesian Oratory: Home, Church, School, and Playground. The order in which he introduced these pillars was crucial.

He began by attracting the boys with joy—entertaining them with magic tricks, organizing games, and bringing them laughter and good-hearted fun. So, which of the four pillars did Don Bosco start with? The PLAYGROUND. It made the most sense. Imagine if he had started with the Church—how successful would he have been if these mistreated boys had been accosted by a random priest preaching about God? They would likely have rejected him immediately. Asking them to repent for their sins while they struggled with daily hunger and hardships would have seemed insensitive and cruel. Instead, Don Bosco provided what the boys desperately needed—joy and laughter, the natural companions of childhood.

After engaging them with games, Don Bosco invited the boys to sit and share a meal. It was during these moments that he learned about their lives. For many, it was the first time anyone had asked about their situation and how they ended up on the cold streets of Turin. They opened up to him because they believed he genuinely cared. This shared moment of unity revealed the second pillar of the Salesian Oratory: HOME. Notice that Don Bosco had yet to evangelize them. He first met their needs, listened to their stories, and earned their trust and respect.

Once he demonstrated care and concern for their lives, the boys were ready to hear his message—the Good News of God’s love and the value of their lives. This marked the beginning of the third pillar: CHURCH. They were willing to listen because of how he treated them, revealing an authentic love. As Don Bosco later said, “It is not enough for you to love them; they must know you love them.” He approached the Gospel with empathy for their situation. Rather than emphasizing “God your Father,” which might have been difficult for fatherless boys to relate to, he presented “Jesus your friend.” Friendship was a concept they understood—when one boy found food, he would share it with his street comrades. Don Bosco taught them that Jesus was their most loyal friend, one who wandered the streets with them. The seeds he planted grew within them, changing their lives forever.

Don Bosco then introduced the final pillar: SCHOOL. He offered lessons in reading, writing, and practical skills for the workplace. These skills built their confidence and gave them a chance to succeed in the secular world.

Word spread throughout Turin about the priest who cared for street boys both physically and spiritually. However, not everyone welcomed this. Many citizens were concerned that the boys were too loud and would disturb their quiet, orderly lives. Nevertheless, the number of boys following Don Bosco grew exponentially. At times, he would find himself with no idea where to take them, looking to the sky in prayer to the Blessed Mother Mary. His prayers were never unanswered. “Don’t worry,” he would say, “Our Lady will provide all that is necessary.” And in moments of greatest need, he always found the resources required.

With God’s grace and the balance of HOME, CHURCH, SCHOOL, and PLAYGROUND, these once wild street boys became upstanding citizens, hard workers, faithful Catholics, and virtuous men. Many became loyal husbands and fathers, raising their children in strong Christian homes. Some chose to remain with Don Bosco, becoming the first Salesians, with a few even recognized by the Church as saints.

Today, we honor St. John Bosco and the transformative work he did for those rejected by society. We must also remember the secrets to his success—the model of the Salesian Oratory. In a world so broken and a youth so disillusioned, Don Bosco’s legacy must and will live on.

Bro. Leo Adrian Imbert, SDB

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The New Ordo Academicus

We are pleased to present the Ordo Academicus for the academic year 2024-2025. This comprehensive guide outlines the curriculum details, academic calendar, important dates, events, and other essential information for this academic period.
It serves as a roadmap to ensure that all academic activities are aligned with the university’s standards and are effectively communicated to our community.
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Diploma in Holy Land Studies

The Salesian Pontifical University’s Jerusalem campus offers a diploma program in Holy Land Studies (HLS), specifically designed to engage students in an interdisciplinary approach to the study of religions within the historical and spiritual context of the Holy Land. This semester’s module, “Guided Study on Islam,” provides 2 ECTS credits and includes both academic study and experiential learning elements.

A central aspect of the program is “Project Wasatia,” an initiative founded by Professor Mohammed S. Dajani Daoudi. Project Wasatia advocates for a path of reconciliation and moderation, steering participants from polarization towards constructive dialogue and mutual understanding among faith traditions. Professor Daoudi’s lectures explore themes of peace and interreligious harmony, resonating with the program’s focus on ecumenical and interfaith engagement.

This semester also included a significant visit to the Temple Mount, known in Islamic tradition as Al-Haram ash-Sharif. This site visit allowed students to experience a key religious and cultural landmark firsthand, providing deeper insight into Islamic spirituality, particularly as they studied prayer and mystical practices. Additionally, the lecture series by Professor Mustafa Abu Sway covered core Islamic beliefs about God, as well as Islamic mystical traditions, such as those of Sufi scholar Al-Ghazali.

The HLS program leverages Jerusalem’s unique religious and historical setting, which is viewed as a “fifth gospel,” to deepen students’ understanding of the Scriptures and to foster an environment for meaningful interreligious dialogue, rooted in the region’s distinct historical and geographical context.

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The Archaeological Excursion

Learning is always enriching, especially when it includes the opportunity for an academic trip. On October 28, 2024, Ratisbonne’s students had a unique experience as they embarked on their first archaeological excursion of the semester. Making this dream a reality was truly a blessing, particularly given the current political situation in Israel. We continue to pray for peace in Israel and around the world.

Before diving into the details of our visit, I must say that studying theology at Ratisbonne is a privilege, as it allows us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Imagine traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus one morning—could that bring similar feelings to those the disciples felt after the Resurrection? Picture visiting Beth Shemesh, or the “House of the Sun,” which perhaps earned its name from the Canaanites’ sun worship. This is the very place mentioned in 1 Samuel 6, where the Ark of the Covenant was returned by the Philistines.

Below is a brief overview of this unforgettable archaeological excursion.

Our first stop was at the Saxum Visitor Centre. The purpose of this centre is to connect people from all over the world to the Holy Land through a thoughtfully designed space. Here, we followed a biblical journey that spans from the time of the patriarchs to the era of Jesus. The setup even included historical reconstructions of cities like Nazareth, offering insight into the setting of parables Jesus used. This exhibit highlighted the depth of Jesus’s knowledge and his ability to teach within his context.

After Saxum, we visited Emmaus Nicopolis. Although not specifically mentioned in the Old Testament, we learned that Joshua fought the kings of Canaan between Gabaon and Azeqa, near the present-day location of Emmaus, as recorded in Joshua 10:12-13. St. Jerome commented that this area likely existed in the Old Testament within the territory of the tribe of Dan. In the time of Jesus, Emmaus existed as a small village where, as recounted in the Gospels, the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples, who recognized him during the breaking of bread. Evidence identifying this site has been confirmed over the centuries, particularly in the 18th to 20th centuries.

Our journey continued to Beth Shemesh, where our imaginations were vividly engaged. Though now a quiet, seemingly abandoned site, this location was once a vital Israelite city in the Sorek Valley, dating from the middle Bronze Age to the Iron II period. It was here, as described in 1 Samuel 6, that the Israelites joyfully welcomed the Ark of the Covenant when it was returned by the Philistines. This site is also significant as the setting for events related to Samson’s birth and burial, as recounted in Judges 13 and 16.

Our day concluded with a visit to the Soreq Avshalom Cave. Stepping into this underground wonder felt like entering another world. Inside, we admired the vast caverns, with intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by special lighting, revealing the cave’s natural beauty.

In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to the administration for organizing this trip, to the participants, and especially to our guide, Fr Yunus Demirci, for his insightful presentations. We look forward with anticipation to future excursions and further discoveries.

Geoffrey Mwangi Kariuki

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Topographical Visits

The academic year has truly begun, and one of the best blessings of being in the Holy Land while studying theology is that students come into contact with the Bible in reality. This month, on 24th October 2024, the first-year students at Studium Theologicum Salesianum participated in a Topographical visit that allowed them to touch, feel, and experience the Bible in its historical and spiritual context.

During this immersive visit, the students had the chance to explore several significant sites that are pivotal to their theological studies. They visited the Church of the Flagellation and the Church of the Condemnation, places that resonate deeply with the Passion of Christ. Another notable stop was the Church of Dominus Flevit, located at the northeast corner of the Mount of Olives, where Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem.

In addition, the students explored the Church of Saint Anne and the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the paralytic—a powerful reminder of His miraculous ministry. The visit also included the Terra Sancta Museum, which provided a rich historical backdrop for their growing understanding of the biblical narrative.

It was indeed a great topographical visit, bringing the stories of the Bible to life in a way that is unique to the Holy Land. This experience not only enriches their academic journey but also deepens their faith as they relive biblical events today.

As we continue this academic year, we are excited to share more stories and reflections from our students as they delve into their theological studies in this remarkable setting.

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Dies Academicus 2024

Celebrating 20 Years of STS in Jerusalem

The Jerusalem Campus of the Faculty of Theology of the Salesian Pontifical University was erected by decree of the Congregation for Catholic Education on February 2, 2011. The Study Centre has inherited the legacy of the Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS) initially located in Bethlehem (1929), then transferred to Tantur (1949) and Cremisan (1957), and lately moved to the premises of the “Salesian Monastery Ratisbonne” in Jerusalem (2004).

The goal of the STS, as a Faculty of Theology, aims particularly at the theological formation of Salesian candidates to the priesthood. It is also open to students from other religious congregations, to diocesan students, and to lay students. The students ordinarily conclude their studies with the Bachelor’s degree in Theology.

On Saturday October 19, the Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS), Jerusalem campus, held their annual Dies Academicus. The event is a scholarly event in which the Lectio Magistralis is presented to the seminarians, professors, and distinguished guests. It is especially beneficial to the seminarians, who get to experience a glimpse into an academic’s newly minted research and appreciate the conclusions drawn from many years of investigation, study, and erudition. One important reason for this annual tradition, if not the primary purpose, is to potentially ignite a student and future academic to initiate their own scholarship, with the dream of one day presenting the fruits of their own intellectual labor to the Pontifical University. 

Thanks to the meticulous efforts and organization of the University President, Fr. Andrzej Toczyski, SDB and Vice President Samuel Obu, SDB, the event was a huge success. Warmly hosted by student body president, Bro. Kelvin Mutalala, M.Afr it commenced with an invocation by the Rector of the Ratisbonne Monastery, Fr. Jose Kochamkunnel SDB, and a song performed by some of the current seminarians. Then, the audience was able to enjoy a montage video of last year’s academic year- including all of the amazing excursions they were privileged to experience- including an academic trip to Egypt! Following this retrospective, the University Secretary, Fr. Vincent Bosco, SDB welcomed the first year seminarians by providing a brief and humorous spotlight into the brothers and their countries of origin. He also introduced the new and distinguished professors that fill out the already eminent faculty. In a light-hearted Salesian fashion, Fr. Vincent displayed the great strength and diversity of the student body and faculty of the STS Jerusalem. 

This event also celebrated the twenty year anniversary of the Pontifical University in Jerusalem at the Ratisbonne Monastery. Surprisingly, this year’s Lectio Magistralis, Fr. Alessandro Coniglio OFM, was a student here in 2004- the very year that the Jerusalem campus opened its doors. He described this event as a personal honor to be able to present his findings in the same location that began his scholarly endeavors. Father Coniglo is currently a professor of Biblical Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis at the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, Jerusalem. 

After being Introduced by a distinguished professor in his own right, Fr. Daniel W. Stabryła OSB, Fr. Alessandro commenced his lecture titled: The Origin of Psalms in Public Worship and Private Meditation- A Modern Perspective. Indeed the results of his findings were as long winded as his title, but were absolutely fascinating. Fr Alessandro discovered that, despite previous theories that the Psalms were exclusively the work of 2nd Temple authors and editors (or “hymnal for 2nd Temple worship” as he would describe it), there is sufficient evidence that some of the Psalms date back several centuries prior- to cultish origins such as Babylonian- Assyrian, Egyptian, and Persian work. After presenting this stunning revelation, Fr. Alessandro would then reveal to the captured audience the esoteric arrangements underlying the collection of 150 Psalms themselves. From thematic or emotive structures to alphabetic ordering, Fr. Allessandro gave the attendees a systematic lesson on the book of Psalms. He demonstrated these arrangements through juxtapositions of the Psalms themselves. The plethora of examples of Psalmic structures and hidden configurations seemingly compressed an entire semester into a ninety minute talk. 

After the exhaustive and comprehensive talk, it seemed as if Fr. Alessandro was pleasantly surprised at the penetrating questions many Seminarians had. He took questions for about thirty minutes until Fr. Daniel, who facilitated the question and answer period, was forced to conclude in order to satiate the empty and growling stomachs.   

The event ended with a wonderful lunch. The mood was jovial and spirited. All were grateful, not only for the stimulating talk, but also the diverse gathering of men and women religious- all in pursuit of knowledge to serve the Church and the world. Given that Fr. Alessandro is an alumni of this prestigious university, It was truly inspiring to see the type of caliber that the STS Jerusalem campus can produce.

Bro. Leo A. Imbert, SDB

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Opening Mass Marks the Beginning of the New Academic Year at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem

The new academic year at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS), the Salesian Pontifical University, Faculty of Theology, Jerusalem Campus, was solemnly inaugurated on Monday, September 16th, with the celebration of the Opening Mass in the monastery chapel. This significant event gathered students, faculty, staff, and friends of the Salesian community to seek God’s blessings for the upcoming academic journey.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Mons. Natale Albino, who led the assembly in prayer, invoking divine grace and guidance for the year ahead. In his homily, Mons. Albino emphasized the importance of cultivating both intellectual and spiritual growth during the academic process. He encouraged the community to approach their studies not only as a pursuit of theological knowledge but also as a deepening of their relationship with Christ and their commitment to service.

The Opening Mass is a cherished tradition at STS, marking not only the formal beginning of the academic year but also a moment of spiritual renewal for all involved. As the new academic year begins, the STS community looks forward to a year filled with the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, and the deepening of faith, all guided by the Salesian spirit of love, service, and dedication to the Gospel.

We invite you to stay connected with our community by following us on Facebook and our new Instagram account! Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and spiritual reflections from the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, and join us in celebrating the journey of faith and learning.

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Homily by Mons. Natale Albino

« Say the word » (Lk 7,7), says the centurion to Jesus. And from the Word just proclaimed wereceive today four rays that illuminate the dawn of the formative and academic year 2024-2025 that we begin here in Ratisbonne.

Faith – The Spiritual Dimension

The centurion seems like a perfect Salesian seminarian. Jesus admires him and even affirms that in no other person he has found so much faith. Why? The centurion believes that his Word can give life. He says what, in every Holy Mass, adapted to us, are the last words that we repeat before receiving the Holy Eucharist. He seems to believe in the Word and live in a Eucharistic way.

Word of God and Eucharist. This year some of you will become lectors and acolytes; others, deacons and priests. In the lectorate and in the diaconate, you will solemnly receive the Word: «Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become». In the acolytate and in the priesthood, you will receive the sign of bread and wine: « Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him ».

Before those moments, every day we are given the Word, to be meditated on in the Liturgy ofthe Hours and in Lectio Divina, and the Most Holy Eucharist, to be celebrated with faith in the Holy Mass and adored in the Eucharistic adoration. Above all in the Holy Mass, the Word and the Eucharist put us in communion with the whole Church, composed of the saints in Heaven, the dead people and us, as Saint Paul reminds us in the beautiful Eucharistic tale of 1 Cor 11,24-25:« This ismy body that is for you (…) This cup is the new covenant in my blood ».

Here is the faith of the centurion and here is the spiritual life, a life in the Holy Spirit that we solemnly invoke today and nourished by the Word, by the Eucharist, especially in the Holy Mass.

Humanity – The Human Dimension

The local Jews, who normally shy away from pagans, come to Jesus to speak well of the centurion. Although he is a pagan, he has built a synagogue and, although he is a foreigner, he lovesthe people among whom he finds himself. He cares about a person who is of a lower rank than him. We are before a truly nice person, who does not need to impose his will on others to be someone. Indeed, he seems to interpret his role as a service and to live relationships with serenity, both with those who are superior in the hierarchy (I too am a person subject to authority), both with those who are inferior (with soldiers subject to me). How different, however, are the Christians of Corinth, whom St. Paul harshly rebukes. They are divided, they do not wait each other for dinner, each one selfishly brings his own food to eat, they humiliate those who have nothing to eat.

«Gratia non tollit naturam, sed perficit». Divine grace presupposes human nature. It’s fundamental to grow in a balanced way, helped by the educators, the spiritual fathers, the other seminarians, as well as by all the sports and games that are your trademark. St. John Bosco used to say to his novices: «What I see as necessary is that you grow and become strong young men by keeping healthy and that you later be able to do a lot of work».

Here is the humanity of the centurion and here is the human dimension, the second ray under which we want to place ourselves.

Intelligence – Intellectual Dimension

Through his friends, the centurion proposes to Jesus a reasoning about superiors andsubordinates. His trust in Jesus is not blind, but well reasoned. In this too he would be an exemplary Salesian, because the many years of study that the formation proposes aim precisely to develop a well-thought- out faith in our mind.

Today we inaugurate the academic year of the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, which represents a true jewel in the crown for Salesians throughout the world. Soon the teachers will renewtheir profession of faith, as required by Can. 833 of the Code of Canon Law. Behind the oath of the professors, we seem to hear the echoes of the words of Saint Paul: « I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you » (1Cor 11, 23).

The various theological disciplines are inserted with the same humility of the centurion into theriver of the Tradition of the Church, which together with the Sacred Scripture is part of the unique deposit of faith. The Gospel according myself is useless. All of you know that the true theology isoriented to develop a humble and reasoned amen to the one Word that saves. Dear seminarians, this is the golden age of your life. This is the time to read manuals, to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church in depth, to learn foreign languages, etc. It is a time that will not return. History isalready full of Christopher Columbus theologians, who thought they had discovered the Indies of thetruth. People expect you to be prepared priests, who know how to give clear answers and to speak on behalf of the Church. Here is the intelligence of the centurion and here is the third formative dimension, the intellectual one.

Love – Pastoral And Community Dimension

The centurion, in addition to respecting Jesus, loves the people among whom he lives. No superior told him to build a synagogue, but he took the initiative and did it. Above all, despite the great hierarchical difference, he takes care of his sick servant and intercedes for him. It is a sincere love, which reflects the way in which God loves, but which Saint Paul does not see circulating among the Christians of Corinth.

As Salesian seminarians, one day you will leave here to be witnesses of this divine love for all. It is beautiful to dream now of summer camps, schools, the oratory. There is so much to do! Inyour eyes we already see the reflections of the thousands and thousands of young people that you will animate to the faith, according to your Salesianity. Well, that pastoral life begins today. Someonewill say: but where can we live the pastoral, if we are in the seminary and if there are no oratories here? Where should we start? The answer is simple: from your friend in the seminary.

Here you are next to people you have not chosen, with whom you can interact side by side, even if it is often not easy, like the centurion, who is subordinate to others. The pastoral life of the future will be the same: you will not choose the people you are with and the people to whom youwill be sent. In the Church we are all subordinate to someone else and no priest does in life what he had dreamed in the seminary. Therefore, either we educate ourselves now in the spirit of communionand obedience in the Church or we will spend our lives unhappy.

Saint Paul encourages us today: «Wait for one another » (1Cor 11,33). Waiting patiently for the times of growth of others is one of the secrets to build the Church. The oratories you will set in your future ministry start today, by living a wonderful seminary. Furthermore, since God is infinitely more powerful than us, the first and main way to take care of others is the prayer of intercession. Even the centurion prayed to Jesus, interceding for his servant. Intercede for others: for those around us and for those we will meet throughout our lives.

Here is the ray of love, of the pastoral and community dimension that you enthusiastically take up again today.

Dear formators, teachers and seminarians: faith, humanity, intelligence and love of the centurion correspond to the four fundamental dimensions that the Ratio Formationis of the Salesians of Don Bosco provides: spiritual, human, intellectual, pastoral. I wish you to embody them in this formative and academic year, with the smile and kindness for which you Salesians are recognized throughout the world, with the help of the Virgin Mary and your special Founder.

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BACCALAUREATE PRESENTATIONS AT STS

STUDENT MODERATOR TITLE
DEL BEL BELLUZ Enrico STABRYLA Daniel CORPOREALITY AS THE CORNERSTONE OF SALVATION.
DOAN John the Baptist Khanh Vinh ZINKL Gabriela CHRISTIAN HOPE IN THE LIGHT OF ROM. 8:18-25
GEORGE Nathanael OBU Samuel CHRIST’S MEDIATORIAL FUNCTIONS AND THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
MEELA Amedeus ZINKL Gabriela THE ROLE OF HOPE IN LIVING CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP AND ITS CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES.
MTIKA Acent KINUNDA Quinbert “IN THE FULLNESS OF TIMES” – THE UNFOLDING OF THE EXISTENTIAL SIGNS OF THE TIMES AS THE FOUNDATION OF GOD’S SELF-REVELATION AND THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TODAY.
NTAKIYIMANA Célestin OBU Samuel WORDS AND DEEDS AS INTRINSICALLY CONNECTED IN GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION.
ROBINSON Thomas TOCZYSKI Andrzej THROUGH HIM, WITH HIM AND IN HIM: AN EXPLORATION OF “LOGOS SPERMATIKOS’ IN THE CHURCH’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD, OF HERSELF AND OF HER MISSION.
SASSANO   Matteo BOSCO Vincent THROUGH CHRIST, HUMANITY IS INVITED INTO A RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE WITH GOD AND ONE ANOTHER: THE MYSTERY OF INCARNATION PERFECTED THE COMMANDMENT OF LOVE.

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Inter-seminary Cultural Day 2024, Jerusalem

On the 24th of April, 2024 there was great joy at the Salesian Pontifical University (STS) – Jerusalem campus when thethree major seminaries within the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem met for their annual Interseminary Cultural Day. These major seminaries are: the patriarchal seminary in Jala from Bethlehem, the Franciscan seminary of the Holy Land and the Salesian Pontifical University, Jerusalem campus who hosted the event. The celebration began at 14hrs and went on until 20:30hrs. The theme of the day was: the importance of inter-cultural relations. There were more than one hundred and fifty participants.

The day started with an opening solemn song and prayer, followed by a conference on the importance of inter-cultural relations. The opportunity was given to various groups to exhibit the importance of inter-cultural relations with different presentations that included singing, dancing, telling stories, eating and drinking together, and most importantly, praying together for peace, justice, reconciliation and unity in our world regardless of our differences. Petitions were presented in different languages with representations from different continents.

This event was not only inter-cultural, but also inter-continental, inter-communitarian and inter-personal. It was beautiful to feel the family spirit, especially when participants gathered together as brothers to collaborate, and to participate actively and creatively in the various initiatives and proposed activities and programs of the day. The presentation of cultural items took the following order: Middle East, Asia Far East, India, Central Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, America, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. This was indeed an intercultural and amazing experience. We thank God for granting us such a successful and enriching experience, for all the participants were happy.

Above all, the message of the day is that Culture is the set of beliefs, values, practices, traditions, and behaviours shared by a specific group, that strives to respect, open up and learn from other cultures, as it shares its own good gifted cultural values without loosing its specific unique identity. Culture encompasses aspects like language, religion, cuisine, social norms, and arts that vary widely between different societies and ethnic groups. Culture plays a significant role in shaping individual identities and influencing interactions between people in a community.

Nonetheless, one challenge of culture is the tension between preserving traditional customs as well as values, while at the same time adapting to a rapidly changing world. As technology and globalization continue to shape our societies, cultures around the world are faced with the dilemma of how to maintain their unique identities while also embracing new ideas and influences. Another challenge is the issue of cultural adoption, where elements of one culture are borrowed or adopted by members of another culture without proper acknowledgement or respect.

Cultural norms and traditions can sometimes hinder progress and prevent individuals from adapting to new ideas and ways of living. More so, some cultures are exclusive and not open to incorporating new ideas or perspectives from other cultures, which can limit diversity, enrichment and innovation.

Does this mean we do not need culture? No! We need culture, and even more, we need intercultural and especially interpersonal relations. Inter-cultural relations help us to live well in society. Thus, it was for this reason that the organisers decided to reflect on the theme: THE IMPORTANCE OF INTER-CULTURAL RELATIONS. May we be open-minded and open-hearted to conserve the goodness in our own cultures as we also open up to enrich ourselves with the beautiful riches in other cultures too.

By Kelvin Mutalala