Institue for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA)

Graduate Program Offerings

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

As an institute of higher learning, the Graduate Department of St. Anthony Mary Claret College is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippine government. It confers the following civil degrees:

  • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology, with majors in:
    • Consecrated Life
    • Spirituality
    • Missiology
    • Biblical Ministry
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology, with majors in:
    • Consecrated Life
    • Missiology

MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY, MAJOR IN CONSECRATED LIFE

The program’s vision is integrative. Consecrated Life is studied in its essential relationships with the other forms of Christian life in the Church, especially that of the Laity and the Ordained Ministers. It equips men and women to reflect on faith in Consecrated Life in its various aspects (Vita Consecrata, n. 13) in a systematic, dynamic, dialogical, and creative manner.

The approach is interdisciplinary, engaging Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, and other human sciences for a fuller understanding of Christian discipleship. Guided by the evangelical counsels, the program seeks to achieve a form of Consecrated Life that is both Christian and rooted in Asia’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY, MAJOR IN SPIRITUALITY

The Spirituality Program forms religious and lay men and women in Christian spirituality and spiritual accompaniment. It provides both theoretical and affective knowledge of Christian spirituality within the Asian context, exposing students to Asian traditions of meditation and spiritual practices. In this way, students “may learn by sincere and patient dialogue what treasures a generous God has distributed among the nations of the earth” (Ad Gentes, n. 11).

MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY, MAJOR IN MISSIOLOGY

The Missiology Program prepares missiologists and missionaries to serve God’s reign, especially in the Philippines, Asia, and the Pacific. It provides theoretical and practical skills for “dialogue with life”—dialogue with cultures, the poor, the marginalized, and people of different religious traditions.

The growth of emergent churches in Asia and the Pacific challenges local churches to provide personnel who can sustain and nurture this development, in line with the theological reflections of the FABC. Missiology is one way of serving this mission.

MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY, MAJOR IN BIBLICAL MINISTRY

In response to the Church’s call that all pastoral activity be inspired by the Bible (Dei Verbum, n. 24), the Biblical Ministry Program focuses on forming Ministers of the Word with a strong foundation in Scripture. It fosters effective communication and proclamation of the Word and cultivates a living relationship with the Scriptures in liturgy, catechesis, and research (Verbum Domini, nn. 1, 5).

Complemented by courses in Missiology and Spirituality, the program prepares students for missionary service of the Word in diverse pastoral settings.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph.D.) IN THEOLOGY

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology is the highest academic formation in theological studies, signifying both intellectual breadth and the ability to contribute original insights. It is not merely an academic pursuit but a service to communion, mission, and renewal (Vita Consecrata, n. 16).

The program moves students beyond knowledge acquisition toward generating new insights through research, critical analysis, and engagement with contemporary realities. Anchored in fides quaerens intellectum—faith seeking understanding—it trains candidates to interpret theological, cultural, and social questions of our time in light of Scripture and Tradition, in service of the People of God.

Ph.D. in Theology, Major in Consecrated Life

This specialization deepens theological and pastoral reflection on Consecrated Life. It situates the vocation within dialogue with Asian cultural and spiritual traditions while integrating Scripture, Tradition, the Magisterium, and the charisms of religious institutes with insights from human sciences.

Candidates conduct original research addressing enduring and emerging challenges to consecrated life, contributing to its renewal as “a living memorial of Jesus’ way of living and acting” (Vita Consecrata, n. 22).

Ph.D. in Theology, Major in Missiology

This specialization explores the theology and praxis of mission in today’s pluralistic and globalized world. Rooted in Scripture, Tradition, Vatican II, and the insights of the FABC, it engages with pressing realities such as migration, ecological crisis, secularization, and interreligious dialogue.

Candidates discern how the Church can authentically proclaim Christ while being attentive to the Spirit’s presence in cultures and religions. They are formed to create theological and pastoral approaches that enrich missiology and strengthen the Church’s mission in Asia and beyond.