Master of Arts in Theology

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Browsing Master of Arts in Theology by Author "Chama, Mwila"

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    A Theological And Mission Oriented Religious Formation: A Case Study Of The Formation Process Of The Dominican Missionary Sisters Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Of Zambia, Zimbabwe And Kenya Regions.
    (Tangaza University College/Duquesne University, 2016) Chama, Mwila
    Formation is at the heart of mission. Renewal and growth of the Dominican life is highly dependent on the formation of new candidates to religious life, and promotion of on-going formation. Once candidates are well formed and abetted to be attentive, they could understand the way forward in their assignment and mission as missionaries. Candidates are not formed in isolation, but are part and parcel of other candidates who respond in a similar way to God’s invitation of following Christ within the same congregation. Later, in their community life, they will also encounter members that will have gone through a period of formation and will form a new community. It is during this time then that each one of them will have to hold on to the viable attributes of religious life, namely, prayer, communion, continuous learning and renewal of life in Jesus Christ. In the course of religious life, it seems to me that the majority of the professed members are not in touch with the core of their vocation. After formal formation, that is postulancy, novitiate and temporal formation, interests for mission shifts to a more independent and self-oriented life. Eventually, with perpetual profession, most of the times, members are aloof to community activities and programmes. The meaning of community life, service and mission are questioned. For some who may have the zeal to venture into a mission, sometimes it seems to me that there is some hidden interest. We find some members who overstay in the same position, doing the same thing, now and again, and may become inflexible to any changes or transfers as a result. It is hoped that this study will provoke searching souls and formators, leadership and all the members of the congregation, especially in the regions mentioned, to evaluate the meaning of a vocation and mission. In the process of all these discoveries, there is need to establish the fact that formation is actually the work of the Holy Spirit. If from the very beginning, candidates know what they are up to and who it is that they respond to, the zeal for mission would be kept alive not only in the diverse and strenuous cultural demands, but also in those moments when feelings of uncertainty overwhelm them. Whether in communities where they are familiar or not, they will still respond with intent to that which they are called to. This may even be an opening to respond to the needs of time and missions where the sisters may be needed, both within the countries they serve as well as places that may be completely new. On the whole, the aspect of formation is not only in designated houses of formation. For this reason, this work challenges all members to become aware of the fact that the project of formation for mature mission is everybody’s responsibility. The work of formation is not limited to a postulant, novice or directress. It is ongoing, and each professed member, just like those in initial formation, has a duty to lead by example, and take a firm, but sisterly interest in journeying with others, responsibly. Besides, all members of the Dominican community are not at any time to think that they are better off than those who may join after them. Equally, members are all pilgrims to the full knowledge of the self, and deepening of their relationship with God; to be companions and responsible for one another. In fact, formation for the real members of Christ is an ongoing process which much more proceeds through life in the community than in the formation houses.