“Theological Education and Effective Apostolate of Women Religious in Nigeria: A Perspective from Canon 217”.
Abstract
This work studies Theological Education for effective apostolate of Women Religious in Nigeria from a perspective of Canon 217. Christ came into the world as light to guide humanity to the truth. In calling his followers "salt to the earth and "light of the world", (Matt 5:13.14), he charged them to represent him as light in the world (Lumen Gentium). Theological education is concerned with the teaching and learning about God with a view to knowing him intimately and how to respond to him and relate to the rest of his creation. It is not only a mere academic exercise but an engagement that informs one's life. The importance and role of the apostolate of women religious in the church is evidenced in the attention given to it by the Vatican Council Fathers in the Decree on the Update Renewal of Religious Life; the New Code of Canon Law and papal encyclicals. This is a theological study, which uses the analytical, descriptive and contextual method with the analysis of the data collected from the fieldwork. It is obvious that there is lacuna in the apostolates carried out by the women religious due to lack of adequate theological education This unwelcome situation has affected the fruitfulness in their apostolate. From the research carried out in this work, it is a practical reality that calls for urgent attention of all members of institutes, so as to assure their effectiveness and self- confidence and lessen their incompetence and unpreparedness. It is the duty of institutes to provide means for theological education of members and at the same time, it also calls for commitment and responsibility on the part of the members, and remains a serious and urgent need for the promotion of effective apostolate of women religious in Nigeria. This work recommends good leadership, proper formation, planning and budgeting, on-going formation, excellence and professionalism, the need for feedback.
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