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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Theology
Notes
- Abstract:
- This thesis-project proposes a hermeneutic of exile for application in the pastoral care of newly-arrived undocumented Hispanic Catholic immigrants. The ecclesial context is the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan. The author interviewed seven undocumented Hispanic immigrants, all of whom had been living in the United States for three months or less at the time of the interviews. Based on the immigrants’ narratives, three prominent themes emerged. These themes are pain of separation from the homeland, which affects the immigrants’ lives in the U.S. mainly through their lack of access to family; the experience of living in isolation and marginalization, a reality they face because of constant fear of deportation and perpetual lack of ability to integrate into mainstream U.S. culture; and faithful hope, which refers to the immigrants’ unwavering belief in a better future in spite of the overwhelming difficulties of the present. These themes form the foundation for the hermeneutic of exile. The pastoral challenge is the immigrants’ lack of participation in Catholic Church structures, especially parishes. The immigrants do not partake of the sacraments and other elements of parish life, all of which are vital to living out a lively Catholic faith. Pastoral care is proposed on the basis of recognizing that the immigrants live in exile both from their homelands and from the practice of their faith. Therefore, the Church’s response must go beyond the bounds of parish activities in order to reach out to and embrace the immigrants. The author uses passages from Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Second Isaiah to draw parallels between the experiences of the Babylonian exiles and those of the immigrants, emphasizing passages that convey God’s constant offer of comfort and his promise of a better future for exiles. Works of U.S. Hispanic theologians and social scientists’ theories regarding liminality also contribute to understanding the immigrants’ experiences. The final chapter of the thesis-project proposes the application of the hermeneutic of exile for a ministry with the immigrants. This ministry is intended to provide a sense of home for the immigrants and eventually draw them into renewed practice of their Catholic faith.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (D.Min.)--Barry University, 2013.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 248-256).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Janet Diaz. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- BX2347.8.I46 D53 2013_DiazJanet ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- BX2347.8.I46 D53 2013 ( lcc )
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