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 Scalabrini 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. Four courses are compulsory (MTP 01, 04, 12 and 13) while one subject 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 2010 and end in October 2010. The tuition fees for the Certificate program are Php 28,000 (around USD600)

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 2009-2010MTP01  

MTP03 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.

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.

MTP12 MIGRATION AND JUSTICE

Graziano Battistella, cs  

The course examines some of the ethical questions which arise from migration and to see what contribution the Christian social ethics tradition offers to migration management. In particular, the category of justice will be utilized as a promising development in social ethics. The course will focus, among others, on the perennial tension between the prerogative of the State to manage migration and the aspiration to migrate as an expression of the right to a more humane life. This tension is studied in the light of international law and the position of some ethical traditions. The development in the concept of justice, in particular distributive justice, is then considered, as well as the contribution of the concept of justice in the Christian tradition, to offer some elements for a more humane management of migration.

MTP13  PASTORAL CARE OF MIGRANTS

Nilo Tanalega, sj  

The course focuses on the psycho-social interventions and pastoral care of migrant workers and their families. The targeted population will be sorted out together with their all important issues for well-being, even as they are physically and emotionally separated from their own family members. The available interventions will be critiqued, and the class will explore other possible and effective service and care of them, both in their country of origin and job destinations.  Derivation for personal strategies and plans of assistance in psychological, social and spiritual fields will be derived and evaluated at the end of the course.

ELECTIVES  

Theo 274/MTP11 Asian Church History (F. Guillen, sch.p.)  

MTP14 Theology of Ministry (J. Chang, sj)  

Sp89/Theo 289/MTP16 Pastoral Psychology and Counseling (T. Gonzales, sj)

Sp89/Theo 289/MTP17Pastoral Psychology and Counseling (C. J. Gavino, M.A. and J.A. Moraleda, cssr)

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