Date of Award

1-27-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2020.

Degree Name

Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL)

Director

Eduardo Fernández, SJ

Abstract

Since the inception of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit priesthood has consistently been linked to the ministry of reconciliation. In this thesis, I look at the historical, ecclesial, and theological justifications that led the early companions to dedicate their ministry to this specific work. I also examine how this ministry has developed through time and how it is carried out today in the United States. Given the growing secularism in contemporary society and a strict U.S. constitutional provision that separates church and state affairs, I investigate how the ministry of reconciliation can be carried out in these circumstances. Finally, I integrate theory and praxis by interviewing five Jesuits working in a variety of high profiled apostolates to see how their work incorporates the ministry of reconciliation.

This thesis is a systematic theological exploration of priesthood expressed by the Society of Jesus in the context of the United States by further questioning how the Jesuits continue to implement the original goals of Ignatius of Loyola.

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