Society
Of The Divine Word

Message from the Dean

This has been both an exciting and busy year at the house of formation of the Divine Word Missionaries.

Welcome to the December edition of Journeying in Faith 2024, our established journal dedicated to the exploration and discourse of theology. In these pages, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive platform where students can delve into the rich tapestry of religious thought, engage in critical analysis, and share their unique perspectives.

The study of theology is a journey – a quest to understand the divine, the sacred texts, and the profound questions that have intrigued humanity for centuries. This journey is not just an academic pursuit; it is a deeply personal and transformative experience that shapes our worldview, ethics, and sense of purpose.

In this December edition, we explore a diverse array of topics, each article reflecting the passion and scholarly rigor of our contributors. From the ancient wisdom of the scriptures to contemporary theological debates, our writers challenge us to think deeply and reflect on the relevance of world.

One of the core missions of the Dorish Maru Community of religious missionary formation of the Divine Word Missionaries is to foster an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect. In a world often divided by differing beliefs and ideologies, we believe that constructive conversation is essential. Through respectful engagement with different perspectives, we can deepen our understanding and build bridges across divides.

One of the reasons why Dorish Maru, as the house of formation of the Divine Word Missionaries, has been successful over the years is its collaborative partnerships and relationships at an international level and beyond.

This year the seminarians of Dorish Maru College undertook three-hourly weekly sessions entitled: Effective Communications with Dr Cecilia FranciscoTan. The reflections in this volume are the result of the multi-faceted work to engage students with understanding holistic communication as integral to authentic mission. The pieces, ranging from academic essays, personal reflections, prayers, and poems are a sample reflection of the challenging creative, and many times demanding work of moving towards authentic communication always with mission in mind. The main goal is to develop good critical theological understanding via a variety of speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills.

As a Province, we have embarked upon the synodal journey process, which has helped us think through what we do well, what we could do differently, and what we could do better in the months and years to come as a religious missionary order for a missioncentered Church.

On behalf of all the formators at Dorish Maru, we thank you for your continued support and encouragement of the work that we do in preparing future Divine Word Missionaries for world mission. We could not do what we do without you. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, invite us to visit your parishes, and encourage prospective candidates in your local parishes – especially those considering a religious missionary vocation – to come and see.

As you navigate through the articles, we invite you to ponder the questions raised, engage with the arguments presented, and contribute your own voice to this ongoing conversation. Whether you are a seasoned theologian or a curious novice, there is something here for everyone.

Theological inquiry demands courage – the courage to question, to doubt, and to seek truth even when it challenges our preconceived notions. It requires humility, acknowledging that our understanding is always limited and that there is always more to learn. And it necessitates a commitment to the pursuit of wisdom, recognising that the journey itself is as important as the destination.

We are immensely proud of the work our contributors have done, and we are excited to share their insights with you. We hope that this journal will inspire you to embark on your own theological journey, to ask bold questions, and to seek deeper understanding.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure. I wish you and yours blessed Advent and Christmas seasons. Thank you for your ongoing support of the work we do at Dorish Maru Theological House of Formation of the Divine Word Missionaries.

Together, let us explore the boundless horizons of theology and discover the profound truths that await.

In the Word, Albano Da Costa SVD