STUDIUM THEOLOGICUM SALESIANUMThe Salesian Pontifical University's Jerusalem Campus of the Faculty of Theology, Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS) carries on the academic tradition of the former Salesian Centre for Theological Studies established in Bethlehem (1929), then transferred to Tantur (1949), to Cremisan (1957) and to Jerusalem in September 2004. It is located a short 20 minute walk from the Old City of Jerusalem.

The goal of the STS is to promote the study of a deeper understanding of the mystery of Christ, as proposed by divine revelation and as interpreted by the teaching authority of the Church. This study centre aims particularly at the theological formation of candidates to the priesthood.

The STS offers a four-year Pontifical Bachelor's Degree in Theology. The STS follows a two semester system (September-January and February-June). In addition to students who do the regular four-year degree program, STS welcomes students who want to study a selection of courses in theology. The lay and religious students and faculty come from various religious orders and congregations and rites within the Catholic Church. You can get to know us better at www.jerusalem.unisal.it. We also have a well furnished, computerized library containing over 36,000 volumes and close to 100 periodicals in various languages - the majority being in English, Italian and French. You can check our library catalogue on our website.

You can contact us at secretary@jerusalem.unisal.it

www.jerusalem.unisal.itSTS

Dear Friends,

This year, the Studium Theologicum Salesianum is blessed to have ten graduates who will be ordained priests and work in ten different countries. We congratulate each of them and wish them well for the work they will be entrusted in the vineyard of the Lord.

We thank all our friends and well-wishers for their support and encouragement throughout this year. You can read in the pages of this newsletter the STS activities carried out in the past months. The coming months are going to provide opportunities to balance our intellectual efforts with pastoral experience. The new academic year will begin in the third week of September.

KEEP LEARNING!At the beginning of the current academic year, we reflected on the importance of learning to say, “I don't know”. The humility to say, “I don't know” is a prerequisite for learning. When one realizes that one does not know something, there is usually an effort to learn more. It propels one to engage in study and discussion. However, in the search for knowledge and truth, the desire to learn should be accompanied by a keen eye for details. This means going beyond appearances to investigate our current knowledge with care. If we stop learning and searching, thinking that we already know everything that is there to know, we stand the risk of missing the great opportunities of life.

In the Gospels, we have examples of obstinacy to go beyond one's current knowledge.

When Jesus says he is come down from heaven, they refuse to believe based on their current knowledge. “They said, 'Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven? (Jn 6:42).

Another similar situation is presented when the people reject Jesus in his own city because they think they know all about him. “Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?' And they took offence at him: But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house' (Mt 13:55-57).

The apostle Nathaniel (Bartholomew) was a contrast to this. His current knowledge told him that nothing good could come from Nazareth (cf. Jn 1:45-46)! Nevertheless, he was willing to go and check. That changed his life. He met God in Jesus.

The second attitude to cultivate is to use our knowledge for our own good and salvation and to help others.

In the Gospels, we find examples of people who are experts, who prefer to remain as pure experts without taking the great opportunity to meet and experience God. When the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, King Herod called together the chief priests and scribes of the people who were experts and were able to clearly indicate Bethlehem as the place where the Christ, the messiah was to be born.

The magi were the truly wise men. They were experts too. However, they did not stay with their knowledge, but sought help to move forward. They consulted Herod and his wise men. Their search changed their lives. They met God in Jesus.

Let us imitate Nathaniel who challenged his current knowledge and through personal experience of the truth was transformed. Let us imitate the magi who were also transformed by their search and encounter with the truth. Let us grasp every opportunity for learning. Let our learning lead us to meet and recognize God in our daily experiences and to reach out to help those around us.

Rev. Dr Biju Michael, SDBPresident/PrincipalStudium Theologicum SalesianumSalesian Pontifical University, Faculty of Theology, Jerusalem Campus

President’s Message

|03

CONTENTS

President's Message 03

News 04

Seminars and Conferences 08

Book Presentations 09

Masters Degree 10

STS Graduates 11

Closing of Academic Year 17

Departing Professors 19

Art of Celebrating Liturgy 20

New Book 22

02| June 2015

STUDIUM THEOLOGICUM SALESIANUMThe Salesian Pontifical University's Jerusalem Campus of the Faculty of Theology, Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS) carries on the academic tradition of the former Salesian Centre for Theological Studies established in Bethlehem (1929), then transferred to Tantur (1949), to Cremisan (1957) and to Jerusalem in September 2004. It is located a short 20 minute walk from the Old City of Jerusalem.

The goal of the STS is to promote the study of a deeper understanding of the mystery of Christ, as proposed by divine revelation and as interpreted by the teaching authority of the Church. This study centre aims particularly at the theological formation of candidates to the priesthood.

The STS offers a four-year Pontifical Bachelor's Degree in Theology. The STS follows a two semester system (September-January and February-June). In addition to students who do the regular four-year degree program, STS welcomes students who want to study a selection of courses in theology. The lay and religious students and faculty come from various religious orders and congregations and rites within the Catholic Church. You can get to know us better at www.jerusalem.unisal.it. We also have a well furnished, computerized library containing over 36,000 volumes and close to 100 periodicals in various languages - the majority being in English, Italian and French. You can check our library catalogue on our website.

You can contact us at secretary@jerusalem.unisal.it

www.jerusalem.unisal.itSTS

Dear Friends,

This year, the Studium Theologicum Salesianum is blessed to have ten graduates who will be ordained priests and work in ten different countries. We congratulate each of them and wish them well for the work they will be entrusted in the vineyard of the Lord.

We thank all our friends and well-wishers for their support and encouragement throughout this year. You can read in the pages of this newsletter the STS activities carried out in the past months. The coming months are going to provide opportunities to balance our intellectual efforts with pastoral experience. The new academic year will begin in the third week of September.

KEEP LEARNING!At the beginning of the current academic year, we reflected on the importance of learning to say, “I don't know”. The humility to say, “I don't know” is a prerequisite for learning. When one realizes that one does not know something, there is usually an effort to learn more. It propels one to engage in study and discussion. However, in the search for knowledge and truth, the desire to learn should be accompanied by a keen eye for details. This means going beyond appearances to investigate our current knowledge with care. If we stop learning and searching, thinking that we already know everything that is there to know, we stand the risk of missing the great opportunities of life.

In the Gospels, we have examples of obstinacy to go beyond one's current knowledge.

When Jesus says he is come down from heaven, they refuse to believe based on their current knowledge. “They said, 'Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven? (Jn 6:42).

Another similar situation is presented when the people reject Jesus in his own city because they think they know all about him. “Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?' And they took offence at him: But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house' (Mt 13:55-57).

The apostle Nathaniel (Bartholomew) was a contrast to this. His current knowledge told him that nothing good could come from Nazareth (cf. Jn 1:45-46)! Nevertheless, he was willing to go and check. That changed his life. He met God in Jesus.

The second attitude to cultivate is to use our knowledge for our own good and salvation and to help others.

In the Gospels, we find examples of people who are experts, who prefer to remain as pure experts without taking the great opportunity to meet and experience God. When the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, King Herod called together the chief priests and scribes of the people who were experts and were able to clearly indicate Bethlehem as the place where the Christ, the messiah was to be born.

The magi were the truly wise men. They were experts too. However, they did not stay with their knowledge, but sought help to move forward. They consulted Herod and his wise men. Their search changed their lives. They met God in Jesus.

Let us imitate Nathaniel who challenged his current knowledge and through personal experience of the truth was transformed. Let us imitate the magi who were also transformed by their search and encounter with the truth. Let us grasp every opportunity for learning. Let our learning lead us to meet and recognize God in our daily experiences and to reach out to help those around us.

Rev. Dr Biju Michael, SDBPresident/PrincipalStudium Theologicum SalesianumSalesian Pontifical University, Faculty of Theology, Jerusalem Campus

President’s Message

|03

CONTENTS

President's Message 03

News 04

Seminars and Conferences 08

Book Presentations 09

Masters Degree 10

STS Graduates 11

Closing of Academic Year 17

Departing Professors 19

Art of Celebrating Liturgy 20

New Book 22

02| June 2015

NEWS

|05STS

MEETING WITH THE GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHReport by Br. Javier Orengo, SDB

On the morning of March 12, 2015, the staff and student body of the STS made a very special visit to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem to interact with the Patriarch, his Beatitude Theophilos III. We had the chance to see the beautiful interior residence of the Patriarch. The Successor of St. James, the first Bishop of Jerusalem personally received us. His Beatitude took more than two hours to give us an elaborate history and the importance of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It was a great honor and enlightening to listen to the frank expressions of “the Patriarch” who is the also the head of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher founded by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine.

According to his Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem has witnessed and endured countless changes in the course of the history of the Holy City for the past 2,000 years. Through the relentless efforts and diplomacy of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, constant Christian presence has been guaranteed in the Holy Land. The Covenant of Umar agreed between Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and the Patriarch Sophronius of Jerusalem in 637 assured the safety of Christians during the time of Muslim rule of the Holy City. “The Patriarchate” showed us a copy of that Covenant. The Patriarchate, his Beatitude added, “has always acted timely and successfully in defending and safeguarding the Holy places in the Holy Land”. Through the many different occupations of the Holy Land, the

Patriarchate has fervently provided both pastoral and economic care for its Christian communities throughout the territories of modern day Israel, Palestine and Jordan.

In the present time, the Patriarchate continues to be an important Christian institution, respected by the state of Israel and Palestine. It is a point of reference for the welfare of the Holy Places and the Old City of Jerusalem. It serves as a “buffer zone” in the relationship between Israel and Palestine. The Patriarchate is engaged in ecumenical reflection with the Latin Church. Overall, it has preserved the tradition and cultural heritage of Christians in the Middle East.

Having schooled us on the historicity of the Patriarchate, his Beatitude gave room for questions and further interactions. He answered several questions regarding the structure and function of the clerical system of the Patriarchate, the challenges of ecumenical dialogue and the plight of Christians in the Middle East in the wake of current persecutions.

At the end of the encounter, Bro. James Raj and Fr. Biju Michael, the President of the STS, expressed their profound appreciation to the Patriarch on behalf of the STS. Both guest and host exchanged gifts. The Patriarch generously gave each student a beautiful icon of our Blessed Mother. Altogether, our experience with the Patriarch has helped us enormously and given us the needed material for a continual reflection on the importance of ecumenical dialogue in the wider perspective. It was indeed a real treasure to have had a direct contact with such an important Christian tradition, the Greek Orthodox Church, here in the Holy Land.

A VISIT TO SOME REFUGEE CAMPS IN PALESTINEReport by Carmel Myrthong

The students of the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem Campus, had the rare opportunity to visit some Palestinian Refugee Camps. In two groups, the students and staff were led by residents of the camps, through the AIDA and Dheisheh camps in Palestine on the 25th of March 2015. In the first part of one group's meeting, the director of the Aida Camp Mr. Salaah, gave us a warm welcome and schooled us on the brief history of the Camp. According to him, the camp began way back in 1948 when the state of Israel was being created. The creation process resulted in the displacement of a large percentage of the Palestinian population. Shortly after the director's briefing, we began our tour of the Camp.

Our tour around the camp furnished us with the rest of the practical information of the Camp and helped us to understand the conditions in which the refugees live. As we went around the camp, our guide gave us further details regarding the history of the first flight of the refugees leading to the final establishment of the Camp. We discovered from his narrations, how horrific it was during the fleeing of the people from their different villages and the harsh conditions they consequently endured in the first tent-camps.

At the time the refugees received help from the UNO. The condition of the people in the camp is an eye sore. They live in congested space and receive intermittent supply of water and electricity. The water they receive is said to be of poor quality resulting in the upsurge of water related-diseases such as diarrhea, abdominal pains among others. We gathered that the general economic poverty evident in the camp, coupled w i th p o l i t i c a l r e l a t ed problems endanger the lives of the refugees of the Camp all the time. By political

regulations, the refugees are restricted from moving outside Palestine, we further learned.

Notwithstanding the precarious situations, we were informed that the refugees, not being utterly discouraged, work hard to make ends meet. They strive within their limits to educate their kids and to forge ahead in life.

What, however remains an enigma to us, is the fact that the refugees remain as such in their own land. May the God of Love and Mercy bring them hope, justice and happiness.

04| June 2015

NEWS

|05STS

MEETING WITH THE GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHReport by Br. Javier Orengo, SDB

On the morning of March 12, 2015, the staff and student body of the STS made a very special visit to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem to interact with the Patriarch, his Beatitude Theophilos III. We had the chance to see the beautiful interior residence of the Patriarch. The Successor of St. James, the first Bishop of Jerusalem personally received us. His Beatitude took more than two hours to give us an elaborate history and the importance of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It was a great honor and enlightening to listen to the frank expressions of “the Patriarch” who is the also the head of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher founded by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine.

According to his Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem has witnessed and endured countless changes in the course of the history of the Holy City for the past 2,000 years. Through the relentless efforts and diplomacy of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, constant Christian presence has been guaranteed in the Holy Land. The Covenant of Umar agreed between Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and the Patriarch Sophronius of Jerusalem in 637 assured the safety of Christians during the time of Muslim rule of the Holy City. “The Patriarchate” showed us a copy of that Covenant. The Patriarchate, his Beatitude added, “has always acted timely and successfully in defending and safeguarding the Holy places in the Holy Land”. Through the many different occupations of the Holy Land, the

Patriarchate has fervently provided both pastoral and economic care for its Christian communities throughout the territories of modern day Israel, Palestine and Jordan.

In the present time, the Patriarchate continues to be an important Christian institution, respected by the state of Israel and Palestine. It is a point of reference for the welfare of the Holy Places and the Old City of Jerusalem. It serves as a “buffer zone” in the relationship between Israel and Palestine. The Patriarchate is engaged in ecumenical reflection with the Latin Church. Overall, it has preserved the tradition and cultural heritage of Christians in the Middle East.

Having schooled us on the historicity of the Patriarchate, his Beatitude gave room for questions and further interactions. He answered several questions regarding the structure and function of the clerical system of the Patriarchate, the challenges of ecumenical dialogue and the plight of Christians in the Middle East in the wake of current persecutions.

At the end of the encounter, Bro. James Raj and Fr. Biju Michael, the President of the STS, expressed their profound appreciation to the Patriarch on behalf of the STS. Both guest and host exchanged gifts. The Patriarch generously gave each student a beautiful icon of our Blessed Mother. Altogether, our experience with the Patriarch has helped us enormously and given us the needed material for a continual reflection on the importance of ecumenical dialogue in the wider perspective. It was indeed a real treasure to have had a direct contact with such an important Christian tradition, the Greek Orthodox Church, here in the Holy Land.

A VISIT TO SOME REFUGEE CAMPS IN PALESTINEReport by Carmel Myrthong

The students of the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem Campus, had the rare opportunity to visit some Palestinian Refugee Camps. In two groups, the students and staff were led by residents of the camps, through the AIDA and Dheisheh camps in Palestine on the 25th of March 2015. In the first part of one group's meeting, the director of the Aida Camp Mr. Salaah, gave us a warm welcome and schooled us on the brief history of the Camp. According to him, the camp began way back in 1948 when the state of Israel was being created. The creation process resulted in the displacement of a large percentage of the Palestinian population. Shortly after the director's briefing, we began our tour of the Camp.

Our tour around the camp furnished us with the rest of the practical information of the Camp and helped us to understand the conditions in which the refugees live. As we went around the camp, our guide gave us further details regarding the history of the first flight of the refugees leading to the final establishment of the Camp. We discovered from his narrations, how horrific it was during the fleeing of the people from their different villages and the harsh conditions they consequently endured in the first tent-camps.

At the time the refugees received help from the UNO. The condition of the people in the camp is an eye sore. They live in congested space and receive intermittent supply of water and electricity. The water they receive is said to be of poor quality resulting in the upsurge of water related-diseases such as diarrhea, abdominal pains among others. We gathered that the general economic poverty evident in the camp, coupled w i th p o l i t i c a l r e l a t ed problems endanger the lives of the refugees of the Camp all the time. By political

regulations, the refugees are restricted from moving outside Palestine, we further learned.

Notwithstanding the precarious situations, we were informed that the refugees, not being utterly discouraged, work hard to make ends meet. They strive within their limits to educate their kids and to forge ahead in life.

What, however remains an enigma to us, is the fact that the refugees remain as such in their own land. May the God of Love and Mercy bring them hope, justice and happiness.

04| June 2015

|07STS

experience. For each trip is made to return home. This desert experience has been a Eucharistic celebration of thanksgiving: a g i f t of ourselves to God and to our traveling companions.

Report by Romero D' Souza SDB

In honour of the Bicentenary of Don Bosco's Birth, on Wednesday 29th of April 2015 the staff and students of STS had a Football Tournament. It was an initiative of the Student Assembly of the STS, under the leadership of the Student Representative, Tomasz Sage. The entertaining event kicked off at 2:30 pm as scheduled in the Sacher Park in Jerusalem. Four teams were formed (A, B, C, D). Each team played against the other teams to determine the overall winner based on the point system (Loss – 0, Draw – 1, Win – 3). All throughout the games, we had supporters cheering their respective teams. This brought in not only liveliness and enthusiasm to the players but to every participating member. A special mention is to be made to the sole referee for all the games Deacon, Phat Tran Ngoc who did a

commendable work. There were refreshments served at the games thanks to the generosity of the STS Economer. At the end of the day, Team D emerged overall winners of the tournament with 5 points.

It was indeed a day of fun and as Don Bosco would say, “Run, Jump, Play but do not Sin”, we ran, we jumped and we enjoyed every bit of the tournament. The hallmark of the day was indeed fraternal togetherness and time spent in sharing with each other the talents and meaningful encounter of each other's presence. Viva Don Bosco!!! Viva STS!!!

STS FOOTBALL MATCH 2015 - BICENTENARY OF DON BOSCO'S BIRTH

MAKE THE DESERT BLOOMExperiencing the Judean Desert and the Dead SeaReport by Br. Paolo Negrini, SDB

I still have in my eyes the pure beauty that only the solitude of the desert is able to give. We walk in the desert as outsiders since we do not belong to that environment; but, somehow, spiritually all of us are born there. There, we are called to return so as to comprehend intimately that being free is to possess only the love of God and to be his sons and daughters.

You have to go through the desert and live there to experience the grace of God. It is there that we can drive away from ourselves all that is not God and empty the little house of our soul in order to reserve the place for God alone ... The Israelites were in the desert; Moses lived there before receiving his mission; St. Paul came from Damascus to spend three years in the Arabah; St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom prepared their vocations in the desert ... The desert is essential; it is a place and a time of grace. It is a period through which every soul who bears fruit must pass. It needs this silence, this recollection.

A group of us, students of the STS, led by Fr Biju, the Principal, together with other staff members took some time off and had a wonderful experience in the desert. Starting off on our journey in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7, our destination was the piece of desert that embraces the Dead Sea to the east and the peaks from beneath the imposing stronghold of Masada to the south. As soon as we reached the camp site and pitched tents, we dedicated our time to prayer, communal and personal, as if tuning our hearts and souls to the presence of God, in a place that touches us deeply: the land that sustains, the spirit

06| June 2015

that gives life and the sun that burns even within us. The evening was spent around a generous BBQ roasting on a scout fire with dancing and singing to the rhythm of joy under a sky studded with stars.

The night was spent in tents or the open air, watching the starry night, with the wind caressing us as if singing a lullaby and rocking us until the dawn of a new day. Watching the sun rise with its rays striking the Dead Sea was a once in a lifetime spectacle. After breakfast, the group, sustained by a prudent supply of water, courageously trekked through the wadi (valley) of the desert under a sun that gave no respite but with only the hope of filling the eyes with the saving beauty in front of us. The Mass, celebrated at midmorning, set the tone and gave impetus to our continuing the journey. The afternoon saw us going to Ein Bokek for a swim in the Dead Sea and a little relaxation.

The journey home was accompanied by tiredness but we were filled with much joy from this unique

|07STS

experience. For each trip is made to return home. This desert experience has been a Eucharistic celebration of thanksgiving: a g i f t of ourselves to God and to our traveling companions.

Report by Romero D' Souza SDB

In honour of the Bicentenary of Don Bosco's Birth, on Wednesday 29th of April 2015 the staff and students of STS had a Football Tournament. It was an initiative of the Student Assembly of the STS, under the leadership of the Student Representative, Tomasz Sage. The entertaining event kicked off at 2:30 pm as scheduled in the Sacher Park in Jerusalem. Four teams were formed (A, B, C, D). Each team played against the other teams to determine the overall winner based on the point system (Loss – 0, Draw – 1, Win – 3). All throughout the games, we had supporters cheering their respective teams. This brought in not only liveliness and enthusiasm to the players but to every participating member. A special mention is to be made to the sole referee for all the games Deacon, Phat Tran Ngoc who did a

commendable work. There were refreshments served at the games thanks to the generosity of the STS Economer. At the end of the day, Team D emerged overall winners of the tournament with 5 points.

It was indeed a day of fun and as Don Bosco would say, “Run, Jump, Play but do not Sin”, we ran, we jumped and we enjoyed every bit of the tournament. The hallmark of the day was indeed fraternal togetherness and time spent in sharing with each other the talents and meaningful encounter of each other's presence. Viva Don Bosco!!! Viva STS!!!

STS FOOTBALL MATCH 2015 - BICENTENARY OF DON BOSCO'S BIRTH

MAKE THE DESERT BLOOMExperiencing the Judean Desert and the Dead SeaReport by Br. Paolo Negrini, SDB

I still have in my eyes the pure beauty that only the solitude of the desert is able to give. We walk in the desert as outsiders since we do not belong to that environment; but, somehow, spiritually all of us are born there. There, we are called to return so as to comprehend intimately that being free is to possess only the love of God and to be his sons and daughters.

You have to go through the desert and live there to experience the grace of God. It is there that we can drive away from ourselves all that is not God and empty the little house of our soul in order to reserve the place for God alone ... The Israelites were in the desert; Moses lived there before receiving his mission; St. Paul came from Damascus to spend three years in the Arabah; St. Jerome and St. John Chrysostom prepared their vocations in the desert ... The desert is essential; it is a place and a time of grace. It is a period through which every soul who bears fruit must pass. It needs this silence, this recollection.

A group of us, students of the STS, led by Fr Biju, the Principal, together with other staff members took some time off and had a wonderful experience in the desert. Starting off on our journey in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7, our destination was the piece of desert that embraces the Dead Sea to the east and the peaks from beneath the imposing stronghold of Masada to the south. As soon as we reached the camp site and pitched tents, we dedicated our time to prayer, communal and personal, as if tuning our hearts and souls to the presence of God, in a place that touches us deeply: the land that sustains, the spirit

06| June 2015

that gives life and the sun that burns even within us. The evening was spent around a generous BBQ roasting on a scout fire with dancing and singing to the rhythm of joy under a sky studded with stars.

The night was spent in tents or the open air, watching the starry night, with the wind caressing us as if singing a lullaby and rocking us until the dawn of a new day. Watching the sun rise with its rays striking the Dead Sea was a once in a lifetime spectacle. After breakfast, the group, sustained by a prudent supply of water, courageously trekked through the wadi (valley) of the desert under a sun that gave no respite but with only the hope of filling the eyes with the saving beauty in front of us. The Mass, celebrated at midmorning, set the tone and gave impetus to our continuing the journey. The afternoon saw us going to Ein Bokek for a swim in the Dead Sea and a little relaxation.

The journey home was accompanied by tiredness but we were filled with much joy from this unique

|09STS

The STS, on the 24th of March, 2015, had a book presentation of its first publication. The book, entitled “FORETASTE OF HEAVENLY L I T U R G Y: C O M M E M M O R AT I N G , C E L E B R AT I N G A N D L I V I N G . A n Anthropological, Theological and Liturgical Reflection on African Sub Saharan Music through Saint Augustine and Sacrosanctum Concilium” was presented by Fr. Wanjala Moses, Sdb it author. Fr. Wanjala Moses is a Ugandan Catholic Priest belonging to the Religious Congregation of the Salesians of Don Bosco, whose charism is to work with and for the young throughout the world. He has experience in the countries and cultures of Eastern Africa, especially in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, among others. He holds a B.A. Degree in Philosophy and Education, Sacred Theology and a Licentiate/M.A. Degree in Sacred Liturgy (LSL). He has been a Lecturer at Don Bosco Utume, Nairobi – Kenya and he is currently a Professor at Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Salesian Pontifical University, Faculty of Theology – Jerusalem Campus. He is working on his Doctorate.

In presenting his book, he gave a brief view of its content. He called it an attempt to respond to the call of the Council of Vatican II to a full, conscious and active participation in celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ. One of the ways to realize this participation is through music. Taking us briefly through the history of the Old Testament, Fr Moses noted that Israel's first cause of singing songs of praise to God was the event of their Salvation in the crossing of the Red Sea. For Christians, Christ's resurrection is a true Exodus song. Quoting Sacrosanctum Concilium 8, Fr Moses underscored the fact that through the celebration of the Pilgrim Church's liturgy, we foretaste the heavenly liturgy.

Divided into three parts, the first Chapter of the book focuses attention on African tradition: role of music in the life of Augustine and his conversion. This chapter treats the aesthetic-artistic value of music and dance in the African milieu and its educative, cultural and religious challenges. The chapter also deals with the role of music in St Augustine's conversion. Special mention is on the "Pick up and read" song which is

Khoulouris also touched on other important topics including the role of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch in the resolution of the numerous religious and political problems of the Holy Land.

Miss Anna Khoulouris asked the following two important questions and gave fitting answers to them: Can Eastern and Western Churches coexist like a symbiosis between two living organisms? What does it mean to be my brother's keeper in relation to religious tolerance?

In Miss Anna Khoulouris' view, hope lies in dialogue, because in the midst of conflicts and violence there is hope that people can live together in justice and peace. In dialogue, there is healing and reconciliation, because it requires one to accept blame humbly when one is at fault and to ask for pardon and forgiveness from the other. It is through dialogue that Eastern and Western Churches will no longer see each other as enemies, but as brothers in unity with Christ. At the end Miss Anna Khoulouris responded to a series of pertinent questions from her audience. It was an eye-opening learning experience about the Greek Orthodox Church.

The STS encourages students to read classic books on spiritual life, scriptures, or theology and to present to the student body what they have assimilated as a way to encourage and practice public speaking skills in a formal academic setting. This semester we had the rare opportunity of witnessing the presentation of the very author of the first book ever published by the STS.

BOOK PRESENTATIONS

FORETASTE OF HEAVENLY LITURGY: COMMEMMORATING, CELEBRATING AND LIVING. An Anthropological, Theological and Liturgical Reflection on African Sub Saharan Music through Saint Augustine and Sacrosanctum Concilium. By Fr. Moses Wanjala, SdbReport by Chege, Erastus Nduati, Sdb.

C O N F E R E N C E O N T H E GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH BY ANNA KOULOURIS Report by Andrea Lupi, SDB

The STS Faculty of Theology, Jerusalem offered a series of lectures and conferences on Oriental Churches during this academic year. In this series it was a privileged moment to attend a conference on the Greek Orthodox Church by Miss Anna Koulouris, a journalist and a specialist in Middle East Studies. She is an assistant in communications to His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, Jerusalem. She contributes to various publications.

Miss Anna Khoulouris's lecture featured three principal themes. Firstly, she discussed in detail, the historical dimension of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Secondly, she undertook to explain the Greek Orthodox liturgy in order to enable her audience to grasp to a better understanding of it. In her third theme, she painstakingly outlined some of the important strategies the Greek Orthodox Church has adopted over the years in overcoming some of the challenges of ecumenical dialogue. In addition to these three principal themes, Miss Anna

SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES BOOK PRESENTATIONS

08| June 2015

|09STS

The STS, on the 24th of March, 2015, had a book presentation of its first publication. The book, entitled “FORETASTE OF HEAVENLY L I T U R G Y: C O M M E M M O R AT I N G , C E L E B R AT I N G A N D L I V I N G . A n Anthropological, Theological and Liturgical Reflection on African Sub Saharan Music through Saint Augustine and Sacrosanctum Concilium” was presented by Fr. Wanjala Moses, Sdb it author. Fr. Wanjala Moses is a Ugandan Catholic Priest belonging to the Religious Congregation of the Salesians of Don Bosco, whose charism is to work with and for the young throughout the world. He has experience in the countries and cultures of Eastern Africa, especially in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, among others. He holds a B.A. Degree in Philosophy and Education, Sacred Theology and a Licentiate/M.A. Degree in Sacred Liturgy (LSL). He has been a Lecturer at Don Bosco Utume, Nairobi – Kenya and he is currently a Professor at Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Salesian Pontifical University, Faculty of Theology – Jerusalem Campus. He is working on his Doctorate.

In presenting his book, he gave a brief view of its content. He called it an attempt to respond to the call of the Council of Vatican II to a full, conscious and active participation in celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ. One of the ways to realize this participation is through music. Taking us briefly through the history of the Old Testament, Fr Moses noted that Israel's first cause of singing songs of praise to God was the event of their Salvation in the crossing of the Red Sea. For Christians, Christ's resurrection is a true Exodus song. Quoting Sacrosanctum Concilium 8, Fr Moses underscored the fact that through the celebration of the Pilgrim Church's liturgy, we foretaste the heavenly liturgy.

Divided into three parts, the first Chapter of the book focuses attention on African tradition: role of music in the life of Augustine and his conversion. This chapter treats the aesthetic-artistic value of music and dance in the African milieu and its educative, cultural and religious challenges. The chapter also deals with the role of music in St Augustine's conversion. Special mention is on the "Pick up and read" song which is

Khoulouris also touched on other important topics including the role of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch in the resolution of the numerous religious and political problems of the Holy Land.

Miss Anna Khoulouris asked the following two important questions and gave fitting answers to them: Can Eastern and Western Churches coexist like a symbiosis between two living organisms? What does it mean to be my brother's keeper in relation to religious tolerance?

In Miss Anna Khoulouris' view, hope lies in dialogue, because in the midst of conflicts and violence there is hope that people can live together in justice and peace. In dialogue, there is healing and reconciliation, because it requires one to accept blame humbly when one is at fault and to ask for pardon and forgiveness from the other. It is through dialogue that Eastern and Western Churches will no longer see each other as enemies, but as brothers in unity with Christ. At the end Miss Anna Khoulouris responded to a series of pertinent questions from her audience. It was an eye-opening learning experience about the Greek Orthodox Church.

The STS encourages students to read classic books on spiritual life, scriptures, or theology and to present to the student body what they have assimilated as a way to encourage and practice public speaking skills in a formal academic setting. This semester we had the rare opportunity of witnessing the presentation of the very author of the first book ever published by the STS.

BOOK PRESENTATIONS

FORETASTE OF HEAVENLY LITURGY: COMMEMMORATING, CELEBRATING AND LIVING. An Anthropological, Theological and Liturgical Reflection on African Sub Saharan Music through Saint Augustine and Sacrosanctum Concilium. By Fr. Moses Wanjala, SdbReport by Chege, Erastus Nduati, Sdb.

C O N F E R E N C E O N T H E GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH BY ANNA KOULOURIS Report by Andrea Lupi, SDB

The STS Faculty of Theology, Jerusalem offered a series of lectures and conferences on Oriental Churches during this academic year. In this series it was a privileged moment to attend a conference on the Greek Orthodox Church by Miss Anna Koulouris, a journalist and a specialist in Middle East Studies. She is an assistant in communications to His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, Jerusalem. She contributes to various publications.

Miss Anna Khoulouris's lecture featured three principal themes. Firstly, she discussed in detail, the historical dimension of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Secondly, she undertook to explain the Greek Orthodox liturgy in order to enable her audience to grasp to a better understanding of it. In her third theme, she painstakingly outlined some of the important strategies the Greek Orthodox Church has adopted over the years in overcoming some of the challenges of ecumenical dialogue. In addition to these three principal themes, Miss Anna

SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES BOOK PRESENTATIONS

08| June 2015

|11STS

said to have created a liaison between music and the Divine Order, a phenomenon that produced a special effect on St Augustine.

The second Chapter treats the “New Song of St. Augustine" which centers on reflections on the Mystery of music in the Eucharist with special emphasis on the Exsultet on Paschal Sunday as well as the character of faith and music in the Christian community. In the third Chapter entitled "Commemorating, Celebrating and Living" the "Lord's Day in Africa" through Music, Fr Moses investigates the anthropological aspects of liturgical music namely, the individual, society, culture and religious-catechetical and sacramental dimensions of faith in Liturgy.

Fr Moses teaches in his book that Paschal music is Christological because Christ is our Passover Lamb. It is Pneumatological since Christ is the

source of the Spirit, Ecclesial-sacramental since the Church finds its origin and strength in Easter and Eschatological as it is an anticipation of the new life through Christ's Parousia. The journey of our search for God begins with Him, who calls the human person to follow Christ, from within his own cultural context through the invitation of the Scriptures to commemorate and celebrate the life of Christ in the Liturgy.

Through music, the African cultural community, is gradually formed by the fusion of voices and hearts that search and strive to eliminate differences be they age, origin, class or social condition so as to pave the way for reunion of all creation into the One Creator. Fr Moses concluded his book presentation by responding to a series of questions from his audience.

BACCALAUREATE

Kizhakkarakkattu Denny Georgedefends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Vladimir Plasek

The Baccalaureate exam of Kizhakkarakkattu George Denny (belonging to the Chur Diocese of Switzerland and native of India) was held on 28th May 2015 at 15.00 at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem Campus of the Salesian Pontifical University. The theme of his synthesis was: “HEAVEN AS THE FULFILMENT OF CHRISTIAN LIFE: GOD PREDESTINES US FOR SALVATION; ASKS OUR ACTIVE RESPONSE IN FOLLOWING CHRIST; OFFERS A FORETASTE AND A PLEDGE IN THE SACRAMENTS;

PRESENTS A COMMUNION WITH THE HOLY TRINITY AND THE SAINTS IN THE NEW

Deacon Habib Sandy defends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Finansius Sidabutar

Deacon Sandy Habib, obtained the Pontifical Bachelor Degree in Theology from Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem, campus of the Salesian Pontifical University. He successfully defended his synthesis on, "FOR I DESIRE KHESED AND NOT SACRIFICE:" READING THEOLOGY THROUGH THE GLASSES OF KHESED. The examining commission composed of The Principal Rev. Dr. Biju Michael, the tutor Rev. Dr. Eric Wyckof, and the reader Rev. Dr. William Russell.

In Deacon Sandy's own words: “The Biblical Hebrew concept of khesed defies translation. In English, it is glossed by some as love, by others as mercy, and by yet others as loyalty, faithfulness, or loving-kindness. I argue that this concept refers to a good act gratuitously done by someone for another, and I demonstrate how God's creation act, miracles, law, incarnation, and paschal mystery, together with the seven sacraments and the Church's mission can all be viewed as acts of khesed.”

Deacon Sandy began his presentation by explaining the meaning of keshed. Khesed is a biblical term. It can be explained as a good action that some one gratuitously does for another without expecting anything in return. Khesed is one of the chief characteristics of God. In Exodus 34:6, God describes himself as being merciful and abounding in khesed. Deacon Sandy demonstrated how Old Testament and New Testament events can be seen and understood in the light of Khesed. Creation along with some other events in the OT can be seen as acts of khesed, whose source is God. The creation of human beings can be regarded as khesed. God did not need to create human beings. God did that out of pure love. The giving of the Law is khesed. NT is abounding with acts of khesed. The Incarnation of the Son, as the Word of God become flesh is an act of khesed (Jn 1-18). The incarnation is one of the highest acts of khesed because owing to this act, the paschal mystery was made possible. The seven signs that Jesus worked, gratuitously to help a person or a group of people, can be seen as acts of khesed. Deacon Sandy concluded his presentation by showing how the Church is an institute and a channel of khesed, through the Sacraments and through its mission. The seven sacraments can be viewed as acts of khesed. A sacrament is a visible sign through which the triune God gratuitously reaches out to us.

After the presentation, the commission members asked Deacon Sandy some questions. He systematically and successfully answered all the questions. The tutor and the reader appreciated very much his synthesis. Deacon Sandy belongs to a Maronite Diocese in the Holy Land.

Jerusalem, Tuesday 26 May 2015.Rev. Fr. Vincent John Bosco, sdb successfully

defended his thesis on, “The Christology of John of Damascus and his encounter with Islam and the modern

perspective of dialogue with Muslims” on 26 May 2015. The defense was held in the Academic Suite of the Salesian

Pontifical University’s Faculty of Theology, Jerusalem Campus. It was the first Master Degree Defense held at the

Campus in Jerusalem and the theme of the thesis was very apt as it dealt with St. John of Damascus who lived and died at San Saba

monastery which is not very far from the Campus. It was also auspicious that Archbishop Joseph Jules Zerey, the Greek Melkite

Catholic Patriarchal Vicar was present at the defense.

Rev. Prof. Mario Maritano, the moderator of the thesis, came from the headquarters of the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome to be present at the

defense. Rev. Prof. Pier Giorgio Gianazza was the reader and co-moderator. Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, the STS Principal was the president of the commission. The large

group of professors and students who attended the defense were treated to some very interesting presentation and discussion on St. John of Damascus’ ideas on Islam and

his teachings on salvation, ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, and Mariology. Rev. Fr. Vincent really exhibited his expertise and received great applause for his

responses to the questions posed by the commission.

On declaring Rev. Fr. Vincent, a Master of Theology, the principal of the STS, Fr. Biju Michael, pointed out the significance of this first Master Degree defense for the STS and

thanked the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, The Secretary General of the University and the Rector of the University for the arrangements made for this historic event. It is also significant from

the perspective of institutional growth that Fr. Vincent is among the first students of the STS who, together with Fr. Karol Kulpa are now on the staff of the STS.

MASTER D

EGREE

STS GRADUATES 2014-2015

10| June 2015

|11STS

said to have created a liaison between music and the Divine Order, a phenomenon that produced a special effect on St Augustine.

The second Chapter treats the “New Song of St. Augustine" which centers on reflections on the Mystery of music in the Eucharist with special emphasis on the Exsultet on Paschal Sunday as well as the character of faith and music in the Christian community. In the third Chapter entitled "Commemorating, Celebrating and Living" the "Lord's Day in Africa" through Music, Fr Moses investigates the anthropological aspects of liturgical music namely, the individual, society, culture and religious-catechetical and sacramental dimensions of faith in Liturgy.

Fr Moses teaches in his book that Paschal music is Christological because Christ is our Passover Lamb. It is Pneumatological since Christ is the

source of the Spirit, Ecclesial-sacramental since the Church finds its origin and strength in Easter and Eschatological as it is an anticipation of the new life through Christ's Parousia. The journey of our search for God begins with Him, who calls the human person to follow Christ, from within his own cultural context through the invitation of the Scriptures to commemorate and celebrate the life of Christ in the Liturgy.

Through music, the African cultural community, is gradually formed by the fusion of voices and hearts that search and strive to eliminate differences be they age, origin, class or social condition so as to pave the way for reunion of all creation into the One Creator. Fr Moses concluded his book presentation by responding to a series of questions from his audience.

BACCALAUREATE

Kizhakkarakkattu Denny Georgedefends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Vladimir Plasek

The Baccalaureate exam of Kizhakkarakkattu George Denny (belonging to the Chur Diocese of Switzerland and native of India) was held on 28th May 2015 at 15.00 at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem Campus of the Salesian Pontifical University. The theme of his synthesis was: “HEAVEN AS THE FULFILMENT OF CHRISTIAN LIFE: GOD PREDESTINES US FOR SALVATION; ASKS OUR ACTIVE RESPONSE IN FOLLOWING CHRIST; OFFERS A FORETASTE AND A PLEDGE IN THE SACRAMENTS;

PRESENTS A COMMUNION WITH THE HOLY TRINITY AND THE SAINTS IN THE NEW

Deacon Habib Sandy defends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Finansius Sidabutar

Deacon Sandy Habib, obtained the Pontifical Bachelor Degree in Theology from Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem, campus of the Salesian Pontifical University. He successfully defended his synthesis on, "FOR I DESIRE KHESED AND NOT SACRIFICE:" READING THEOLOGY THROUGH THE GLASSES OF KHESED. The examining commission composed of The Principal Rev. Dr. Biju Michael, the tutor Rev. Dr. Eric Wyckof, and the reader Rev. Dr. William Russell.

In Deacon Sandy's own words: “The Biblical Hebrew concept of khesed defies translation. In English, it is glossed by some as love, by others as mercy, and by yet others as loyalty, faithfulness, or loving-kindness. I argue that this concept refers to a good act gratuitously done by someone for another, and I demonstrate how God's creation act, miracles, law, incarnation, and paschal mystery, together with the seven sacraments and the Church's mission can all be viewed as acts of khesed.”

Deacon Sandy began his presentation by explaining the meaning of keshed. Khesed is a biblical term. It can be explained as a good action that some one gratuitously does for another without expecting anything in return. Khesed is one of the chief characteristics of God. In Exodus 34:6, God describes himself as being merciful and abounding in khesed. Deacon Sandy demonstrated how Old Testament and New Testament events can be seen and understood in the light of Khesed. Creation along with some other events in the OT can be seen as acts of khesed, whose source is God. The creation of human beings can be regarded as khesed. God did not need to create human beings. God did that out of pure love. The giving of the Law is khesed. NT is abounding with acts of khesed. The Incarnation of the Son, as the Word of God become flesh is an act of khesed (Jn 1-18). The incarnation is one of the highest acts of khesed because owing to this act, the paschal mystery was made possible. The seven signs that Jesus worked, gratuitously to help a person or a group of people, can be seen as acts of khesed. Deacon Sandy concluded his presentation by showing how the Church is an institute and a channel of khesed, through the Sacraments and through its mission. The seven sacraments can be viewed as acts of khesed. A sacrament is a visible sign through which the triune God gratuitously reaches out to us.

After the presentation, the commission members asked Deacon Sandy some questions. He systematically and successfully answered all the questions. The tutor and the reader appreciated very much his synthesis. Deacon Sandy belongs to a Maronite Diocese in the Holy Land.

Jerusalem, Tuesday 26 May 2015.Rev. Fr. Vincent John Bosco, sdb successfully

defended his thesis on, “The Christology of John of Damascus and his encounter with Islam and the modern

perspective of dialogue with Muslims” on 26 May 2015. The defense was held in the Academic Suite of the Salesian

Pontifical University’s Faculty of Theology, Jerusalem Campus. It was the first Master Degree Defense held at the

Campus in Jerusalem and the theme of the thesis was very apt as it dealt with St. John of Damascus who lived and died at San Saba

monastery which is not very far from the Campus. It was also auspicious that Archbishop Joseph Jules Zerey, the Greek Melkite

Catholic Patriarchal Vicar was present at the defense.

Rev. Prof. Mario Maritano, the moderator of the thesis, came from the headquarters of the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome to be present at the

defense. Rev. Prof. Pier Giorgio Gianazza was the reader and co-moderator. Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, the STS Principal was the president of the commission. The large

group of professors and students who attended the defense were treated to some very interesting presentation and discussion on St. John of Damascus’ ideas on Islam and

his teachings on salvation, ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, and Mariology. Rev. Fr. Vincent really exhibited his expertise and received great applause for his

responses to the questions posed by the commission.

On declaring Rev. Fr. Vincent, a Master of Theology, the principal of the STS, Fr. Biju Michael, pointed out the significance of this first Master Degree defense for the STS and

thanked the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, The Secretary General of the University and the Rector of the University for the arrangements made for this historic event. It is also significant from

the perspective of institutional growth that Fr. Vincent is among the first students of the STS who, together with Fr. Karol Kulpa are now on the staff of the STS.

MASTER D

EGREE

STS GRADUATES 2014-2015

10| June 2015

|13STS12| June 2015

Deacon Emmanuel George Phiri defends his Baccalaureate Synthesis DefenseReport by Br. Alemayehu Bedassa Tura, SDB

Rev. Deacon George Emmanuel is a Salesian of Don Bosco from Malawi. Today, Deacon George has successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis and obtained his Pontifical Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Studium Theologicum Salesianum here at the Jerusalem Campus of the Salesian Pontifical University. His topic was "The Paschal Mystery of the Incarnate and Risen Lord is shared by the Christian faithful and becomes the centre of Christian faith, worship and life". In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the

mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth (Eph 1:9-10). The review commission consisted of the president Rev. Dr. Biju Michael Biju SDB, his tutor Rev. Dr. Pier Giorgio Gianazza, SDB, and Rev. Dr. Gianni Caputa, SDB as the reader.

In Deacon George's own words: “This paper is an inspiration of my childhood questions that remained unanswered as concerning the real meaning of suffering and God's intervention in the human condition. I used to ask myself why is there suffering at all? How do I live as a Christian in a world in which suffering is inevitable as in natural disasters, deadly diseases, murder, torture and terrorism, injustice, war, racism and discrimination, death etc. What is the meaning of all this? Is there a possibility to talk about happiness in such a world? Well the first and persisting problem is that of evil as a result of Sin. The incarnate and risen Lord sent by the Father dwelt, lived, suffered, died and resurrected in order that

HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH.” The examining Commission was composed of the Principal Rev. Dr. Biju Michael, the Tutor Rev. Fr. William Russell and the Reader Rev. Fr. Moses Wanjala.

In Br. Denny's own words: “The topic of my thesis talks about the human salvation of God in Jesus Christ. I am interested in learning more about the final destiny of the human person. It is also important for me to know more about the teachings on Christ's second coming, and the manner in which salvation is brought about by the grace of God. The descriptions of heaven in the Holy Scriptures which I have read from my childhood onwards encouraged me to seek a greater understanding of these themes. Another reason for my interest has been some of the conversations which I had with friends who are not Christians but believers in other religions. These conversations made me think more deeply about what heaven and fulfillment really are, and what the Catholic faith ultimately means.”

Br. Denny divided his synthesis into four chapters. In the beginning of the presentation he expressed his main motivation for following his work and then he presented the main ideas. First he explained heaven and fulfillment, the core chapter of the whole work which leads to predestination. He then underlined the importance of sacraments through which we can foretaste eternal life.

The tutor appreciated the work and pointed out the need to pay greater attention to discipleship and things that could be done on the earth to get into heaven. Speaking of discipleship, Denny stressed the need to listen to the voice of God and to the voice of the poor and marginalized. He drew inspiration from Evangelii gaudium.

The reader underlined the variety and richness of the sources the candidate used for the work, especially review of the contemporary authors. He proposed a question on the relation between grace and predestination. Finally the commission head, Fr. Biju gave his concluding remark after examining Bro. Denny’s work from the moral and pastoral point of view and announced Denny a Bachelor of Theology Degree.

Denny is looking forward to diaconate ministry and priestly ordination in the Chur diocese in Switzerland.

man becomes a sharer in Divine nature (cf. Dei Verbum, 2). Hence temporal suffering is nothing as compared to the eternal happiness through the man and God, Jesus Christ.”

In his synthesis, Deacon George explained well his topic from the Christological, Mariological, Pastoral, Liturgical, Dogmatic, Patristic, Magisterial and Biblical point of views. He emphasized Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. He pointed out nicely the eternal covenant that God made with humanity from the very beginning in order to share in his divine love. This covenant received its fulfillment through the Paschal Mystery. Generally, he said that, the Church is born from the Passion of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the Church commemorates and participates in His Paschal mystery through the Seven Sacraments along with praise and worship until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who sent the Holy Spirit to guide and prepare the Bride (the Church) for the Bridegroom who is Jesus Himself.

Deacon George will be ordained to the priesthood on 27 June 2015 in his native Malawi

Baccalaureate Exam Of Rev. Deacon Hurtado Solis, Manuel

Deacon Hurtado Solis Manuel defended his synthesis today. The topic of his synthesis was “Know that I am with you, I will protect you wherever you go” (Gen. 28:15). God's presence in the Scripture, in Christ, in the Church, in the Sacraments and in the heart of humanity.

In Deacon Manuel's own words: “I have always asked myself, how is it possible that many people believe in God while others do not? Is there any God? How is it possible that many people hand over their lives to someone who is invisible and untouchable and others simply reject his existence? How strong is the presence of God in the lives of many? And, why are there people who feel this presence as

something evident and others feel nothing? Can we experience God's presence? If it is so, can we make God present? In order to answer these questions, I committed myself to try to demonstrate that God is present in today's world; that this presence is a real one; that it can be found if human beings look for it; that it can be useful because it can give meaning to suffering, evil, and death which have not been eliminated by all kinds of progress.”

He presented his work in three points in terms of God's presence throughout history of salvation starting from creation, all the way through incarnation, and today in the Church as continual presence of God in the world. He started with the question, “Why are there some people who believe in God and some who do not believe in God?” After that question, he went on to lay out the structure of his synthesis.

He structured the three chapters in a Trinitarian way. The first Chapter dealt with God's presence in the Scriptures, Old and New Testaments where God the Father and God Son are actively present. The second Chapter of his paper dealt with the incarnation of Jesus. In the same chapter, he talked about Mary in order for him and his readers to understand or have an idea about the incarnation of Jesus. For him, Incarnation cannot be understood without Mary. In the third chapter, he talked about God's presence in the sacraments and in the Church through the Holy Spirit. His concluding chapter talked about God's presence in the heart of humanity as Lumen Gentium number 4 says.

In his synthesis, there were three recurring themes or leitmotifs: creation, action and works, and temple, which represent God's actual presence. In terms of creation, God is the one who created everything out of nothing and this creation now is new in the person of Jesus Christ. In terms of action and work God created everything with the sound of his voice where God spoke the words and something great happened. The last leitmotif he spoke about was the temple in terms of God's presence in the temple and in the tent of meeting. The temple is not just symbolic but the place in which God is present in a special way. The temple is the dwelling place of God. The temple in the Old Testament would be replaced with

|13STS12| June 2015

Deacon Emmanuel George Phiri defends his Baccalaureate Synthesis DefenseReport by Br. Alemayehu Bedassa Tura, SDB

Rev. Deacon George Emmanuel is a Salesian of Don Bosco from Malawi. Today, Deacon George has successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis and obtained his Pontifical Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Studium Theologicum Salesianum here at the Jerusalem Campus of the Salesian Pontifical University. His topic was "The Paschal Mystery of the Incarnate and Risen Lord is shared by the Christian faithful and becomes the centre of Christian faith, worship and life". In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the

mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth (Eph 1:9-10). The review commission consisted of the president Rev. Dr. Biju Michael Biju SDB, his tutor Rev. Dr. Pier Giorgio Gianazza, SDB, and Rev. Dr. Gianni Caputa, SDB as the reader.

In Deacon George's own words: “This paper is an inspiration of my childhood questions that remained unanswered as concerning the real meaning of suffering and God's intervention in the human condition. I used to ask myself why is there suffering at all? How do I live as a Christian in a world in which suffering is inevitable as in natural disasters, deadly diseases, murder, torture and terrorism, injustice, war, racism and discrimination, death etc. What is the meaning of all this? Is there a possibility to talk about happiness in such a world? Well the first and persisting problem is that of evil as a result of Sin. The incarnate and risen Lord sent by the Father dwelt, lived, suffered, died and resurrected in order that

HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH.” The examining Commission was composed of the Principal Rev. Dr. Biju Michael, the Tutor Rev. Fr. William Russell and the Reader Rev. Fr. Moses Wanjala.

In Br. Denny's own words: “The topic of my thesis talks about the human salvation of God in Jesus Christ. I am interested in learning more about the final destiny of the human person. It is also important for me to know more about the teachings on Christ's second coming, and the manner in which salvation is brought about by the grace of God. The descriptions of heaven in the Holy Scriptures which I have read from my childhood onwards encouraged me to seek a greater understanding of these themes. Another reason for my interest has been some of the conversations which I had with friends who are not Christians but believers in other religions. These conversations made me think more deeply about what heaven and fulfillment really are, and what the Catholic faith ultimately means.”

Br. Denny divided his synthesis into four chapters. In the beginning of the presentation he expressed his main motivation for following his work and then he presented the main ideas. First he explained heaven and fulfillment, the core chapter of the whole work which leads to predestination. He then underlined the importance of sacraments through which we can foretaste eternal life.

The tutor appreciated the work and pointed out the need to pay greater attention to discipleship and things that could be done on the earth to get into heaven. Speaking of discipleship, Denny stressed the need to listen to the voice of God and to the voice of the poor and marginalized. He drew inspiration from Evangelii gaudium.

The reader underlined the variety and richness of the sources the candidate used for the work, especially review of the contemporary authors. He proposed a question on the relation between grace and predestination. Finally the commission head, Fr. Biju gave his concluding remark after examining Bro. Denny’s work from the moral and pastoral point of view and announced Denny a Bachelor of Theology Degree.

Denny is looking forward to diaconate ministry and priestly ordination in the Chur diocese in Switzerland.

man becomes a sharer in Divine nature (cf. Dei Verbum, 2). Hence temporal suffering is nothing as compared to the eternal happiness through the man and God, Jesus Christ.”

In his synthesis, Deacon George explained well his topic from the Christological, Mariological, Pastoral, Liturgical, Dogmatic, Patristic, Magisterial and Biblical point of views. He emphasized Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. He pointed out nicely the eternal covenant that God made with humanity from the very beginning in order to share in his divine love. This covenant received its fulfillment through the Paschal Mystery. Generally, he said that, the Church is born from the Passion of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the Church commemorates and participates in His Paschal mystery through the Seven Sacraments along with praise and worship until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who sent the Holy Spirit to guide and prepare the Bride (the Church) for the Bridegroom who is Jesus Himself.

Deacon George will be ordained to the priesthood on 27 June 2015 in his native Malawi

Baccalaureate Exam Of Rev. Deacon Hurtado Solis, Manuel

Deacon Hurtado Solis Manuel defended his synthesis today. The topic of his synthesis was “Know that I am with you, I will protect you wherever you go” (Gen. 28:15). God's presence in the Scripture, in Christ, in the Church, in the Sacraments and in the heart of humanity.

In Deacon Manuel's own words: “I have always asked myself, how is it possible that many people believe in God while others do not? Is there any God? How is it possible that many people hand over their lives to someone who is invisible and untouchable and others simply reject his existence? How strong is the presence of God in the lives of many? And, why are there people who feel this presence as

something evident and others feel nothing? Can we experience God's presence? If it is so, can we make God present? In order to answer these questions, I committed myself to try to demonstrate that God is present in today's world; that this presence is a real one; that it can be found if human beings look for it; that it can be useful because it can give meaning to suffering, evil, and death which have not been eliminated by all kinds of progress.”

He presented his work in three points in terms of God's presence throughout history of salvation starting from creation, all the way through incarnation, and today in the Church as continual presence of God in the world. He started with the question, “Why are there some people who believe in God and some who do not believe in God?” After that question, he went on to lay out the structure of his synthesis.

He structured the three chapters in a Trinitarian way. The first Chapter dealt with God's presence in the Scriptures, Old and New Testaments where God the Father and God Son are actively present. The second Chapter of his paper dealt with the incarnation of Jesus. In the same chapter, he talked about Mary in order for him and his readers to understand or have an idea about the incarnation of Jesus. For him, Incarnation cannot be understood without Mary. In the third chapter, he talked about God's presence in the sacraments and in the Church through the Holy Spirit. His concluding chapter talked about God's presence in the heart of humanity as Lumen Gentium number 4 says.

In his synthesis, there were three recurring themes or leitmotifs: creation, action and works, and temple, which represent God's actual presence. In terms of creation, God is the one who created everything out of nothing and this creation now is new in the person of Jesus Christ. In terms of action and work God created everything with the sound of his voice where God spoke the words and something great happened. The last leitmotif he spoke about was the temple in terms of God's presence in the temple and in the tent of meeting. The temple is not just symbolic but the place in which God is present in a special way. The temple is the dwelling place of God. The temple in the Old Testament would be replaced with

|15STS14| June 2015

Deacon Kristian Laygo defends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Romero D'Souza SDB

The Student Laygo Kristian for his Baccalaureate exam presented his synthesis titled, “The identity of the laity in the theology of the Catholic Church: vocation, mission and challenges in the twenty-first century”. He began his introduction on a personal note by presenting the 'the identity of the laity' in a theological context of the Catholic Church from his own background. He focused on the two key elements which are foundational and fundamental to the Church: vocation and mission in the twenty-first century – world today. His scholarly enhancement of

Deacon Phat Tran Ngocdefends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Bro. James Raj

On 27th May, 2015, Dn. TRAN NGOC Phat, obtained the Pontifical Bachelor of Theology degree from the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem campus of the Salesian Pontifical University by accomplishing his synthesis on "VERBUM DOMINI: CHRIST IS THE WORD OF FATHER, THE CHURCH IS ITS MINISTER, THE WORLD IS ITS FIELD AND THE CHRISTIAN IS ITS WITNESS." The examining Commission was composed of the Principal Rev. Dr. Biju Michael, the Tutor Rev. Pier Giorgio Gianazza and the Reader Rev. Dr. Stephen Kuncherakatt.

Baccalaureate Synthesis Defense Of Deacon Arcadius Puwein, SdbReport by Br. Paul Phuoc Trong Chu, SDB

On the morning of 30 May 2015 here in Jerusalem, Rev. Deacon Arcadius Puwein, SDB successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis entitled “Marriage and family find their identity and mission in the plan of God the creator and redeemer”. The commission panel overseeing this defense consisted of president of the commission, Rev. Professor Kevin Mwandha, SDB, tutor Rev. Professor Biju Michael, SDB, and reader Rev. Professor Samuel Obu, SDB. The event was attended by fellow students of the STS and a large group of lay people

who are friends of the Deacon.

During the defense, Deacon Arcadius was commended by all on the panel for having completed a coherent and unified synthesis with good breadth and depth drawing on the teachings of Sacred Scriptures, the Magisterium, and the Fathers of the Church. One panelist noted that, from the beginning to the end of the synthesis, the Deacon has shown his deep interest on the issues of marriage and family in the modern context. This synthesis is timely considering the recent Synod on the Family in Rome and the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, USA. Impressive was the fact that Deacon Arcadius responded to the challenges of marriage, as elaborated in his synthesis and those posed by the panelists, in a clear and thoughtful manner while being faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church. The questions asked by the panelists touched on the sensitive topics of marriage, divorce, cohabitation, abortion, contraception, baptism, confession, excommunication, and other moral issues. These difficult questions were answered in a learned, graceful and edifying manner by our Deacon showing that he has assimilated well the content of theology learned here at the STS in the past four years.

The event concluded with the proclamation by Fr. Biju Michael, SDB (President of the STS) that Deacon Arcadius Puwein has successfully obtained the Pontifical degree of Bachelor of Theology. This proclamation was followed by an excitement of applause and a standing ovation of those in the audience. We pray and wish our Deacon Arcadius a successful and holy journey toward the Priesthood in serving God's people.

Kabore Yoro Léon Is Now A Holder Of Bachelor Degree In Theology!Report by Cletus Atindaana

May 30th 2015 stands out as one of the most significant dates in both the academic and priestly formation life of Deacon KABORE Yoro Léon, M.Afr. On this day, in the presence of a panel of three professors together with other observing lecturers and the students of STS and invited guests, Deacon Léon successfully defended his Baccalaureate Synthesis entitled “God's Plan for Humanity is Revealed and Fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who, therefore, is the Perfect model of Human Behavior for both Christians and Members of other Religions.”

In the ten-minute presentation of his Synthesis, Léon treated his audience and professors to an interesting overview of the entire enterprise. Being a convert to Christianity from the African Traditional Religion, Deacon Léon indicated that the choice of his title for the research was heavily influenced by his experience. According to Deacon Léon, his Theological studies made him discover more about the human person from the Anthropological view point and most importantly humanity's relationship with God. These discoveries left Deacon Léon bewildered and hence, he undertook to seek insights into these matters.

Primarily convinced that man is created in God's image to know God and rightly relate with God, Deacon Léon sought to dig through the Scriptures and the valuable Tradition and teachings of the Church to affirm that Jesus Christ is the one through whom God's saving plan for all humanity is revealed and fulfilled. Being the concrete manifestation of the inner life of God and His eternal plan for humanity, Deacon Léon demonstrates convincingly that Jesus Christ is the Perfect model of human behavior for both Christians and members of other religions. All through his three-chapter syntheses, Deacon Léon enthusiastically weaves together Scriptural teachings alongside the Teachings of the Tradition of the Church through her Magisterial documents to make his point.

Responding to important questions regarding how he would, in theory and praxis, translate the discoveries of his Syntheses to non-Christians since they too have their perfect models of human life, Deacon Léon indicated that among other things, Dialogue and living out the Christin life to its core are key ways of bringing the Good News to all.

Deacon Kabore Yoro Léon, having earned his new Bachelor of Theology Degree now looks forward to his priestly ordination in July 2015 and his future mission in the Islamic town of Gardhaia in Algeria.

Jesus Christ as the true and living temple of God. Jesus became the new temple. Today the Church as the bride of Christ and the temple of God can be found in the heart of humanity. Deacon Manuel did a great job in defending his synthesis in the line of God's presence in Scriptures, in Christ, in the Church, in the Sacraments, and in the heart of humanity.

the subject was evident from the answers he gave in reply to the questions raised by his Tutor Gianazza, Pier Giorgio and the Reader Obu, Samuel. The chapters of the thesis also showed the historical development of the understanding on the vocation of the laity in the Catholic Church. The final chapter focused on the challenges faced by the laity in the contemporary world. Special emphasises was laid on society, family, culture, and politics.

Deacon Kristian will be ordained in the United States of America.

|15STS14| June 2015

Deacon Kristian Laygo defends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Romero D'Souza SDB

The Student Laygo Kristian for his Baccalaureate exam presented his synthesis titled, “The identity of the laity in the theology of the Catholic Church: vocation, mission and challenges in the twenty-first century”. He began his introduction on a personal note by presenting the 'the identity of the laity' in a theological context of the Catholic Church from his own background. He focused on the two key elements which are foundational and fundamental to the Church: vocation and mission in the twenty-first century – world today. His scholarly enhancement of

Deacon Phat Tran Ngocdefends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Bro. James Raj

On 27th May, 2015, Dn. TRAN NGOC Phat, obtained the Pontifical Bachelor of Theology degree from the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, Jerusalem campus of the Salesian Pontifical University by accomplishing his synthesis on "VERBUM DOMINI: CHRIST IS THE WORD OF FATHER, THE CHURCH IS ITS MINISTER, THE WORLD IS ITS FIELD AND THE CHRISTIAN IS ITS WITNESS." The examining Commission was composed of the Principal Rev. Dr. Biju Michael, the Tutor Rev. Pier Giorgio Gianazza and the Reader Rev. Dr. Stephen Kuncherakatt.

Baccalaureate Synthesis Defense Of Deacon Arcadius Puwein, SdbReport by Br. Paul Phuoc Trong Chu, SDB

On the morning of 30 May 2015 here in Jerusalem, Rev. Deacon Arcadius Puwein, SDB successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis entitled “Marriage and family find their identity and mission in the plan of God the creator and redeemer”. The commission panel overseeing this defense consisted of president of the commission, Rev. Professor Kevin Mwandha, SDB, tutor Rev. Professor Biju Michael, SDB, and reader Rev. Professor Samuel Obu, SDB. The event was attended by fellow students of the STS and a large group of lay people

who are friends of the Deacon.

During the defense, Deacon Arcadius was commended by all on the panel for having completed a coherent and unified synthesis with good breadth and depth drawing on the teachings of Sacred Scriptures, the Magisterium, and the Fathers of the Church. One panelist noted that, from the beginning to the end of the synthesis, the Deacon has shown his deep interest on the issues of marriage and family in the modern context. This synthesis is timely considering the recent Synod on the Family in Rome and the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, USA. Impressive was the fact that Deacon Arcadius responded to the challenges of marriage, as elaborated in his synthesis and those posed by the panelists, in a clear and thoughtful manner while being faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church. The questions asked by the panelists touched on the sensitive topics of marriage, divorce, cohabitation, abortion, contraception, baptism, confession, excommunication, and other moral issues. These difficult questions were answered in a learned, graceful and edifying manner by our Deacon showing that he has assimilated well the content of theology learned here at the STS in the past four years.

The event concluded with the proclamation by Fr. Biju Michael, SDB (President of the STS) that Deacon Arcadius Puwein has successfully obtained the Pontifical degree of Bachelor of Theology. This proclamation was followed by an excitement of applause and a standing ovation of those in the audience. We pray and wish our Deacon Arcadius a successful and holy journey toward the Priesthood in serving God's people.

Kabore Yoro Léon Is Now A Holder Of Bachelor Degree In Theology!Report by Cletus Atindaana

May 30th 2015 stands out as one of the most significant dates in both the academic and priestly formation life of Deacon KABORE Yoro Léon, M.Afr. On this day, in the presence of a panel of three professors together with other observing lecturers and the students of STS and invited guests, Deacon Léon successfully defended his Baccalaureate Synthesis entitled “God's Plan for Humanity is Revealed and Fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who, therefore, is the Perfect model of Human Behavior for both Christians and Members of other Religions.”

In the ten-minute presentation of his Synthesis, Léon treated his audience and professors to an interesting overview of the entire enterprise. Being a convert to Christianity from the African Traditional Religion, Deacon Léon indicated that the choice of his title for the research was heavily influenced by his experience. According to Deacon Léon, his Theological studies made him discover more about the human person from the Anthropological view point and most importantly humanity's relationship with God. These discoveries left Deacon Léon bewildered and hence, he undertook to seek insights into these matters.

Primarily convinced that man is created in God's image to know God and rightly relate with God, Deacon Léon sought to dig through the Scriptures and the valuable Tradition and teachings of the Church to affirm that Jesus Christ is the one through whom God's saving plan for all humanity is revealed and fulfilled. Being the concrete manifestation of the inner life of God and His eternal plan for humanity, Deacon Léon demonstrates convincingly that Jesus Christ is the Perfect model of human behavior for both Christians and members of other religions. All through his three-chapter syntheses, Deacon Léon enthusiastically weaves together Scriptural teachings alongside the Teachings of the Tradition of the Church through her Magisterial documents to make his point.

Responding to important questions regarding how he would, in theory and praxis, translate the discoveries of his Syntheses to non-Christians since they too have their perfect models of human life, Deacon Léon indicated that among other things, Dialogue and living out the Christin life to its core are key ways of bringing the Good News to all.

Deacon Kabore Yoro Léon, having earned his new Bachelor of Theology Degree now looks forward to his priestly ordination in July 2015 and his future mission in the Islamic town of Gardhaia in Algeria.

Jesus Christ as the true and living temple of God. Jesus became the new temple. Today the Church as the bride of Christ and the temple of God can be found in the heart of humanity. Deacon Manuel did a great job in defending his synthesis in the line of God's presence in Scriptures, in Christ, in the Church, in the Sacraments, and in the heart of humanity.

the subject was evident from the answers he gave in reply to the questions raised by his Tutor Gianazza, Pier Giorgio and the Reader Obu, Samuel. The chapters of the thesis also showed the historical development of the understanding on the vocation of the laity in the Catholic Church. The final chapter focused on the challenges faced by the laity in the contemporary world. Special emphasises was laid on society, family, culture, and politics.

Deacon Kristian will be ordained in the United States of America.

16| June 2015

Dn. Phat began his presentation with a short prayer and he underlined that the Word of God plays a vital role in his synthesis. The 'Word' is the second person of the Trinity. The eternal 'Word' who is both life and truth has been manifested through Christ who was sent by God the Father. The fullness of redemption, God's love and the promise of the Holy Spirit is realized in the person of Christ. The Church was established to carry out the mission of Christ with the help of the Spirit. The 'Word', like a seed, has to be sown throughout the nations by every Christian with apostolic zeal. A Christian becomes a witness in preaching the 'Word' with the help of the Scripture and the teachings of the Church. Added to this, Dn. Phat defended his synthesis effectively by responding to the questions and clarifications raised by the examining commission. The questions included: What is the importance of the Word of God in the Liturgy, especially in the Sacraments and in the Eucharist? How does a Christian become a witness to this Word? Is it just proclamation by word or witness of life or both? Dn. Phat belongs to the Salesian Province in Vietnam. Congratulations to Dn. Phat.

Baccalaureate Synthesis Exam Of Deacon Ruszniak JakubReport by Minh Dang.

On a beautiful morning of June 1st 2015, Rev. Deacon Jakub Ruszniak, SDB successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis entitled “The Family as the Sanctuary of Life and Dignity of the Human Being”. The commission panel overseeing this defense consisted of Rev. Professor Kevin Mwandha, SDB, Rev. Professor Biju Michael, SDB, and reader Rev. Karol Kulpa, SDB.

The defense begun with a prayer to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength, particularly for the family of contemporary time. Thereafter, Deacon Jakub gave a short introduction to his Synthesis and went on to give an overview of each of

the three chapters of his work. His first chapter focuses on the “Family as a Communion of Persons,” to the notion of the family in sacred Scripture, as a sign and image of the Trinity, a domestic church, and an original cell of social life. In his second chapter, Deacon Jakub placed emphasis on the “Family as the Sanctuary of Life and Dignity of Human Beings.” In this chapter, he delved into the definition of marriage along with sacramentality and the indissolubility of marriage. In chapter three entitled “Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Modern World,” Deacon Jakub schooled his audience on the rights and dignity of human beings in the order of procreation, and the equality and difference willed by God. His synthesis gave an excellent overview of the historical development of the Catholic Church’s understanding of family and the pastoral care that ensues.

Deacon Jakub will be ordained priest on June, 13th in Poland.

Rev. Deacon Fissihaye Melles Gidey defends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Br. Girmay Hailu, SDB

1 June 2015 stands out as one of the most significant dates in the academic life and priestly formation of Rev. Deacon Fissihaye Melles Gidey, SDB from Ethiopia. Deacon Fissihaye successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis entitled “ ‘He can no longer have God for his Father who has not the Church for his mother (St. Cyprian)’ the mother hood of the Church and Mary as participation in the Mystery of God’s Fecundity.” This academic exercise was led by three professors, his Tutor Rev. Professor Gianazza Pier Giorgio, SDB,

the reader Rev. Professor Kuncherakatt Stephen, SDB, and the principal Rev. Professor Michael Biju, SDB and attended by other lecturers and students of the STS.

In Deacon Fissihaye’s own words: “I should say at the very beginning, the title of my topic is well known. However, it has been a great privilege and pleasure for me to choose and expound on this topic. I was motivated to do this synthesis because I have a very strong personal relation and devotion to the Church and to our Blessed Mother, just like many other Ethiopians back at home. This topic helped me to understand and to know more about the love of God in the history of salvation as manifested in God’s wonderful work in the life of the Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

In ten minutes, Deacon Fissihaye treated his professors and audience to an interesting overview of the entire work. Raised in a strong Christian catholic environment, he indicated that he was influenced by his parents’ devotion to Mary, which he embraced as his own. This personal devotion gave rise to his interest on the topic: “the mother hood of the church and Mary as participation in the mystery of God’s fecundity.”

During the examination by the professors, Deacon Fissihaye elaborated on the role of Mary in the Catholic Church based on the four Marian dogmas: the Mother of God, the Perpetual Virgin, the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary into heaven. He supported his work by the use of different sources: Sacred Scripture, the Magisterium, the Catechism of Catholic Church and Church Fathers.

Deacon Fissihaye also presented his work from an ecumenical point of view. He highlighted the importance of dialogue, evangelization and ecumenism. The Church is open to dialogue with other Christians and non-Christians. The Church believes that she is not perfect and that perfection comes only through gradual purification, openness to dialogue, and being ready to learn.

Report by Herve Tougma, M.Afr

“There is a time for everything, a time to start and a time to end”. On this 3rd day of June, 2015, the Studium Theologicum Salesianum brought its 2014-2015 academic year to a close in a grand style. This great day was graced by his Excellency, Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto, the Apostolic Delegate to the Holy Land.

The activities of the day started with the Students' Assembly with an inspiring opening prayer by Deacon Sandy, one of the graduates of this year. Under the coordination of Tomasz Sage, the Students' Representative, students expressed

diverse opinions and feelings on a range of matters regarding the academic life of the year. They also made useful suggestions in view of improving teaching and learning at the STS. Hearty words of gratitude and appreciation to professors and to the graduating deacons were also expressed by students. Specifically, the excellent leadership of the Principal as well as the quality and hard work of the whole teaching staff were deeply appreciated. Nonetheless, students pointed out certain domains that need improvements and new initiatives to be taken. The Principal, Fr Biju, took time to respond to some of the important issues raised by students.

|17STS

STS Ends the Academic Year 2014/2015 in Grand Style!

Graduation 2014/2015Graduation 2014/2015

16| June 2015

Dn. Phat began his presentation with a short prayer and he underlined that the Word of God plays a vital role in his synthesis. The 'Word' is the second person of the Trinity. The eternal 'Word' who is both life and truth has been manifested through Christ who was sent by God the Father. The fullness of redemption, God's love and the promise of the Holy Spirit is realized in the person of Christ. The Church was established to carry out the mission of Christ with the help of the Spirit. The 'Word', like a seed, has to be sown throughout the nations by every Christian with apostolic zeal. A Christian becomes a witness in preaching the 'Word' with the help of the Scripture and the teachings of the Church. Added to this, Dn. Phat defended his synthesis effectively by responding to the questions and clarifications raised by the examining commission. The questions included: What is the importance of the Word of God in the Liturgy, especially in the Sacraments and in the Eucharist? How does a Christian become a witness to this Word? Is it just proclamation by word or witness of life or both? Dn. Phat belongs to the Salesian Province in Vietnam. Congratulations to Dn. Phat.

Baccalaureate Synthesis Exam Of Deacon Ruszniak JakubReport by Minh Dang.

On a beautiful morning of June 1st 2015, Rev. Deacon Jakub Ruszniak, SDB successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis entitled “The Family as the Sanctuary of Life and Dignity of the Human Being”. The commission panel overseeing this defense consisted of Rev. Professor Kevin Mwandha, SDB, Rev. Professor Biju Michael, SDB, and reader Rev. Karol Kulpa, SDB.

The defense begun with a prayer to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength, particularly for the family of contemporary time. Thereafter, Deacon Jakub gave a short introduction to his Synthesis and went on to give an overview of each of

the three chapters of his work. His first chapter focuses on the “Family as a Communion of Persons,” to the notion of the family in sacred Scripture, as a sign and image of the Trinity, a domestic church, and an original cell of social life. In his second chapter, Deacon Jakub placed emphasis on the “Family as the Sanctuary of Life and Dignity of Human Beings.” In this chapter, he delved into the definition of marriage along with sacramentality and the indissolubility of marriage. In chapter three entitled “Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Modern World,” Deacon Jakub schooled his audience on the rights and dignity of human beings in the order of procreation, and the equality and difference willed by God. His synthesis gave an excellent overview of the historical development of the Catholic Church’s understanding of family and the pastoral care that ensues.

Deacon Jakub will be ordained priest on June, 13th in Poland.

Rev. Deacon Fissihaye Melles Gidey defends his Baccalaureate SynthesisReport by Br. Girmay Hailu, SDB

1 June 2015 stands out as one of the most significant dates in the academic life and priestly formation of Rev. Deacon Fissihaye Melles Gidey, SDB from Ethiopia. Deacon Fissihaye successfully defended his baccalaureate synthesis entitled “ ‘He can no longer have God for his Father who has not the Church for his mother (St. Cyprian)’ the mother hood of the Church and Mary as participation in the Mystery of God’s Fecundity.” This academic exercise was led by three professors, his Tutor Rev. Professor Gianazza Pier Giorgio, SDB,

the reader Rev. Professor Kuncherakatt Stephen, SDB, and the principal Rev. Professor Michael Biju, SDB and attended by other lecturers and students of the STS.

In Deacon Fissihaye’s own words: “I should say at the very beginning, the title of my topic is well known. However, it has been a great privilege and pleasure for me to choose and expound on this topic. I was motivated to do this synthesis because I have a very strong personal relation and devotion to the Church and to our Blessed Mother, just like many other Ethiopians back at home. This topic helped me to understand and to know more about the love of God in the history of salvation as manifested in God’s wonderful work in the life of the Church and the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

In ten minutes, Deacon Fissihaye treated his professors and audience to an interesting overview of the entire work. Raised in a strong Christian catholic environment, he indicated that he was influenced by his parents’ devotion to Mary, which he embraced as his own. This personal devotion gave rise to his interest on the topic: “the mother hood of the church and Mary as participation in the mystery of God’s fecundity.”

During the examination by the professors, Deacon Fissihaye elaborated on the role of Mary in the Catholic Church based on the four Marian dogmas: the Mother of God, the Perpetual Virgin, the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary into heaven. He supported his work by the use of different sources: Sacred Scripture, the Magisterium, the Catechism of Catholic Church and Church Fathers.

Deacon Fissihaye also presented his work from an ecumenical point of view. He highlighted the importance of dialogue, evangelization and ecumenism. The Church is open to dialogue with other Christians and non-Christians. The Church believes that she is not perfect and that perfection comes only through gradual purification, openness to dialogue, and being ready to learn.

Report by Herve Tougma, M.Afr

“There is a time for everything, a time to start and a time to end”. On this 3rd day of June, 2015, the Studium Theologicum Salesianum brought its 2014-2015 academic year to a close in a grand style. This great day was graced by his Excellency, Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto, the Apostolic Delegate to the Holy Land.

The activities of the day started with the Students' Assembly with an inspiring opening prayer by Deacon Sandy, one of the graduates of this year. Under the coordination of Tomasz Sage, the Students' Representative, students expressed

diverse opinions and feelings on a range of matters regarding the academic life of the year. They also made useful suggestions in view of improving teaching and learning at the STS. Hearty words of gratitude and appreciation to professors and to the graduating deacons were also expressed by students. Specifically, the excellent leadership of the Principal as well as the quality and hard work of the whole teaching staff were deeply appreciated. Nonetheless, students pointed out certain domains that need improvements and new initiatives to be taken. The Principal, Fr Biju, took time to respond to some of the important issues raised by students.

|17STS

STS Ends the Academic Year 2014/2015 in Grand Style!

Graduation 2014/2015Graduation 2014/2015

Among other things, he recognized the important role the Student's Assembly plays in improving the quality of the academic life of the STS. He showed his appreciation for the great participation of the senior students from whom came most of the issues and suggestions.

The second part of the ceremony started with a quick review of the academic year by Sr Mary Colman, the Registrar of the STS. Having welcomed everyone, especially our guest of honor Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto, she proceeded to give quick highlights of the different events that occurred during the year. Notable among them included conferences focused on the Eastern and Oriental Churches, Psychosexual Maturity and Steve Rays' “Crossing the Tiber”. Other events such as Archeological Excursions, Topographical Visits, Galilee trip for the first year students, Visit to Refugee Camps, Desert Experience, and Book Presentations were also outlined. Another landmarked event was the publication of two books by the STS Publications.

On this august occasion, one of the newly published books “Christianity in Africa”, written by Fr Dominique Arnauld, M.Afr. was released, by our guest of honor, his Excellency, Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto. This was shortly followed by a presentation of the book by its author, Fr Dominique Arnauld. The book is the English translation of a French version published some years ago. For him as a historian, reading other authors gave the impression that Christianity in Africa is of a recent time. However Christianity in Africa has been present from the beginning of Christianity and Africa played a major role in the development of the Church in both the East and the West. These impressions motivated him to take notes which led to the publication of the book. The churches in Africa, which profoundly marked the beginning of Christianity, can take legitimate pride in the history of Christianity.

The book presentation, was followed by a quick picturesque powerpoint highlights of the academic year prepared by Br Javier Orengo, a first year student. This refreshed our minds about the crucial moments of the year.

In succession, various representatives took turns to express their gratitude to all and sundry. Deacon Fissihaye, representing the fourth year

students expressed their gratitude for all that they received from the STS. Tomasz Sage registered his vote of thanks to all on behalf of the Student Body while three outgoing professors, Fr Dominique Arnauld, Fr Samuel Obu and Fr Kevin Mwandha also took turns to express their profound gratitude.

The occasion was also an opportunity to reward those who won the Bicentenary Football Tournament to mark the birth of Don Bosco held in the course of the year. Most Rev. Guiseppe gave away the trophy to the winning team. He addressed the whole assembly. In his speech, the Nuncio took the occasion to express his appreciation for what is being done at the STS. He indicated that he was indeed happy with the STS; “For an aging man, it is very refreshing to be among young people” affirming that he is a part of the STS family. He stressed that what is being done by the STS cannot be overestimated. He reminded the STS that they play a crucial role not only for their various congregations and Christian communities but the Universal Church at large. He noted that the presence of the STS in the Holy Land is extremely important vis-a-vis the challenging moment which the Church in the Holy Land is going through. He affirmed that the present challenges should be faced positively. He said that the time had come to intelligently discern opportunities in order to build up the Church. Addressing the deacons, Most Rev. Lazzarotto invited them to “never think that it is “finite” or what you have done is enough”. There is always more to learn, more to offer to the communities, to the world. What they have learned, they should share with others. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the invitation as he renews his full support to the initiatives of the institute.

The most important moment of the day was then reached for the presentation of certificates to the graduating students by the guest of honor Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto. In total, ten graduates received their certificates. Each student and the departing professors received a special gift from the institute including a special caricature painting of themselves made by Br Minh, a 2nd year student.

After the presentation of the certificates, the Principal, Fr Biju gave a concluding speech and the vote of thanks. He noticed that the institute kept growing thanks to the good collaboration it enjoys with the White Fathers and the other students coming from outside. He appreciated the support of the Nuncio and thanked him for that. A

word of thanks was also addressed to the Salesian provincial of the Middle East and the Provincial team represented by Fr Gianazza. He was grateful to all staff and students of the STS for the various roles they play in keeping the Campus running. For the departing professors, Fr Biju Michael wrote short poems for each one of them. He finished his speech with some wisdom-filled exhortations. He invited the future priest to openness for further knowledge in order to be able to transfer that knowledge to the people of God. “We do things first for our own salvation and then for many others whom we can bring to God”. He read Psalms 107 and 138 to thank the Lord for all graces received. The ceremony ended with hymn followed by a festive lunch.

ADIEU TO OUR PROFESSORS

The STS is very grateful to Prof. Dominique Arnauld, M.Afr. (Church History), Prof. Samuel Obu, sdb, (Systematic Theology) and Prof. Kevin Mwandha, sdb (Canon Law) for their contributions. With much gratitude we bid their farewell and wish them the best in their academic and priestly life.

TO PROFESSOR SAMUEL OBUSamuel you are humble, quiet and simple,With you as teacher, we shall not fumble.The Church awaits you, a defender true,With PhD and laurels, return to our crew.

TO PROFESSOR KEVIN MWANDHAA Lawyer with a twist, with a smile that can kill,Sharp as a wasp, your classes exhibit your skill.Kevin you are a fable, which will remain stableAt STS for a long time, for you are inscrutable.

TO PROFESSOR DOMINIQUE ARNAULDDominic Arnauld, in you we can behold,God's blessings manifold, poured out a hundred fold.Gentleness and meekness, with a dose of firmness;Craftiness you dismiss and you speak with all frankness.

Gentle as a lamb, sharp as a soaring hawk,You teach us history, of Christ's little flock.From Church's infancy, to Francis' papacyTwo thousand years, with you fly in a jiffy.

In class and Council, we will miss you.For health and wisdom, we pray for you.Remember us from Rome, and consider us home,STS you have built, it will forever be your home.

18| June 2015 |19STS

Among other things, he recognized the important role the Student's Assembly plays in improving the quality of the academic life of the STS. He showed his appreciation for the great participation of the senior students from whom came most of the issues and suggestions.

The second part of the ceremony started with a quick review of the academic year by Sr Mary Colman, the Registrar of the STS. Having welcomed everyone, especially our guest of honor Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto, she proceeded to give quick highlights of the different events that occurred during the year. Notable among them included conferences focused on the Eastern and Oriental Churches, Psychosexual Maturity and Steve Rays' “Crossing the Tiber”. Other events such as Archeological Excursions, Topographical Visits, Galilee trip for the first year students, Visit to Refugee Camps, Desert Experience, and Book Presentations were also outlined. Another landmarked event was the publication of two books by the STS Publications.

On this august occasion, one of the newly published books “Christianity in Africa”, written by Fr Dominique Arnauld, M.Afr. was released, by our guest of honor, his Excellency, Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto. This was shortly followed by a presentation of the book by its author, Fr Dominique Arnauld. The book is the English translation of a French version published some years ago. For him as a historian, reading other authors gave the impression that Christianity in Africa is of a recent time. However Christianity in Africa has been present from the beginning of Christianity and Africa played a major role in the development of the Church in both the East and the West. These impressions motivated him to take notes which led to the publication of the book. The churches in Africa, which profoundly marked the beginning of Christianity, can take legitimate pride in the history of Christianity.

The book presentation, was followed by a quick picturesque powerpoint highlights of the academic year prepared by Br Javier Orengo, a first year student. This refreshed our minds about the crucial moments of the year.

In succession, various representatives took turns to express their gratitude to all and sundry. Deacon Fissihaye, representing the fourth year

students expressed their gratitude for all that they received from the STS. Tomasz Sage registered his vote of thanks to all on behalf of the Student Body while three outgoing professors, Fr Dominique Arnauld, Fr Samuel Obu and Fr Kevin Mwandha also took turns to express their profound gratitude.

The occasion was also an opportunity to reward those who won the Bicentenary Football Tournament to mark the birth of Don Bosco held in the course of the year. Most Rev. Guiseppe gave away the trophy to the winning team. He addressed the whole assembly. In his speech, the Nuncio took the occasion to express his appreciation for what is being done at the STS. He indicated that he was indeed happy with the STS; “For an aging man, it is very refreshing to be among young people” affirming that he is a part of the STS family. He stressed that what is being done by the STS cannot be overestimated. He reminded the STS that they play a crucial role not only for their various congregations and Christian communities but the Universal Church at large. He noted that the presence of the STS in the Holy Land is extremely important vis-a-vis the challenging moment which the Church in the Holy Land is going through. He affirmed that the present challenges should be faced positively. He said that the time had come to intelligently discern opportunities in order to build up the Church. Addressing the deacons, Most Rev. Lazzarotto invited them to “never think that it is “finite” or what you have done is enough”. There is always more to learn, more to offer to the communities, to the world. What they have learned, they should share with others. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the invitation as he renews his full support to the initiatives of the institute.

The most important moment of the day was then reached for the presentation of certificates to the graduating students by the guest of honor Most Rev. Guiseppe Lazzarotto. In total, ten graduates received their certificates. Each student and the departing professors received a special gift from the institute including a special caricature painting of themselves made by Br Minh, a 2nd year student.

After the presentation of the certificates, the Principal, Fr Biju gave a concluding speech and the vote of thanks. He noticed that the institute kept growing thanks to the good collaboration it enjoys with the White Fathers and the other students coming from outside. He appreciated the support of the Nuncio and thanked him for that. A

word of thanks was also addressed to the Salesian provincial of the Middle East and the Provincial team represented by Fr Gianazza. He was grateful to all staff and students of the STS for the various roles they play in keeping the Campus running. For the departing professors, Fr Biju Michael wrote short poems for each one of them. He finished his speech with some wisdom-filled exhortations. He invited the future priest to openness for further knowledge in order to be able to transfer that knowledge to the people of God. “We do things first for our own salvation and then for many others whom we can bring to God”. He read Psalms 107 and 138 to thank the Lord for all graces received. The ceremony ended with hymn followed by a festive lunch.

ADIEU TO OUR PROFESSORS

The STS is very grateful to Prof. Dominique Arnauld, M.Afr. (Church History), Prof. Samuel Obu, sdb, (Systematic Theology) and Prof. Kevin Mwandha, sdb (Canon Law) for their contributions. With much gratitude we bid their farewell and wish them the best in their academic and priestly life.

TO PROFESSOR SAMUEL OBUSamuel you are humble, quiet and simple,With you as teacher, we shall not fumble.The Church awaits you, a defender true,With PhD and laurels, return to our crew.

TO PROFESSOR KEVIN MWANDHAA Lawyer with a twist, with a smile that can kill,Sharp as a wasp, your classes exhibit your skill.Kevin you are a fable, which will remain stableAt STS for a long time, for you are inscrutable.

TO PROFESSOR DOMINIQUE ARNAULDDominic Arnauld, in you we can behold,God's blessings manifold, poured out a hundred fold.Gentleness and meekness, with a dose of firmness;Craftiness you dismiss and you speak with all frankness.

Gentle as a lamb, sharp as a soaring hawk,You teach us history, of Christ's little flock.From Church's infancy, to Francis' papacyTwo thousand years, with you fly in a jiffy.

In class and Council, we will miss you.For health and wisdom, we pray for you.Remember us from Rome, and consider us home,STS you have built, it will forever be your home.

18| June 2015 |19STS

|21STS20| June 2015

...Continuation of the “ART OF CELEBRATING THE LITURGY” Report by Fr. Moses WANJALA

In venturing more into the ars celebrandi, we have, in the previous issue of the STS News, already elucidated certain basic requisites for a worthy and effective celebration of the Mystery of Christ, for instance: the awareness of the 'Sacredness' of the liturgical actions plus our attitude of interiority; the attitude of the assembly and of the minister; Preparation and Planning, Devoutness / commitment; Reverence to liturgical articles; Gestures and Postures as an integral

part of Liturgy. Our reflections continue with a focus on the Altar and Silence.

Respect for the altar: The altar occupies the most important and central place in the Church during the liturgical celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It is such a powerful symbol of Jesus Christ that recalls his ever dynamic, active and efficacious presence in and among the gathered liturgical assembly. The altar is thus the focal point in worship. It is the corner stone of the new construction of God for the spiritual nourishment of His own people. It is the place of sacrifice where Jesus Christ's self-immolation for human salvation is symbolically and substantially made real and also continually renewed. Some Fathers of the Church testify that the altar is a tomb of our Lord, i.e., a place where Christ was buried and on which is set forth the true living bread from

heaven, Jesus Christ himself. Thanks to that empty tomb, God's people, especially those in hopeless and desperate situations, find refuge and hope through Jesus' Resurrection. The Resurrection, evidenced by the empty tomb, is a clear sign that every form of evil, including emptiness in life, suffering and death, have no more power over Christ and over us, his faithful followers: “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death

no longer has mastery over him” (Rom 6:9). By conquering death, Jesus Christ becomes our life and he calls us to new life in Him (2 Tim 1:10; Rom 6: 4; Rom 8: 11). The altar is the table of the Lord around which the c o m m u n i t y o f believers gathers to praise, worship and thank God as they p a r t a k e o f t h e Eucharistic meal, i.e., to eat the body and drink the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the World (Jn

1:29). Owing to this fact of its centrality and significance, the sacredness of the altar as a place of sacrifice should always be observed, preserved, safeguarded and respected.

God's sons and daughters, in ascending and responding to His call through the liturgical celebrations especially the Eucharist, make a sign of reverence acknowledging the power and generosity of the Father who is visibly present in His Son by the action and guidance of the Holy Spirit. As the celebrants and other ministers reach the Presbyterium (Sanctuary), and as they face the altar, they make the reverence with a profound bow. In expressing the veneration, the Celebrant and Deacon either kisses the altar or performs an indigenous cultural symbol of reverence, and if appropriate, he also incenses the cross and the

altar. On solemn occasions, the altar may be incensed. Whenever the priest and other ministers pass the altar, they venerate it by bowing before it. Out of respect, it is thus clear that we should be careful not to utilize the altar as a store of all sorts of things. Only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the altar: the Book of the Gospels, the Missal, the corporal, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium, the purificator and the pall. Microphone used to amply the priest's voice may also be kept on the altar. Candles may be placed either on or in front of the altar. It is not encouraged to keep flowers on the altar, but in front or around it. A crucifix is to be kept either on or near the altar and it is to be clearly visible to the Assembly. If there is already a big crucifix in the sanctuary visible to the faithful, there is no real need to have another crucifix on the altar. Benedict XVI reflects that it is both theologically and liturgically more correct to have a cross in the middle of the altar other than any other place in the sanctuary, as it can serve as the “common point of focus for both priest and praying community. In this way we obey the ancient call to prayer: “converse ad Dominum”, turn toward the Lord! In this way we look together towards the One whose death tore the veil of the Temple – the One who stands before the Father for us and encloses us in his arms in order to make us the new and living Temple. The Lord is the point of reference. He is the rising sun of history”.

Care should be taken to avoid placing anything on or around the altar that can become a cause of distraction to the faithful. During the liturgical celebration, the focus is the altar of Christ. Finally, the altar should be covered with at least one clean white cloth.

Sacred Silence: Liturgy is composed not only of words and actions but also silence. Silence is not just the absence of speech and action. It is a sign of reflection and mediation, interiority and adoration. It is a positive stillness, a time of recollection and meditation on the Word and the mystery being celebrated. God finds a welcome home in us in an atmosphere of silence, recollection and inner repose. This explains why the assembled community is encouraged to maintain short pauses of silence at designated places in Liturgy. Few moments of silent recollection is recommended in the Penitential Act, after the priest's invitation to pray, after each

of the readings, after the homily, and after Communion. Unfortunately some priests tend to avoid observing these moments of silence.

Some people seem not to be quite aware of the importance of silence in liturgy. It is not surprising to hear people speaking on the top of their voices in the Church as if they were in the market! Often there is hardly any effort from the part of the clergy and the religious to catechize the faithful about the significance of silence before, during and after the liturgical celebrations. True silence is a silence for the entire assembly only when everyone is silently praying and no one, not even the presiding priest, is doing anything. Silence is recommended even before the celebration itself. It is recommended “in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred celebration in a devout and fitting manner.” It is in the silence of heart that we hear God really speaking to us throughout the liturgical celebrations especially in His Word that leads us to communion with Him and others.

|21STS20| June 2015

...Continuation of the “ART OF CELEBRATING THE LITURGY” Report by Fr. Moses WANJALA

In venturing more into the ars celebrandi, we have, in the previous issue of the STS News, already elucidated certain basic requisites for a worthy and effective celebration of the Mystery of Christ, for instance: the awareness of the 'Sacredness' of the liturgical actions plus our attitude of interiority; the attitude of the assembly and of the minister; Preparation and Planning, Devoutness / commitment; Reverence to liturgical articles; Gestures and Postures as an integral

part of Liturgy. Our reflections continue with a focus on the Altar and Silence.

Respect for the altar: The altar occupies the most important and central place in the Church during the liturgical celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It is such a powerful symbol of Jesus Christ that recalls his ever dynamic, active and efficacious presence in and among the gathered liturgical assembly. The altar is thus the focal point in worship. It is the corner stone of the new construction of God for the spiritual nourishment of His own people. It is the place of sacrifice where Jesus Christ's self-immolation for human salvation is symbolically and substantially made real and also continually renewed. Some Fathers of the Church testify that the altar is a tomb of our Lord, i.e., a place where Christ was buried and on which is set forth the true living bread from

heaven, Jesus Christ himself. Thanks to that empty tomb, God's people, especially those in hopeless and desperate situations, find refuge and hope through Jesus' Resurrection. The Resurrection, evidenced by the empty tomb, is a clear sign that every form of evil, including emptiness in life, suffering and death, have no more power over Christ and over us, his faithful followers: “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death

no longer has mastery over him” (Rom 6:9). By conquering death, Jesus Christ becomes our life and he calls us to new life in Him (2 Tim 1:10; Rom 6: 4; Rom 8: 11). The altar is the table of the Lord around which the c o m m u n i t y o f believers gathers to praise, worship and thank God as they p a r t a k e o f t h e Eucharistic meal, i.e., to eat the body and drink the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the World (Jn

1:29). Owing to this fact of its centrality and significance, the sacredness of the altar as a place of sacrifice should always be observed, preserved, safeguarded and respected.

God's sons and daughters, in ascending and responding to His call through the liturgical celebrations especially the Eucharist, make a sign of reverence acknowledging the power and generosity of the Father who is visibly present in His Son by the action and guidance of the Holy Spirit. As the celebrants and other ministers reach the Presbyterium (Sanctuary), and as they face the altar, they make the reverence with a profound bow. In expressing the veneration, the Celebrant and Deacon either kisses the altar or performs an indigenous cultural symbol of reverence, and if appropriate, he also incenses the cross and the

altar. On solemn occasions, the altar may be incensed. Whenever the priest and other ministers pass the altar, they venerate it by bowing before it. Out of respect, it is thus clear that we should be careful not to utilize the altar as a store of all sorts of things. Only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the altar: the Book of the Gospels, the Missal, the corporal, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium, the purificator and the pall. Microphone used to amply the priest's voice may also be kept on the altar. Candles may be placed either on or in front of the altar. It is not encouraged to keep flowers on the altar, but in front or around it. A crucifix is to be kept either on or near the altar and it is to be clearly visible to the Assembly. If there is already a big crucifix in the sanctuary visible to the faithful, there is no real need to have another crucifix on the altar. Benedict XVI reflects that it is both theologically and liturgically more correct to have a cross in the middle of the altar other than any other place in the sanctuary, as it can serve as the “common point of focus for both priest and praying community. In this way we obey the ancient call to prayer: “converse ad Dominum”, turn toward the Lord! In this way we look together towards the One whose death tore the veil of the Temple – the One who stands before the Father for us and encloses us in his arms in order to make us the new and living Temple. The Lord is the point of reference. He is the rising sun of history”.

Care should be taken to avoid placing anything on or around the altar that can become a cause of distraction to the faithful. During the liturgical celebration, the focus is the altar of Christ. Finally, the altar should be covered with at least one clean white cloth.

Sacred Silence: Liturgy is composed not only of words and actions but also silence. Silence is not just the absence of speech and action. It is a sign of reflection and mediation, interiority and adoration. It is a positive stillness, a time of recollection and meditation on the Word and the mystery being celebrated. God finds a welcome home in us in an atmosphere of silence, recollection and inner repose. This explains why the assembled community is encouraged to maintain short pauses of silence at designated places in Liturgy. Few moments of silent recollection is recommended in the Penitential Act, after the priest's invitation to pray, after each

of the readings, after the homily, and after Communion. Unfortunately some priests tend to avoid observing these moments of silence.

Some people seem not to be quite aware of the importance of silence in liturgy. It is not surprising to hear people speaking on the top of their voices in the Church as if they were in the market! Often there is hardly any effort from the part of the clergy and the religious to catechize the faithful about the significance of silence before, during and after the liturgical celebrations. True silence is a silence for the entire assembly only when everyone is silently praying and no one, not even the presiding priest, is doing anything. Silence is recommended even before the celebration itself. It is recommended “in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred celebration in a devout and fitting manner.” It is in the silence of heart that we hear God really speaking to us throughout the liturgical celebrations especially in His Word that leads us to communion with Him and others.

22| June 2015

In conclusion, Liturgy is the meeting point of the person's intense relation and communication with God. God, through Christ, invites the worshipper into a deeper communion and intimacy with him. The meeting is meant to effect a concrete transformation in man. God touches and heals man. He inspires and illumines the human mind and uplifts his soul. Consequently, the worshipper begins to acquire a better knowledge about God, a deeper understanding of God's ways and a more realistic vision of life and its purpose. This results in: a re-orientation of the direction of man's journey of faith; a re-focusing on the purpose of life; a re-imaging of his faith-landscape; a re-

visioning of his network of vertical and horizontal relationships; a renewal of his commitments and project of life; a re-ordering of his priorities in life; a re-formulation and concretization of his ideals. This can be effectively facilitated through the proper ars celebrandi which is a prerequisite and a necessity for every member of the assembly participating in the liturgical celebration. Benedict XVI insists that the “primary way to foster the participation of the People of God in the sacred rite is the proper celebration of the rite itself”. May every liturgical action lead us to the real experience of the Person and Love of Christ.

CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA: The First Seven CenturiesDominique Arnauld

At the beginning of the third millennium many young Churches in Afr ica are celebrating their silver, golden or centenary jubilee… One tends to forget that the Christian past in Africa goes way back to the time of the Early Church. Some of the Churches in Africa are among the oldest members of the Church Universal.

Not only has Africa been p resen t r igh t f rom the beginning of Christianity, but it has played a major and founding role for the formation of both the “ first Church” (Eastern) and the “second Church” (Western). A better awareness about this amazing past should help those who belong today to the “third Church” (Southern hemisphere) to find their place with a legitimate pride.

The first seven centuries are a period of time that does not entirely cover this glorious past of African Christianity, but they belong to the homogeneous Graeco-Roman Mediterranean world. During the next period (8-15 centuries) Christian Africa will live “in the House of Islam” and will be marked by it in a different manner.

Many scientific works have been written about these seven centuries of the History of

Christianity; the interest of the author’s work lies in his focus on the role of Africa and his documented synthesis on the subject.

Dominique Arnauld belongs to the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) and comes from the Archdiocese of Bordeaux (France). He is currently teaching Church History at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum in Jerusalem. Ordained priest in 1973, he has worked in Burkina Faso (West Africa) for 14 years, in different parishes and at the Major Seminary of Ouagadougou. He has worked in the formation of missionaries at the Missionary Institute London (G.B), at Toulouse Institut Catholique (France), at Tangaza and Hekima Colleges in Nairobi (Kenya). He holds a Licentiate in Ecclesiastical History from the Gregorian University (Rome).

ASSEMBLY OF THE TEACHING STAFF & ACADEMIC COUNCIL MEETING

At the Assembly of the Academic Teaching Staff for the closing of the year 2014-2015 on 4 June, a magnanimous vote of thanks was shared with the three outgoing professors. Fr. Dominique Arnauld, Fr. Kevin Mwandha, and Fr. Samuel Obu. They will be missed here as they continue their various assignments for their respective communities.

The Academic Year was evaluated by staff and also by the students whose comments were shared by the principal, Fr. Biju Michael. All agreed that the quality of learning is continually being raised each year. There was an emphasis on the value of student –teacher contact by both staff and students and appreciation for the attention this is given here at Studium Theologicum Salesianium. Other valued options for students at STS are the vast amount and variety of co-curricular experiences offered to the students and staff throughout the year from Archaeological Excursions to

Topographical Visits to the holy and historical sites, to experiences in ecumenism to cultural initiatives and to so much more.

Also impressive to the University is the variety of countries represented each year. This year out of 57 students 29 different countries were represented and 22 staff members came from 15 different countries. Together our Academic community represented 34 Nations.

All are looking forward to the next academic year and the continued excellence in the educative process begun and fostered by the many “extras” that are available here in the Holy Land.

The Academic Council held their last session for the year immediately following the teaching staff meeting

|23STS

22| June 2015

In conclusion, Liturgy is the meeting point of the person's intense relation and communication with God. God, through Christ, invites the worshipper into a deeper communion and intimacy with him. The meeting is meant to effect a concrete transformation in man. God touches and heals man. He inspires and illumines the human mind and uplifts his soul. Consequently, the worshipper begins to acquire a better knowledge about God, a deeper understanding of God's ways and a more realistic vision of life and its purpose. This results in: a re-orientation of the direction of man's journey of faith; a re-focusing on the purpose of life; a re-imaging of his faith-landscape; a re-

visioning of his network of vertical and horizontal relationships; a renewal of his commitments and project of life; a re-ordering of his priorities in life; a re-formulation and concretization of his ideals. This can be effectively facilitated through the proper ars celebrandi which is a prerequisite and a necessity for every member of the assembly participating in the liturgical celebration. Benedict XVI insists that the “primary way to foster the participation of the People of God in the sacred rite is the proper celebration of the rite itself”. May every liturgical action lead us to the real experience of the Person and Love of Christ.

CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA: The First Seven CenturiesDominique Arnauld

At the beginning of the third millennium many young Churches in Afr ica are celebrating their silver, golden or centenary jubilee… One tends to forget that the Christian past in Africa goes way back to the time of the Early Church. Some of the Churches in Africa are among the oldest members of the Church Universal.

Not only has Africa been p resen t r igh t f rom the beginning of Christianity, but it has played a major and founding role for the formation of both the “ first Church” (Eastern) and the “second Church” (Western). A better awareness about this amazing past should help those who belong today to the “third Church” (Southern hemisphere) to find their place with a legitimate pride.

The first seven centuries are a period of time that does not entirely cover this glorious past of African Christianity, but they belong to the homogeneous Graeco-Roman Mediterranean world. During the next period (8-15 centuries) Christian Africa will live “in the House of Islam” and will be marked by it in a different manner.

Many scientific works have been written about these seven centuries of the History of

Christianity; the interest of the author’s work lies in his focus on the role of Africa and his documented synthesis on the subject.

Dominique Arnauld belongs to the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) and comes from the Archdiocese of Bordeaux (France). He is currently teaching Church History at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum in Jerusalem. Ordained priest in 1973, he has worked in Burkina Faso (West Africa) for 14 years, in different parishes and at the Major Seminary of Ouagadougou. He has worked in the formation of missionaries at the Missionary Institute London (G.B), at Toulouse Institut Catholique (France), at Tangaza and Hekima Colleges in Nairobi (Kenya). He holds a Licentiate in Ecclesiastical History from the Gregorian University (Rome).

ASSEMBLY OF THE TEACHING STAFF & ACADEMIC COUNCIL MEETING

At the Assembly of the Academic Teaching Staff for the closing of the year 2014-2015 on 4 June, a magnanimous vote of thanks was shared with the three outgoing professors. Fr. Dominique Arnauld, Fr. Kevin Mwandha, and Fr. Samuel Obu. They will be missed here as they continue their various assignments for their respective communities.

The Academic Year was evaluated by staff and also by the students whose comments were shared by the principal, Fr. Biju Michael. All agreed that the quality of learning is continually being raised each year. There was an emphasis on the value of student –teacher contact by both staff and students and appreciation for the attention this is given here at Studium Theologicum Salesianium. Other valued options for students at STS are the vast amount and variety of co-curricular experiences offered to the students and staff throughout the year from Archaeological Excursions to

Topographical Visits to the holy and historical sites, to experiences in ecumenism to cultural initiatives and to so much more.

Also impressive to the University is the variety of countries represented each year. This year out of 57 students 29 different countries were represented and 22 staff members came from 15 different countries. Together our Academic community represented 34 Nations.

All are looking forward to the next academic year and the continued excellence in the educative process begun and fostered by the many “extras” that are available here in the Holy Land.

The Academic Council held their last session for the year immediately following the teaching staff meeting

|23STS

Salesian Monastery Ratisbonne, 26 Shmuel Hanagid Str., P.O. Box 7336, 9107202 Jerusalem, ISRAEL

www.jerusalem.unisal.it

EDITORIAL TEAM

Atindaana Cletus Chu Paul PhuocLourdswamy John ChristopherPyle Colman Mary