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Introduction to Mariology

15/01/2024   Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Mariology

This course aims to provide theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. The sessions will start by analysing the portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Scriptures and Marian devotion in the early Church. The course will explore the development of the Marian dogmas and the devotion to Mary in the Eastern traditions. The course will also treat the way Mary as Mother of the Church is presented in Vatican Council II and the subsequent Mariological documents by the Popes in the last fifty years. The sessions will proceed to focus on the beautiful rendering of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Art and the manifold references to the Mother of God in Maltese poetry. In conclusion, the course will reflect on Mary as one of the most important figures in Christianity as a role model for all women. 

All who wish to enrich their theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. 

Target Audience`s Age: 18+
Session Format

This course will be delivered over 15 lectures, each lecture covering a different aspect of Mariology. The themes which will be covered are:

  • The portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Old Testament
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospel of John
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary and the early Church Fathers
  • The four Marian dogmas
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Oriental traditions (Catholics and Orthodox)
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Second Vatican Council
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Papal Magisterium of the last sixty years
  • Marian Spirituality
  • Portrayals of the Virgin Mary in Films
  • Marian Art in foreign countries
  • Marian Art in Malta
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in Maltese poetry
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary and woman in the Church

Please note that these themes will not necessarily be delivered in this particular order.

Session Format

Lectures will be on Mondays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 15th January 2024

MonthDays
January15th, 22nd & 29th
February5th, 19th & 26th
March4th, 11th & 18th
April8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
May6th & 13th

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests. 

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

  • meet the attendance criteria*
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice tests (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment.

Final Award: Certificate in Introduction to Mariology

Teaching & Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Five months part-time course

* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.

Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to evaluate applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

10/01/2024   Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

The course aims to provide theological knowledge regarding the Catholic belief in the Holy Spirit as it developed throughout the centuries and lived in various aspects of ecclesial life. The course starts by analysing scripture references to the Holy Spirit and explores the development of the theology of the Holy Spirit from the Church Fathers to contemporary theology. The course also illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in liturgy, ecclesial life and communal discernment, and concludes by analysing how the Holy Spirit is expressed in art.

People who wish to enrich their spirituality by learning more about the third person of the Holy Trinity.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

This course delves into four main areas:

  1. The Holy Spirit in Scriptures
  2. Patristic and Dogmatic Theology of the Holy Spirit
  3. Holy Spirit in Liturgy
  4. Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
Session Format

Lectures will be on Wednesdays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 10th January 2024

MonthDays
January10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
February7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
March6th, 13th & 20th
April10th, 17th & 24th
May8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
June5th

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests. 

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

  • meet the attendance criteria*
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice tests (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment of at least 1000-1500 words.

Final Award: Certificate in An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Four months part-time course

* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.

Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Introduction to the Gospel of John

06/11/2023   Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre Mosta
St John

During this course, students will have the opportunity to delve into the Christology of the Fourth Gospel and the different related themes which emerge from the narrative when compared to the Synoptic Gospels. It will present the purpose, date, destination, and historical context in which this gospel was written and how it was used throughout the history of Church’s Dogma. 

This course is for all who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Gospel of John.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The short course is delivered over three 2-hour lectures.

SessionThemes
Session 1– The author of the Fourth Gospel. 
 – Differences between the Synoptic Gospels and the Fourth Gospel.
Session 2– Nicodemus (Jn 3)
– The Samaritan Woman (Jn 4) 
Session 3 – The man born blind (Jn 9) 
– Lazarus (Jn 11) 

 

The course is delivered over 6 contact hours spread over three 2-hour sessions.

Lectures are held on Monday 6th, 13th and 20th of November 2023 between 18:00 – 20:00.

Certification:  

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend all of the course’s contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students need to meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice online exam. 

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend all of the course`s contact hours;  
  • pass the short multiple-choice online exam; 
  • and successfully complete a written assignment;

AFF Level: Level 6

Total ECTS: 1 Credit

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Qualifications: Basic knowledge of the Gospels/Undergraduate students.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Knows how to access the internet and use a word processor.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.