The Vision of Mercy Seen in Pope Francis' Misericordiae Vultus As Reflected in the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center

Date of Award

12-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

First Advisor

Fr. James Kroeger, MM, DMiss

Abstract

This research is a reflection on Pope Francis’ Misericordiae Vultus as seen in Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center’s vision, mission, and practices. A result of a clarion call, drawn from an inspiration on mercy and unconditional love; an attempt to offer a reflection on mercy as a continuation of the mission of Jesus in transforming the world, today, amid uncertainty and sacrifices in the context of a pandemic.

Offering a “Theology of Mercy” springing from a qualitative analysis through the lens of Pope Francis’ vision of mercy – Christ, Church, and Christians, it proceeded through an examination of mercy from the perspective of the Kalinga Center. The key informant is the founder of the center himself and the beneficiaries present during the time of the research. This paved the way on presenting three aspects – re-creating self- image, restoring self-respect, and reclaiming self-worth. Qualitative analysis, specifically by direct observation of the routines at the center had been a rewarding experience. The researcher had documented the seven stations as the core mission of the center. Valuable outcomes were documented such as beneficiaries’ continuing education, participation to livelihood programs, and becoming self-reliant. The aspect of realization on the part of the beneficiaries was an important finding. The center realized that the beneficiaries were able to testify that they were given a second chance in life described as having been able to help themselves and eventually becoming a source of mercy to others. Such are the discoveries and reflection on the works of the Kalinga Center in the person of Father Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva. Apparently, his personal experiences on God’s mercy came into fruition.

This reflection further came to a point of illumination, an understanding of the message of Misericordiae Vultus. The way that God’s mercy and love are apparently at work within and through the Kalinga Center. This apostolate continues to operate amid the present COVID-19 pandemic. There is unlimited supply of meals for the homeless of Metro Manila. However, instead of providing facility for a bath, the center simply limits its service to washing of hands during food distribution, for practical reason.

The significance of this paper rests on a practical level on the one hand. This may serve as a benchmark in designing a similar ministry and formation study in the future. The acts of mercy as practiced and received by many beneficiaries of the Kalinga Center merits further direct observation and discussion for improvement. As experienced, attentiveness to the cries of others in a situation of homelessness meant initiation in showing mercy, sustaining the services of the apostolate, and finally, instilling the values in each of the seven stations; a resonance of living out the real purpose of life – being God’s children. This aspect of “contemplation”, on the other hand, may be explored as a theme for future research.

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