Theological institute a step closer in offering degree course

THE Catholic Theological Institute (CTI) is a step closer to offering a Bachelor in Sacred Theology degree course.
This follows the signing of two documents on Jan 23 at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines.
The documents called Affiliation Agreement and the Norms to be Observed were signed by Cardinal Sir John Ribat, the CTI Pro-Chancellor, and Rev Dr. Joseph Vnuk, the CTI president.
The affiliation will be made official when approved by the Congregation of Education – the pontifical congregation of the Roman Curia responsible for Catholic universities, faculties, and institutes of higher study.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is sponsoring CTI’s petition to the Congregation of Education for affiliation. The degree course follows the universal requirements set by the Congregation and qualifies a graduate for further studies in any ecclesiastical university.
Vnuk said the CTI had been wanting to have its degrees approved by the UST and had made many changes to meet the university’s standards.
“The signing indicates that the UST recognises that the CTI has met those standards,” he said.
“With this affiliation, we are able to train more people for teaching positions so that one day CTI will be run by local priests and move to accredit higher degrees.”
“PNG will (eventually) produce a fully-fledged faculty here for the church and for the glory of God.”
The university was represented by Rev Dr Jannel Abogado, Rev Dr Florentino Bolo Jr and Leo-Martin Angelo Ruiz Ocampo.
Abogado said the affiliation was to improve the formation of the clergy and the local church.
Cardinal Sir John described the signing as the end of a long and challenging journey and the start of another for CTI.
“It took 13 years of constant pursuit. We thank UST for this opportunity,” he said.