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The study examines the symbolic meaning of the “Bread of Life” in John 6 through an exegetical-theological approach, using intertextual and narrative-semiotic perspectives. It uncovers the dynamics of Johannine Christological revelation, which moves from miracle as sign, through theological discourse, and culminates in the sacramental understanding of the Eucharist. The Gospel of John is read as a text that employs symbolism and patterns of misunderstanding to lead readers from a literal reading toward deeper faith in Jesus as the source of true life. In this framework, the “Bread of Life” functions not merely as metaphor but as a revelatory symbol integrating Christological, soteriological, and ecclesiological dimensions. Findings show that this symbol is rooted in Old Testament motifs such as manna, Exodus, and wisdom, reinterpreted Christologically in Jesus. The feeding miracle points beyond physical sustenance to divine revelation, culminating in the statement “I am the Bread of Life.” John 6:51b–58 intensifies this sacramental meaning, forming the basis for Eucharistic theology, where participation in Christ’s body and blood signifies existential communion with God. The study concludes that John integrates Christology and sacramental theology, portraying faith as movement from sign to reality, recognition to participation, and revelation to communion with Christ.

This study examines the Common Dange Mess at the Parish of Santo Antonius Padua Mendalam as a manifestation of the inculturation of Catholic faith with the Dayak Kayan culture. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study focuses on the meaning and relationship between the Church altar and the Lasah as symbols of liturgy and culture. The altar remains the sacramental center of the Eucharist, while the Lasah channels prayers, offerings, and local cultural identity, forming a harmonious dialogue without altering theological meaning. Cultural elements such as language, songs, dances, traditional attire, and ritual symbols are purified and aligned with the liturgy, ensuring that all offerings are directed to God. The findings indicate that the Common Dange Mess strengthens the faith of the Dayak Kayan community, preserves cultural identity, and affirms the practice of contextual theology, in which the proclamation of the Gospel is realized contextually, dialogically, and complementarily with local traditions, making this celebration a mature model of inculturation centered on Christ.  

This study aims to describe and analyze the understanding of the faithful and the implementation of Eucharistic liturgical gestures at Saint Christopher Parish, Siborongborong. Liturgical gestures such as the sign of the cross, standing, sitting, kneeling, and striking the chest are essential elements of active participation in the Eucharistic celebration. These gestures are not just physical actions but carry profound spiritual significance. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that the faithful’s understanding of the symbolic meaning of these gestures remains limited, which leads to a tendency to perform them mechanically without deep spiritual reflection. This lack of understanding results in a disconnect between the physical actions and their intended spiritual effects. Nevertheless, in practice, the faithful generally follow these gestures in accordance with the liturgical norms of the Church. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for continuous and contextual liturgical formation programs. These programs should aim to deepen the awareness and spiritual engagement of the faithful in the Eucharistic celebration, ensuring that the gestures are not just performed but fully understood and internalized.

This study examines the relationship between Dayak cosmology and Christian spirituality through the inculturation of the Munjong tradition within Catholic Dayak Tobak communities in Dusun Batu Besi, Desa Sejotang, West Kalimantan. As a post-harvest thanksgiving ritual, Munjong embodies a symbolic framework reflecting the interconnectedness of humans, nature, ancestors, and Jebata within the Dayak worldview. The tradition functions not only as a religious expression but also as a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering social cohesion. Within a predominantly Catholic context, Munjong has undergone reinterpretation, aligning with Eucharistic spirituality as the Church’s central expression of gratitude. Using a descriptive-qualitative approach combined with symbolic interaction analysis, this study shows that the religious values embedded in Munjong, including: gratitude, petitions for protection, and veneration of ancestors as spiritual mediators, correspond with Catholic teachings on divine providence, the communion of saints, and the sacredness of creation. The local Church recognizes Munjong as a cultural practice suitable for inculturation, provided it aligns with Christian doctrine, thereby offering opportunities for contextual liturgy and catechesis. The findings suggest that Munjong can serve as a bridge between faith and local culture while simultaneously reinforcing cultural identity and deepening the spiritual life of the community. The result of this study contributes to the discourse on inculturation, contextual pastoral practice, and strategies for sustaining indigenous traditions amid social change.

Studies on Eucharistic Adoration have predominantly emphasized its role as a personal devotional practice and individual spirituality, while its implications for Catholic Religious Education as a space for faith formation remain underexplored. This gap indicates the need for a theological-pedagogical reflection that connects Eucharistic Adoration with the process of faith education, particularly in the context of young people. This study aims to examine Eucharistic Adoration as an expression of Sacramentum Caritatis and its relevance as a formative space within Catholic Religious Education. The research employs a qualitative approach through a library research method, analyzing Church documents, theological works, and relevant academic literature on the Eucharist, faith education, and psycho-spiritual well-being. The findings reveal that Eucharistic Adoration is not merely a liturgical or devotional practice but also holds significant pedagogical value. It can be understood as a contemplative space that enables young people to experience a personal relationship with Christ, reflect on their inner experiences, and deepen their awareness of God’s transformative love. Furthermore, this study indicates that Eucharistic Adoration has the potential to support psycho-spiritual well-being by providing moments of silence, self-acceptance, and meaning-making in the light of faith. These findings highlight that integrating Eucharistic Adoration into Catholic Religious Education can enrich faith learning processes and help young people live their faith in a more personal and holistic manner. This study contributes to theological and educational discourse by positioning Eucharistic Adoration as a relevant practice of faith formation within contemporary Catholic education.

This study aims to examine the lived experience of the Eucharist as an experience of love in the lives of Catholic families at St. Michael Buluq Sen Station, Good Shepherd Parish of Ritan Baru, Archdiocese of Samarinda, through the lens of Henri Nouwen’s spirituality. It employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data gathered through observation, semi-structured interviews with eight active Catholic families, and a review of relevant literature. Data were analyzed through systematic stages of reduction, display, and conclusion drawing, supported by source and method triangulation. The findings show that the experience of the Eucharist is expressed in four interrelated dimensions of Nouwen’s spirituality: being chosen, blessed, broken, and shared. “Being chosen” appears in the family’s awareness of belonging to a community loved by God; “being blessed” is reflected in gratitude for life; “being broken” is revealed in the willingness to embrace suffering and sacrifice; and “being shared” is embodied in active participation in Church ministry and social engagement. This study affirms the Eucharist as a transformative source shaping family relationships and social life, enriching theology and supporting formation in rural families.

This study examines the Ka’Bawakng dance as a cultural–religious expression of the Dayak Kanayatn community that has undergone a deepening of meaning through inculturation within Catholic liturgy. Originating in the Baliatn ritual, Ka’Bawakng dance initially functioned as a medium of healing and cosmological communication that affirmed the interconnectedness of human beings, nature, and Jubata. In its encounter with the Catholic faith, the dance was incorporated into the Eucharistic celebration as an offertory dance through symbolic reinterpretation grounded in the principles of inculturation articulated by the Second Vatican Council. This research employs a hermeneutical approach using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentary study, analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Ka’Bawakng dance is not treated as a merely decorative liturgical element, but is understood as a language of prayer engaging the body, cultural memory, and the spirituality of the faithful. This integration deepens liturgical participation, strengthens the religious–cultural identity of the Dayak Kanayatn community, and creates a constructive space for dialogue between ancestral traditions and Christian faith. Nevertheless, sustaining the inculturation of Ka’Bawakng dance requires ongoing pastoral accompaniment to ensure fidelity to Church liturgical norms while respecting local cultural values.