AROCKIA SAMY SOOSAI, John Peter (India - diocesi di Tanjore): Parent's Role as Co-Creators with God of New Life. A Critical Study of the Development of the Theme in Selected Magisterial Documents from Casti Connubii to Evangelium Vitae. - 24 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Cannon.

Pope John Paul II has stated that "conjugal love … makes a couple capable of the greatest possible gift, the gift by which they become cooperators with God in giving life to a new human person". The scope of this work has been to examine magisterial documents from Pius XI to John Paul II to discover how the role of parents in bringing new life into the world has gradually come to be clarified and is now presented by John Paul II as that of being co-creators with God.

AUNGWIN, Cyprian (Myanmar - diocesi di Mandalay): The Choice: Non-violent or Violent Struggle? An Analysis of Recent Papal and Episcopal Teachings in Relation to the Current Situation in Burma - 30 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Johnstone.

This thesis is entitled "The Choice: Non-violent or violent struggle?" I chose this title because of the current situation in Burma where two groups, both struggling for the same end, i.e., for democracy, human rights and equality, use precisely two different means: non-violent and violent. To give a mature and Christian response to these struggles, the guidelines of the Pope and Bishops, including those on the rights of victims, the principles of just-defensive war, and particularly the principles of discrimination and proportionality are fully considered and applied. After various considerations have been taken into account, we strongly affirm that Burma’s non-violence is the only authentic way and means for arriving at the goal of constructing real peace in Burma.

BATTAGLIA, Santo (Italia - diocesi di Reggio Calabria): L'impegno sociale del cristiano nella riflessione di Madeleine DelbrLl - 29 marzo 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Gallagher.

L'argomento della tesi ha come centro lo studio della riflessione di Madeleine DelbrLl prendendo in analisi quegli scritti che permettono di riflettere sull'impegno sociale del cristiano e sulla missione sociale della Chiesa. Il lavoro presenta una prima parte nella quale P messo in evidenza l'ambiente storico, sociale ed ecclesiale, all'interno del quale la DelbrLl vive la sua vicenda personale. La seconda parte P tutta centrata sull'analisi degli scritti, attraverso uno studio che mira a mettere in evidenza il valore teologico di questa riflessione. Ci si sofferma su un insieme di scritti editi o inediti, raccolti attorno ai temi in lei pij rilevanti quali: l'impegno sociale da lei vissuto, l'identitB e la missione della donna, il confronto con un ambiente ateo, il rapporto tra vita spirituale e l'impegno sociale. Quest'itinerario di analisi conduce a trarre delle indicazioni per la riflessione teologico-morale: esso illumina, anzitutto, la riflessione sulla fondazione e sulla giustificazione dell'etica sociale e della missione sociale della Chiesa; P da qui che P possibile trarre i presupposti teologici dell'impegno sociale del cristiano. In secondo luogo emerge la relazione tra la vita spirituale e l'impegno del cristiano per il mondo. Terzo aspetto importante che emerge da quest'analisi, P la relazione tra l'impegno sociale e la missione evangelizzatrice della Chiesa.

CACCAVALE, Charles (U.S.A. - diocesi di Brooklyn): As I Have Loved You. The Fundamental Nature of Christian Love as Revealed in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - 11 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Johnstone.

What is the nature of Christian love? This is an important question for fundamental moral theology, for our understanding of what constitutes perfect love impacts our moral discernment and ethical evaluation. Some define Christian love or agape as a unilateral self-sacrifice for the other in which there is no reciprocity and distinguish different kinds of love. Others wish to include reciprocity in an understanding of Christian love and seek answers through an exploration into God’s revelation in the eschatological event of the Resurrection of Jesus. Through reflection on the whole paschal mystery, what it reveals and effects, we come to recognize that love is one, it is reciprocal in every act, and its goal is always union in communion. Thus the paradigm of Christian love is not unilateral self-sacrifice but mutual and reciprocal self-giving. It is with such an understanding of the nature of Christian love that moral evaluation and discernment should take place.

CARBAJO NUYEZ, Martín (Spagna – O.F.M.): Intimida y etica en la sociedad de la información. Estudio ético-teológico del dinamismo revelación/ocultación - 16 marzo 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Majorano.

La societB dell’informazione ha cambiato le circostanze in cui si svolge il normale svelarsi/nascondersi della propria intimitB e obbliga a riformulare la proposta etica. Le sempre migliori possibilitB di comunicazione globale vengono accompagnate da un individualismo narcisista, "virtuale", la valorizzazione della "privacy" convive con un crescente esibizionismo e con nuove intromissioni nell’intimitB personale. La tesi intende orientare nella ricerca di un nuovo equilibrio tra svelarsi/nascondersi e informarsi/rispettare l’intimitB. L’analisi di cinquantasette documenti deontologici della stampa e di numerosi studi sulla privacy P contrastata con le fonti bibliche e teologiche per arrivare a un superamento dell’antropologia negativa in cui si basa l’attuale impostazione conflittuale tra il rispetto della privacy e il diritto all’informazione. L’uomo P immagine del Dio trinitario e quindi essenzialmente portato a una comunicazione che ha come scopo la comunione nel rispetto della dignitB altrui.

DENIS, Philip (India - diocesi di Varanasi): A Theology of Media Use: A Moral Perspective - 10 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Johnstone.

This thesis presents the theological foundations for an ethical use of the media. In conformity with the Church documents it affirms that the media and technology are God’s gift and fruit of human creativity. The ritual communion model of communication presents media as instruments of social construction of culture and meaning. The media very often use the narrative form of communication which is one of the oldest means of teaching moral values. Therefore to use media in the moral formation, media education is a moral imperative for the proper use of the media.

HARSANYI, Pal (Ungheria – O.F.M.): Il dibattito bioetico sull'eutanasia e una proposta nella prospettiva della teologia della pace - 13 giugno 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Faggioni.

Il dibattito sull’eutanasia sta assumendo nelle societB postindustriali aspetti inediti e paradigmatici di una mutata temperie socioculturale. Attraverso l’analisi storico-fenomenologica della prassi eutanasica e delle interpretazioni etico-giuridiche che essa ha avuto dall’antichitB ai nostri giorni, viene dimostrata l’insufficienza delle risposte che fino ad oggi sono state date all’eutanasia. La dissertazione cerca di proporre una nuova via profondamente radicata nella fede cristiana e, allo stesso tempo, pij persuasiva per gli uomini del nostro tempo, basata sul principio architettonico della pace. Nella tradizione cristiana il fondamento ultimo della pace P la risurrezione, in quanto essa rappresenta la sconfitta della logica della violenza attraverso la morte redentrice. Compito dei cristiani P di essere testimoni della risurrezione e strumenti per una sua estensione nella storia, diffondendo la pace del Risorto. L’eutanasia si configura come una contraddizione all’azione pacificatrice di Cristo e quindi come una risposta inadeguata al dramma del dolore e della morte.

IGWE, Veronica (Nigeria – D.M.M.M.): Celibate Chastity as a Moral Living Out of Human Sexuality in Interpersonal Relationships: A Theological Evaluation - 2 aprile 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Rehrauer.

A theological evaluation of a moral living out of celibate chastity in interpersonal relationships, which is the object of this dissertation show that celibacy is a life worth living and its values will be realized more effectively when it is freely and consciously chosen. A person who does not have the charisma of celibacy will simply mess it up in trying to live up to what is expected of him or her. Relationships, which are central to every life situation are also a necessity since celibacy is a valid lifestyle like all others, and as such celibates are bound to develop and live properly the chains of relationships that are involved in their life and mission. A list of valuable sources from the modern sciences that could be very helpful for celibates, formators and people in formation is given.

JULIAN, Baiju (India - diocesi di Quilon): A Study on Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan with a Special Reference to His Thought on Evil, Sin and Liberation - 12 marzo 2001; Moderatore: Prof. PetrB.

This study on Sarvepalli Radhakrisnan, the most gifted modern exponent of Hinduism and Indian thought opens the way to the treasures of Indian thought. Exploring the thinking pattern of Radhakrishnan, this study explains the Hindu anthropology and the basic ethical principles, which govern the spiritual journey of a Hindu. The discussion of the ethical teaching of Radhakrishnan gives a clear exposition of the meaning and the function of the ethical principles such as dharma, law of karma, and the doctrine of rebirth. A special reference to his thought on evil, sin and liberation also provides a brief account of the predominant Hindu understanding of them. Thus the main objective of this study is to describe the philosophical basis of the ‘Hindu vision of life’ and the foundations of the ‘Hindu way of life’ through the person of Radhakrishnan. Since he is known as the defender of human dignity, an attempt is also made to show how far his views are in harmony with the social teachings of the Catholic Church. Thus this study suggests that Radhakrishnan is an authentic source for Indian theologians and especially for moral theologians to acquire a sound knowledge of the foundations of the Hindu way of life.

KABEMBA BADIBANGA, Bruno (Repubblica Democratica del Congo - diocesi di Kananga): Salut intégral et libération dans la conception de la faute et de la réparation chez les Bantu-Luba du KasaV. "Défis d'une sotériologie inculturée" - 24 novembre 2000; Moderatore: Prof. Tremblay.

Le raccord voulu entre les germes de vie issus de la croyance aux esprits, d'une part, et les catégories de la rédemption, d'autre part; a été assuré, d'abord, en faisant graviter notre recherche autour de deux axes essentiels : anthropologique et théandrique. Tandis que la faute apparaît comme ce qui porte atteinte B la vie (et fracture l'harmonie) et sa réparation, l'accPs aux symboles et B la réciprocité, la médiation du salut, articulant l'identité du Sauveur sur l'Evénement pascal fait passer l'humanité pécheresse de la mort B la vie. Pour Ltre inculturés ensuite, les éléments de la culture Bantu-Luba ont du subir la loi purificatrice de l'Evangile en 3 moments d'Assomption, de PurifXcation et de Dépassement. C'est ainsi que, récupérant le donne révélé, la solidarité totale du Verbe incarné ("qui vient de et va vers"), réussit a rendre stérile la virulence extrLme du mal pour rapporter l'homme réconcilié dans l'étreinte éternelle du PPre.

KAGGWA, William (Uganda - diocesi di Kampala): A Theory of Moral Conversion Constructed from the Pastoral Letters of the Uganda Catholic Bishops in Dialogue with Walter E. Conn. Towards a Restoration of Personal Responsibility in Uganda - 1 giugno 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Gallagher.

This theory of moral conversion has been constructed from the dominant theme of moral conversion in the pastoral letters of Catholic bishops of Uganda. Their main argument is that: Uganda’s politico-social foundation at the time of independence was flawed, later caused horrendous suffering and deformed many people’s personal conscience; thus, the end result is a moral vacuum. Hence the solution is moral conversion through the reformation of personal consciences, the possibility of which lies in self-trascendence which must be guided by new evangelisation.

KIRWAN, Christopher (U.S.A. - diocesi di Boston): The Role of the Person in Society. A Critical Analysis of the Philosophical Vision of Charles Taylor as one Approach to the Application of Cath. Social Teaching as Outlined in the Encyclicals Laborem Exercens, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, and Centesimus Annus. of Pope John Paul II - 6 aprile 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Gallagher.

This thesis seeks to show a convergence of thought between the social encyclicals of Pope John Paul II and the philosophy of Charles Taylor as they both address the nature of the person in modern society within their respective writings. Such convergence of thought is sought in order to analyze critically Taylor’s system as a possible instrument in the application of Catholic social teaching. The final part of the thesis examines possible areas in which the two can be put into dialogue, not only for the benefit of modern social structures, but also in the hopes of using philosophy as it contributes to the theological task of discerning the new requirements of evangelization.

KLAFKA, Zdzislaw (Polonia – C.Ss.R.): Il Cristo Redentore come icona della misericordia di Dio Padre: Centro della proposta morale alfonsiana - 13 dicembre 2000; Moderatore: Prof. Majorano.

La tesi mira a delineare una visione d’insieme della proposta morale alfonsiana, cercando di individuare nella "copiosa redemptio" una chiave interpretativa fondamentale: a livello sia di contenuti sia di metodo. Il Cristo Redentore come "chenosi misericordiosa" di Dio o la "copiosa redemptio" (secondo il lemma dato ai Redentoristi) appare come fondamento, che chiede di cogliere la veritB morale come veritB pratica "salutare" e di articolarla e proporla in fedeltB allo "esempio" o alla "condotta" con cui il Redentore si P posto tra noi come veritB che salva. Il lavoro, oltre ad approfondire una chiave di lettura fondamentale della visione alfonsiana, cerca di trovare in essa stimoli preziosi per quella proposta morale, che oggi siamo chiamati a fare, capace di permettere il "riconoscimento" da parte della coscienza, indispensabile perché si abbia imperativitB morale (Veritatis Splendor 36).

LYLE, Dennis (U.S.A. - diocesi di Chicago): Virtues of Discipleship: The Contribution of the Evangelical Counsels to Catholic Moral Theology in the Light of the Universal Call to Holiness in the Documents of the Second Vatican Council. - 16 novembre 2000; Moderatore: Prof. Billy.

This dissertation proposes that the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience be understood as virtues of discipleship applicable to all the faithful. The step from counsel to virtue is a consequence of the universal call to holiness as expressed in Lumen gentium. The terms are studied as they are found within the documents of Vatican II and then described as virtues of discipleship based on scriptural quotations incorporated into the conciliar material. The human desire for communion, justice, and purpose in life are advanced through the practice of these virtues. They order our relationship with God, others and the environment and provide a holistic approach to life.

MORAES BRITO JUNIOR, Pedro (Brasile - diocesi di Feira De Santana): A fundaçao em Cristo como ponto de encontro entre o ético e o espiritual na teologia moral pós-conciliar. Confronto entre a proposta de Domenico Capone e de Jon Sobrino - 29 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Majorano.

La ricerca prende l’avvio dalle indicazioni del Vaticano II per la vita cristiana e per la teologia e, riconoscendo in esso il momento di convergenza tra l’etico e lo spirituale, ha come scopo quello di far risaltare l’importanza della relazione fra queste due dimensioni. Alla base del lavoro c’P la convinzione che una riflessione teologica, impostata alla luce del mistero di Cristo, P il presupposto di un vivere e di un sapere che si configurino come etico-spirituale. Concretamente, questo studio, sottolineando l’importanza di far dialogare i diversi modelli teologici, cerca di verificare i contributi dati da D. Capone e da J. Sobrino e di confrontarli fra loro.

MULAKKAL, Franco (India - diocesi di Jullundur): A Theological Investigation into the Moral Teachings of Guru Nanak from a Catholic Perspective - 8 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Billy.

Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikh religion, and his teachings form the basis of it. This work makes a theological investigation into his moral teachings from a Catholic perspective. The research brings out the elements of convergence and divergence from the teachings of the Guru Nanak. For example, the issue of ‘divine incarnation’ keeps Sikhism and Christianity divided, but the theme of ‘universal brotherhood’ unites them. We also see the integration of spiritual and moral life in the teachings of Guru Nanak and the Catholic Church, based on the concepts of loving devotion to God and the universal brotherhood.

SHOFANY, Saba (Israele - diocesi di Galilea): La contribution des prélats melkites au Concile Vatican II, au renouveau de la théologie morale - 12 febbraio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Majorano.

L’objet de notre thPse «La contribution des Prélats Melkites au Concile Vatican 11, au renouveau de la théologie morale» est B situer parmi les études qui proposent une nouveauté, une originalité et une actualité dans le domaine des recherches faites sur la théologie morale conciliaire. Il présente un jalon de l'histoire de l'Église grecque melkite catholique, et propose un essai sur la nature de la théologie morale de cette Eglise. Met en relief l'ampleur, la richesse, la variété d'aspects, les nouvelles impulsions, les réponses données pendant les interventions des prélats melkites sur certains problPmes abordés par le Concile. La recherche est enrichie par une vaste bibliographie sur le grand intérLt suscité par les interventions des ces prélats, auprPs des théologiens conciliaires et post-conciliaires, et détermine le rôle et le type de contribution des prélats melkites au renouveau de la doctrine morale du Concile Vatican II.

TONDE, Bernard (Burkina Faso - diocesi di Bondoukou): Diaconie de la famille dans la formation de la conscience morale en Côte d'Ivoire - 28 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Majorano.

Pour aider la Côte d'Ivoire B sortir de la difficile crise des valeurs et de la morale qu’elle traverse, il faudrait commencer par libérer la famille de l’égoVsme, et lui permettre d’exercer sa diaconie dans le cadre de la formation de la conscience morale, par le témoignage d’une vie d’amour. Cette éducation, pour Ltre intégrale, devra viser dPs la base, d’un esprit critique aiguisé, capable de hiérarchiser et d’harmoniser les valeurs, dans le choix renouvelé de l’amour du bien et de sa promotion gratuite. Dans cet effort des parents, l’État et les autres agences d’éducation ont un rôle important, quoique subsidiaire, B excercer dans un dialogue constructif avec les familles.

WICKRAMASINGHE, Raymond Kingsley (Sri Lanka - diocesi di Galle): An Analysis of the Definition of a Refugee from the Point of View of Catholic Social Teaching - 4 maggio 2001; Moderatore: Prof. Johnstone.

Millions of people in the world are forcibly displaced due to various reasons. However, only a fraction of those people are recognized by the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees, as "refugees". Responding to those forcibly displaced is first and foremost a matter of respecting basic human rights, which the international community is under an obligation to recognize and guarantee. This dissertation exposes and evaluates in the light of Catholic social teaching, some of those international and regional instruments that are responsible for bringing about a change in the refugee regime. It then suggests some positive comprehensive proposals to expand the existing definition of a refugee.