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This study aims to reflect on the theological meaning of natural disasters in Sumatra (Aceh, Simeulue, Padang) from an ecological perspective. Although Sumatra is geologically prone to earthquakes and tectonic activities due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, hydrometeorological disasters such as floods and landslides are exacerbated by human actions, including deforestation, watershed degradation, and uncontrolled land conversion. This research employs a qualitative-descriptive approach using library research and a theological-reflective method. Primary sources include Sacred Scripture, Church documents (Laudato Si', Gaudium et Spes, General Directory for Catechesis), and relevant ecological theology literature. The findings indicate that natural disasters in Sumatra can be interpreted as "signs of the times" revealing both ecological and moral crises. Disasters are not divine punishment but consequences of humanity's misuse of freedom in managing creation. Ecological conversion is urgently needed at personal, social, and structural levels. Within the catechetical framework, disaster experiences become "texts of life" that guide the faithful toward mature faith expressed in lifestyle changes, solidarity, and responsibility for our common home.

This study aims to examine Deuteronomy 22:13-30 using a hermeneutic approach and relate it to the current level of awareness of early marriage among Christian congregations. The method used was a qualitative literature study, with the Bible as the primary source, supplemented by various related theological literature. The results indicate that this section of the text contains important theological values, such as holiness, justice, responsibility, and respect for human dignity, especially women, in the context of marriage. Although this text originates from the patriarchal culture of ancient Israel, its principles remain relevant in today's context. Regarding the phenomenon of early marriage, it was found that this practice often occurs without adequate preparation, whether emotional, spiritual, or economic, and thus risks causing various problems in the household. Therefore, the church has a responsibility to raise congregational awareness through faith formation, premarital education, and contextual pastoral care. This study confirms that marriage is a life calling that requires maturity and serious commitment, not simply a solution to social problems.

This research aims to examine the values contained in Dalihan Na Tolu through the perspective of Christian eschatology and examine its relevance to the mission of the Catholic Church in society. Dalihan Na Tolu as a socio-cultural system of the Batak community contains the values of respect, solidarity, responsibility, and brotherhood which play an important role in building social harmony. This research uses a qualitative method with a library research approach through the collection of data from various books, journals, Church documents, and scientific sources relevant to the research theme. The results of the study show that the values in Dalihan Na Tolu are related to eschatological expectations in the Christian faith, especially in building a life that reflects the love, brotherhood, and fellowship that God wills. In addition, Dalihan Na Tolu also has relevance in the Church's mission as a means of inculturation in the proclamation of the Gospel that is more contextual in the Batak community. Thus, local culture is not seen as an obstacle to faith, but rather as a means that can support the realization of the values of God's Kingdom in common life.

This research is prompted by the unique narrative of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who occupies a critical theological position in Israel’s history of salvation despite her status as an outsider to the chosen people. The primary focus of this study is to explore the dimensions of Rahab’s faith and God’s sovereignty as recorded in Joshua 2:1-12. This study aims to analyze how the confession of faith from a marginalized individual aligns with God's sovereign plan and to determine the relevance of these values for contemporary Christian witness. The method employed is a qualitative approach utilizing library research and exegetical analysis of the text in Joshua 2:1-12. The findings indicate that Rahab's faith was not merely an act of self-preservation but a theological response to the formidable power of God that transcends ethnic boundaries and social status. God's sovereignty is proven capable of working through unexpected subjects to fulfill His divine purpose. The implications of this research assert that modern Christian witness must be inclusive and transformative, where the courage to declare God's truth amidst threatening situations constitutes a tangible form of living faith. The church is called to perceive God's sovereignty as the fundamental basis for mission and witness, unrestricted by social or cultural exclusivity.    

The development of globalization, digital technology, and social change has influenced the way young people understand and live out their faith. Secularism tends to place religion in the private sphere, so that religious values do not always become the basis for decision-making in daily life. This study aims to analyze the challenges of secularism to the formation of the identity of Catholic youth in the modern era and to formulate relevant religious education responses in addressing these dynamics. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method that examines various scientific literature, Church documents, and research findings related to the phenomenon of secularism and the formation of the religious identity of Catholic youth. The results of the study indicate that secularism has a complex impact on the faith life of young people, including decreased participation in Church activities, the emergence of individualistic attitudes, and the tendency to view religion merely as a formal identity. However, on the other hand, the modern era also opens opportunities for young people to develop their faith creatively through the use of digital technology and involvement in faith communities. Therefore, Catholic religious education and pastoral accompaniment that are dialogical, contextual, and participatory are very important in helping Catholic youth integrate their faith into daily life. This study is expected to provide theoretical and practical contributions for educators and pastoral ministers in fostering the faith identity of Catholic youth in modern society.

This study explores the dynamics of children’s character formation within Christian families in the digital era from the perspective of church parents. Employing a descriptive light mixed-methods design, the study integrates survey data and semi-structured interviews to obtain both quantitative and qualitative insights. The findings indicate that digital media has become an integral and unavoidable part of family life, making children’s character formation highly dependent on parental guidance, reflective communication, and consistent faith-based education at home. Parents face various challenges related to time constraints, limited digital literacy, and the increasing exposure of children to external values that may not align with Christian teachings. At the same time, many parents actively utilize technology as a supportive and accessible tool for spiritual learning and moral development. The study concludes that character formation is shaped not merely by technology itself but more significantly by the quality of family relationships and parental role modeling grounded in Christian values. Therefore, the findings recommend strengthening faith-based digital literacy among parents and enhancing church–family collaboration to foster more holistic, balanced, and sustainable character development in children.

This paper explores the role of Mary as a model of salvation in Catholic faith, focusing on the understanding of Mariology within the cultural context of the Ende-Lio people in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Mary is regarded not only as the Mother of Jesus Christ but also as an example of faith marked by humility, obedience, and hope. Her humility and willingness to accept God’s will, especially in the Annunciation, serve as a concrete inspiration for Catholics to respond faithfully to God’s call. Within the Ende-Lio culture, which values loyalty, solidarity, respect for ancestors, and harmony with nature, Mary becomes a figure closely connected to daily life. Devotions such as the rosary, pilgrimages to Marian grottoes, and the celebration of the Marian months highlight Mary’s living presence in both the faith and cultural traditions of the community. Thus, Mary serves as a bridge between the Gospel and local culture, revealing a Church that is rooted in its own soil yet remains faithful to Christ. This reflection affirms that contextual faith is a living faith deeply rooted in local culture while open to the saving work of God.

This theological research explores Mary’s essential role in the narrative of salvation and her deep connection with the Church, as outlined in key Catholic documents like Lumen Gentium and Redemptoris Mater. Using a qualitative approach that combines descriptive and analytical methods, the study reviews Church teachings, Scripture, and theological literature. It highlights Mary’s pivotal status as Mother of God (Theotokos) a title affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, which underscores both Christ’s divinity and Mary’s unique participation in God’s redemptive plan. The study traces the theological roots of this title through biblical texts, portraying Mary as the chosen vessel through whom the Word became incarnate. It examines how Old Testament prophecies about Mary are fulfilled in New Testament events, especially in the Annunciation and Elizabeth’s greeting of Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” The research also delves into Mary’s bond with the Church, focusing on her recognition as Mother of the Church by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council. Mary is presented as the ideal disciple, embodying unwavering faith, obedience, and humility in her acceptance of God’s will. Her presence at key moments, from the Incarnation to Pentecost, positions her as both a member and a model of the Church. Ultimately, the study concludes that Mary’s unity with the Church is reflected in her dual role as Mother of Christ and spiritual mother to all believers, offering a profound example of Christian virtues and guiding the faithful in their collective journey toward salvation.

This article examines the pastoral phenomenon among the faithful, who firmly believe in the truth and infallibility of the Scriptures without feeling the need to interpret or explain the texts themselves. Based on limited interviews conducted, this study finds that this phenomenon does not arise from a lack of faith but rather from the Church’s teaching that emphasizes the authority of the Scriptures without allowing space for personal interpretation. The results of these interviews are combined with patristic sources and modern theological discussions to delve deeper into the integration of the truth of the Scriptures into the daily practice of the faithful. A tendency toward clerical interpretation has been found to hinder the sensus fidei, or the communal sense of faith, leading to an exaggerated fear of possibly misinterpreting the Scriptures. Therefore, an inclusive pastoral approach is needed, including through digital and catechetical media, to encourage the faithful to engage with the Scriptures within the bounds of ecclesiastical unity. This aims to ensure that the faith of the faithful is not only a matter of belief but is also practiced with true and comprehensive understanding.

Young people today live in a digital culture that makes social media the main space for communicating, forming identities, and finding meaning in life. In such situations, catechesis needs to adjust itself to remain relevant and able to reach them effectively. The use of social media opens up opportunities for the Church to present catechesis that is more interactive, visual, and contextual through various forms such as short videos, infographics, live broadcasts, and online discussions. A qualitative approach through literary studies and indirect observation shows that social media can increase the involvement of young people in faith formation because it is flexible and easily accessible. However, the use of social media also presents pastoral challenges, such as the potential for superficiality of content and a lack of deep appreciation of faith. Therefore, critical assistance and integration between digital catechesis and real community life are needed so that the faith of young people is sustained and strengthened in the life of the Church.

This study aims to examine the theological meaning of love for the poor in the apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te and to reflect on its relevance within the context of Indonesia’s pluralistic society. The research employs a qualitative method with a literature study approach, using Dilexi Te as the primary source, supported by relevant theological and social literature. The findings reveal that love for the poor in Dilexi Te is not merely a charitable act but constitutes the core of Christian faith, inseparable from one’s relationship with God. This love is integral, encompassing spiritual, moral, and structural dimensions, and calls for active engagement in promoting social justice and addressing the root causes of poverty. Theologically, solidarity with the poor is grounded in the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and the principle of the preferential option for the poor. In the Indonesian context of diversity, this teaching holds strong relevance as a foundation for fostering interreligious solidarity, strengthening social cohesion, and encouraging both the Church and society to work toward a more just, inclusive, and humane social order. Therefore, this study highlights that theological reflection on love for the poor is not merely normative but also carries concrete social implications in a pluralistic society.

. The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought significant changes in various fields, including education and church life. This study aims to examine the dynamics of the formation of prospective catechists in facing the challenges of AI use at the IPI Malang Pastoral College. This study used a qualitative, descriptive approach, through observation and interviews with students as research subjects. The results show that the use of AI has become an integral part of the learning process, helping students understand material, develop academic skills, and enhance creativity in the pastoral field. However, the use of AI also poses challenges in the form of a tendency towards instantaneous attitudes and potential dependency that can hinder critical thinking skills and deep reflection on faith. In the context of pastoral education, the formation of prospective catechists emphasizes not only intellectual aspects but also spirituality, personality, and pastoral sensitivity. Therefore, the wise and proportional use of AI is necessary, while still positioning it as a supporting tool, not a substitute for human roles. The role of lecturers and educational institutions is crucial in guiding students to be able to use technology critically, reflectively, and responsibly. Thus, the integration of technology and faith values ​​is expected to produce prospective catechists who are able to respond to the challenges of the times in a relevant and meaningful manner.

This study aims to examine how faith rooted in the family has implications for children's character education. The family is the first and foremost environment in human life, where children begin to learn about life values, including faith, morals, and responsibility. In Christian families, parents play a crucial role in instilling and fostering faith through living examples, praying together, and participating in Church life. This study employed a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. The analysis was conducted by reviewing various scientific sources and Church documents relevant to the research theme, such as Familiaris Consortio and Amoris Laetitia, which emphasize the role of the family as a "domestic Church." The documents of the Second Vatican Council, as well as relevant journals and books, were also used. The results of the study indicate that faith that lives and grows within the family has a significant influence on the formation of children's character. The values ​​of faith taught within the family, such as love, honesty, responsibility, and concern for others, form an important foundation for developing good character. Through consistent faith education within the family, children can grow into individuals with faith, morals, and the ability to live responsibly in society.

Catechesis is a process of faith formation that aims to help the faithful, especially Catholic youth, to know, internalize, and live out the Christian faith in their daily lives. In the digital era, youth participation in ecclesial life tends to decline, as indicated by low involvement in Church activities. This condition is influenced by various factors, such as academic and work commitments, as well as the dominance of digital culture, which is often more appealing to young people than spiritual activities. This study aims to analyze the role of catechesis in increasing the participation of Catholic youth in the digital era and to examine the relevance of retreats and recollections as contextual forms of catechesis. The research employs a qualitative approach using a literature study method, supported by observations of ecclesial life at the station level. The findings indicate that catechesis that is primarily informative is less effective in addressing the needs of young people, who seek a more personal and participatory faith experience. In this regard, retreats and recollections have the potential to serve as forms of catechesis that deepen faith experiences and encourage active participation in the life of the Church.

Pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra has experienced a decline in quality in fostering the maturity of faith and the spiritual life of the congregation. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which emotional intelligence influences the quality of pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra. This study uses a quantitative approach. The data obtained were analyzed using simple linear regression techniques. This study proves that: Based on data reduction, it is known that the emotional intelligence of pastors, administrators, and servants of the Voice of Truth Gospel Church in the North Sumatra region is in the high category; Based on the results of data reduction, it is also known that the majority of respondents assess that pastoral care within the Voice of Truth Gospel Church throughout North Sumatra has been running quite effectively; Emotional Intelligence has a positive and significant effect on the variable of Pastoral Care Quality. This can be seen from the calculated t (8.857) > t table (1.65437) and Sig. (0.000) < 0.05, and based on the results of the coefficient of determination test, it is known that the Quality of Herding is influenced by the Emotional Intelligence variable with a value of 61.2% and the remaining 39.8% is influenced by other variables outside this study.

This study uses a qualitative research design with a literature study approach to examine the theological meaning of the suffering of the righteous in the Book of Job, specifically chapters 1–2 and 38–42. The literature study method was applied by collecting primary data in the form of biblical texts and secondary data from relevant national scientific journals. The approach used includes narrative interpretation to understand the story's structure, Job's character, and the dynamics of events, and theological interpretation to interpret suffering from the perspective of God's sovereignty. The results show that Job is portrayed as a righteous man who is pious, honest, and fears God, so his suffering is not related to personal sin. Job's suffering is holistic, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, and occurs in the context of God's permission of Satan's actions, confirming that no event is outside His sovereignty. God's response in chapters 38–42 emphasizes His greatness and wisdom through revelation from the storm, rather than through a rational explanation of the cause of suffering. These findings confirm that the primary purpose of suffering is not to be explained intellectually, but to purify faith and deepen humanity's relationship with God. Its relevance for the church today lies in the need for sound theological teaching on suffering, pastoral care for those who suffer, and the development of communities that sustain the faith and hope of the congregation. Thus, suffering, from the perspective of God's sovereignty, serves as a means of forming spiritual character, strengthening the resilience of faith, and recognizing the sovereign God.

The development of digital culture has significantly changed the communication, relationships, and spirituality of the younger generation, requiring the Church to reconsider its catechetical methods in the context of social media. This article aims to analyze digital catechesis as a space where faith can develop for the younger generation, by examining the theological foundations, the dynamics of digital culture, and the challenges and models for its development. This study adopts a literature review method by conducting a systematic review of Church Magisterial documents, theological works, and academic research related to the religiosity of the younger generation in the digital environment. The research findings indicate that social media can become a place of faith encounter if catechesis focuses not only on the delivery of religious content but also offers a relational experience that is dialogical, participatory, and community-oriented. However, there are serious challenges such as the risk of superficiality, spiritual consumption, the dominance of algorithms, the commodification of religious content, and the issue of doctrinal authority in the digital space. Therefore, the development of digital catechesis must be based on Christocentrism, fidelity to Church teaching, and a combination of online guidance and concrete sacramental life. With an approach that takes context and reflection into account, digital catechesis has the potential to be a significant and transformative tool of evangelization for young people in the evolving culture of social media.

The church has a strategic role not only in spiritual development, but also in the social and economic empowerment of the congregation. One relevant approach to address the challenges of congregational welfare is Theopreneurship, namely entrepreneurship based on Christian faith values. This study aims to determine how the form of pastor's mentoring as Theopreneur in improving the welfare of the congregation at HKI Resort Pulo Siborna, Panei District. The approach used is descriptive qualitative with data collection methods through interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of the study show that the pastor plays an active role as a facilitator, motivator, and spiritual guide in assisting the congregation in developing businesses based on faith values. The socio-economic development (PSE) program, which covers agriculture and animal husbandry, has successfully fostered an entrepreneurial spirit, togetherness, and the economic independence of the congregation. The pastor's mentoring as a Theopreneur has proven to be able to provide holistic services that emphasize not only the spiritual aspect but also the economic empowerment of the congregation. Thus, the pastor's mentoring as Theopreneurship has a positive contribution in improving the welfare of the congregation holistically, encompassing spiritual, social, and economic aspects. Therefore, Theopreneurship can be a model of contextual and sustainable church service in realizing the welfare of the congregation as a whole.

This study examines Marian devotion in the Catholic Church as a form of veneration (dulia) rather than worship (latria), addressing persistent misconceptions that equate Catholic devotional practices with idolatry. The research aims to identify the forms of Marian devotion practiced by Catholics in Indonesia and to analyze the challenges encountered in living out these practices. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework. Two hundred articles were initially identified through Google Scholar and screened according to relevance, recency, geographical context, and methodological criteria, resulting in four eligible studies for analysis. The findings reveal four principal forms of devotion: the use of statues as aids to prayer, pilgrimages to Marian sites, Montfort-style Marian consecration, and the rosary emphasizing praise, imitation, and prayer with Mary. These practices deepen faith and lead the faithful closer to Christ without replacing divine worship. Challenges include external religious intolerance toward devotional symbols and limited theological understanding among believers. Therefore, sound catechesis grounded in Scripture and Church Tradition is essential to ensure authentic and balanced Marian devotion.  

Paaloka is a religious–cultural practice of the indigenous community of Detunggali Lewumbangga Village that functions as a medium for maintaining relationships with ancestors as well as a means of fostering social solidarity. This study aims to analyze the religious meaning of Paaloka and its relevance from the perspective of Catholic faith and within the local social context. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through observation and in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, church leaders, and community members. Data analysis was conducted through processes of reduction, categorization, and thematic interpretation. The findings indicate that Paaloka embodies religious values such as expressions of gratitude, petitions for blessings, and respect for ancestors, and serves to strengthen communal identity and social cohesion. From a theological perspective, Paaloka can be understood as a space for the inculturation of Catholic faith insofar as it is interpreted as an expression of prayer and lived faith in God without negating the teachings of the Church. This study underscores the importance of dialogue between faith and culture in the development of contextual pastoral practice.