CURRENT ISSUE :
Vol. LX - Issue No. 182 : May-August 2025
https://doi.org/10.55997/2000pslx182
The Wisdom of Remembering God in One’s Youth (Qoh 12,1) And Why It Is Important
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2001pslx182a1
- Author/s :
- Art Vincent M. Pangan, OP
Abstract :
The preaching of Qoheleth resonates through millennia and centuries: “Vanity of vanities! Everything is vanity!” Aside from this proclamation, Qoheleth and his book is relatively unknown and relatively unexplored. This article seeks to bring out from the treasure trove of Old Testament wisdom the voice of Qoheleth in perhaps one of the most important parts of his book - the concluding dialogue - his advice to the young man. Qoheleth
advices the young man, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. (Qoh. 12,1)” In unpacking the richness of what seems to be a very simple counsel, this short paper brings to the reader the beauty of its every carefully chosen word (lexical analysis), the poetry that surrounds the injunction (syntax), the complex cultural and inter-textual dynamics
(history and intertextuality) of the text. This paper was written for the young and for all who accompany the young that the voice of Qoheleth may reach them and bring them back to constantly remembering the Creator.
Keywords : Qoheleth, Preacher, Ecclesiastes, Youth, Young, Aging, Vanity, Futility, Pride, Wisdom Literature, Advice, Creator, Elohim
Navigating Modern Discipleship: Shedding Light on the Major Understanding of Transformation
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2002pslx182a2
- Author/s :
- Tran Van Luc
Abstract :
This article explores the general discourse on transformation for Christian
discipleship. It delves into various aspects, such as disciple transformation, discipleship’s dignity, and dependence on grace. The article highlights the importance of prayer, listening to God, and preparing for the challenges of discipleship in today’s world. It emphasizes that the Transfiguration event affirms the divinity of Jesus, calls for spiritual discipline, and invites humanity to share in Jesus’ glory. Overall, the article underscores the significance of
the Transfiguration as a transformative and guiding experience for contemporary disciples.
Keywords : Transfiguration, Christian discipleship, Human Dignity, Conversion, Disciple transformation, and Spiritual disciplines
India and Religious Pluralism: A Challenge to the Teaching Office of the Church
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2003pslx182a3
- Author/s :
- Lester E. Mendonsa
Abstract :
The deposit of faith is the sacrosanct memory of the Church. When the
magisterium interprets the deposit of faith extraordinarily or in an ordinary manner, no person lower than the supreme legislator is justified to digress from the truth of the faith and its authoritative interpretations. This is why the magisterium seeks to ensure that the deposit of faith is benefitted by all, not only in its entirety or beauty, but also in its purity. In a religious pluralist society like India, truth can only be served by a willing submission of mind
to the heritage that has been commonly adhered by the faithful, and interpreted and taught by the magisterium, through the centuries.
Keywords : Deposit of faith, Pluralism, Teaching Office, Magisterium, Meditation
Witnessing to a Liberating God: On the Hermeneutics and Theology of Obispo Maximo Alberto Ramento (1936-2006)
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2004pslx182a4
- Author/s :
- Peter-Ben Smit
Abstract :
This paper focuses on Filipino church leader and theologian Alberto Ramento (1936-2006) and adds to the study of this leading Filipino bishop by focusing on his hermeneutics, which gives an impression not only of what his theology stood for, but also of how this theology was anchored in the two main sources that Ramento can be shown as having drawn on: Scripture and history. In order to analyze Ramento’s hermeneutics, use will
be made of selected sermons, as a small selection of these has been preserved in the archives of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, as they are being kept in Aglipay Central Theological Seminary in Urdaneta City, Philippines. Although the sermons are few, they do stem from various phases of Ramento’s career and the hermeneutics that can be found in them seems to be rather consistent, which would support the suggestion that they are representative for his interpretation of the faith, i.e., by means of reading Scripture through the lens of Philippine experience and history and by understanding the same in the light of Scripture. Given the importance of the Philippine context in Ramento’s work, the present essay is also a contribution to the history of Philippine contextual theology.
Keywords : Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Alberto Ramento, Theology of Struggle, Biblical Interpretation, Martyrdom; Ecumenism, Philippine History; Hermeneutics
Fr. Antonio Lobato de Santo Tomas, O.P.: His Legacy in Cagayan Valley
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2005pslx182a5
- Author/s :
- Michael T. Tabao
Abstract :
Fr. Antonio Lobato de Santo Tomas, O.P., a notable 18th-century architect, left an enduring legacy in the Cagayan Valley with his creative designs, construction projects, and preservation of indigenous culture especially in the Ibanag language. This article investigates Fr. Lobato’s important contributions to the Cagayan Valley, particularly his iconic masterpiece, the Tuguegarao Cathedral, and his innovative building techniques. By looking into his work, architectural achievements, and long-term effect on the Cagayan Valley architectural landscape, we acquire a better understanding of his visionary approach to design and commitment to molding the built environment in line with local customs. Fr. Lobato’s legacy demonstrates his architectural brilliance, creativity, and long-term impact on the region’s cultural history.
Keywords : Antonio Lobato, Dominican Mission in Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao, architecture, masonry construction
Ukkil Motifs on Church Bells in the Philippines, 1854-1896 (PHILIPPINIANA RECORDS)
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2006pslx182pr1
- Author/s :
- Regalado Trota José
Abstract :
In the course of this author’s field research on church bells in the Philippines, a number of photographs of the crosses on the bells show the said crosses resting on bases that curiously resembled motifs related to the art of southern Philippine Islamized peoples. This art is collectively called ukkil (in the Sulu Archipelago) or okir (in many places in Mindanao). When tabulated, the data show that these bells were cast from about the middle of the 19th century to the 1890s. This article tries to find out how these ukkil motifs found their way to church bells.
Keywords : bells, Moro wars, naga, okir, ukkil
Fr. Brugués’ General Description of the Cagayan Valley (1897) -2nd part
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2007pslx182pr2
- Author/s :
- Jorge Mojarro
Abstract :
Keywords :
Paolo Giulietti – Olimpia Niglio – Carlo Pelliccia (a cura di). TENSHŌ 天正, Diario di un pellegrinaggio giapponese alla Curia romana (1585). Fonti manoscritte e a stampa. Todi: Editrice Tau, 2025. pp. 530. ISBN 97912597754974. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2008pslx182br1
- Author/s :
- Michele Peretti
Abstract :
Keywords :
Tullius, William. On the Ethical Philosophy of Edith Stein Outlines of Morality.New York: Lexington Books, 2024. p. 244. ISBN: 978-1-66692-367-4. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2009pslx182br2
- Author/s :
- Jose Adriand Emmanuel L. Layug
Abstract :
Keywords :
Farrel, Dominic. ed. Traditions of Natural Law in Medieval Philosophy. Washington, D.C.: The Catholic University of America Press, 2023. pp. 229. ISBN: 978-0-8132- 3538-7. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2010pslx182br3
- Author/s :
- Blaise D. Ringor
Abstract :
Keywords :
Zhang, Zhiqing. The Aesthetic Thought and View of Art of Thomas Aquinas. Singapore: Springer Nature, 2024. pp. 136. ISBN: 978-981-97-6898-1. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2011pslx182br4
- Author/s :
- Dan Joseph DC. Guillermo
Abstract :
Keywords :
Farin, Ingo and Malpas, Jeff. ed. Heidegger and the Human. Albany: Southwest University of New York, 2022. pp. 367. ISBN 9781438490502. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)
- DOI :
- https://doi.org/10.55997/2012pslx182br5
- Author/s :
- Reynante Labao
Abstract :
Keywords :
Editor's Note
Rev. Fr. Clarence Victor C. Marquez, O.P., SThD
Editor-in-chief
לשמע בקול תודה ולספר כל נפלאותיך׃
“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works”
(Psalm 26:7 KJV)
The sufficient reason for the Office for Ecclesiastical Publications, for the enduring publishing of Philippiniana Sacra (since 1966) and Boletin Eclesiastico de Filipinas (since 1923), is Preaching, the unhindered proclamation of the gospel for salvation of souls, which remains as the true mission of the University of Santo Tomas, indeed, of the Order of Preachers.
Ours is a ministry of the Word - received and read, thought and taught in the Ecclesiastical Faculties of UST, through the Philippiniana Sacra; as texts written and published, disseminated and distributed in the service of the different dioceses of the Church in the Philippines, through the Boletin Eclesiastico de Filipinas.
And in this age of social communications and artificial intelligence, we take up the challenge and task of exploring and utilizing ethically these modern means in order to further the reach of our preaching, to render our message ever ancient, ever new, through means and media relevant and responsive, to be present in these new areopagi, to engage in the dialogue of life and of faith, to serve the truth in charity, to seek to sustain our efforts with focused studies and strategies, to journey with the people of God, especially the poor and the afflicted, towards the reign of God.
“Come and see…,” “ask, seek, knock…” Let these texts, both in printed and in digital forms, be testaments and testimonies to the TRUTH that sets us free, the WORD made human, “who was from the beginning, whom we have heard, whom we have seen with our eyes, whom we have looked upon, and touched with our hands, the WORD of Life… so that you too may have fellowship… so that our joy may be complete” (cf. 1 John 1:1-4).
