In a historic moment for Faculty of Theology in Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, UKSW, yet another set of doctoral defences, for students who opt to follow their lectures in English language as their medium of communication, took place, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s existence. The event, which took place on February 23th (2 defences) and on February 24th (one defence) 2023, was witnessed by over 40 persons on sit and a host of others followed this event online. Amongst those present at this turning point in the institution’s history were the High Commission of the University senate, the Deans of the Faculties and heads of Departments, including other international professors, masters, and doctoral degree students from different universities within and outside Poland and not leaving out His Excellency Mgr. George Nkuo the bishop of the Diocese of Kumbo.
The occasion was a testament to Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University’s commitment to teaching the truth about God as an understanding of Catholic theology in an atmosphere of brotherhood and community, and its tireless efforts to academic excellence by producing outstanding graduates with doctoral degree from Africa, Europe, and Asia, making great contributions to the intellectual growth of their societies. The event was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the institution’s leadership, faculty, staff, and students, who have all contributed to the success of the institution.
In this recent defence of doctoral dissertation in Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, UKSW, three priests from Africa: Fr. Marcel Kpudzeka (from diocese of Kumbo-Cameroon, West Africa), Fr. Louis Mbuyeh Ngeh (from the diocese of Kumbo-Cameroon, West Africa), and Fr. Tesfay Haileselassie Hailemariam (from the diocese of Adigrat-Ethiopia, East Africa), presented their research on various topics, showcasing their expertise in the field of study.
The research undertaken by Fr. Marcel Kpudzeka was titled “The Anthropological Basis of the Spirituality of Mother Teresa of Calcutta” which centered around investigating what understanding of the human person Mother Teresa had and how that understanding influenced her way of life or spirituality. The researcher argued in the work that seeing Christ in every human person is the reason why Mother Teresa dedicated her entire life to serve the poorest of the poor such as the orphans, the sick, the abandoned and the dying. The promotor was fr. Prof. Marek Tatar
The Cameroonian born Fr. Louis Mbuyeh Ngeh grounded his research on “A Vision of Marriage and the Family in the Light of the Documents of the Catholic Church in Cameroon” which touches on the major tenets of marriage and the family, both general and particular, universal and African but focused on the complex moral problem confronting marriage and the family in Cameroon, thus, showing the urgency of the study, especially the light of the documents of the Catholic Church. The promotor was fr. Prof. Krzysztof Kietliński.
Fr. Tesfay Haileselassie Hailemariam in his benevolence ventured into pastoral care with the topic “The Role of Pastoral Care of the Catholic Church in Personal Transformation of Youth in the Diocese of Adigrat-Ethiopia”. Motivated by the high level of unethical and immorality, with an increasing level of insecurity and threat to lives among the young people in the diocese of Adigrat, the research decided to call on the Church in its vital role to shape its policies and direction towards the pastoral care of the youths. The promotor was fr. Prof. Marek Tatar.
During this trinitarian defence, the candidates eloquently presented their thesis, highlighting the significance of their work and its potential impact on the field. They responded confidently and knowledgeably to questions from the panel, demonstrating a thorough understanding of their research and its implications. Their performances were met with praise and admiration from both the panel and the audience. Their dedication, hard work, and scholarly excellence were evident throughout the presentation, making for an impressive, educative and informative event.
With the completion of their doctoral defence, these candidates had made a significant contribution to the field of Spirituality, Marriage and family life, and Pastoral care of the youths in the entire African society and beyond. Their research had the potential to shape future research in these and similar areas of studies. We congratulate them on their accomplishment and look forward to seeing the impact of their work in the years to come.
As the event came to a close, there was a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment among attendees, who reflected on the institution’s journey and the obstacles it had overcome to reach this momentous occasion. The event will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the institution’s history, one that will inspire future generations to continue the institution’s legacy of teaching the truth about God as an understanding of Catholic theology in an atmosphere of brotherhood and community.
As Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, UKSW, looks to the future, this historic event serves as a reminder of the institution’s unwavering commitment to her mission and values and its ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Come and tap from the abondance knowledge and academic proficiency at UKSW.
Fr Desomd Asong
