Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis - SCU Access Only

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2025

Degree Name

Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL)

Director

Deborah Ross

Abstract

This thesis primarily addresses the need for the ongoing formation of the Bacolod diocesan clergy in the Western Visayan Region of the Philippines. Often confronted by the demands of pastoral ministry, priests in the diocese may sometimes neglect an important spiritual element of priestly ministry: cultivating their intimate relationships with the Lord through personal prayer. This thesis first presents the Ignatian discernment as a tool that diocesan clergy may employ to deepen their individual relationships with the Lord, and to guide them in their respective spiritual journeys. Consideration of discernment practices in Ignatius’s own experiences may inspire diocesan clergy to recognize and develop capacity for their own discernment processes. The utilization of Ignatian spirituality will address the ongoing spiritual formation of the Bacolod diocesan clergy. Second, this thesis reflects on ongoing priestly formation in and for a synodal Church. Synodal processes provide opportunities for the formation of all the people of God. Opportunities for involving the laity as co-responsible partners in the diocesan synodal journey, and challenges to the synodal process, are considered. Third, this thesis illustrates how Ignatian discernment exercises and synodal practices may offer spiritual renewal and conversion opportunities for the people of the Bacolod diocese in support of ongoing formation. Ignatian discernment may be exercised at the personal level and at the communal level, within diocesan structures, such as the parish and the presbyteral council. Formation for a synodal Church will invite clergy and laity in the diocese to embrace discernment as a way of life, enabling all the baptized to make enlightened decisions that manifest God's will and seek the common good.

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