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Pope Francis spoke recently at the International Congress on the Future of Theology in December 2024, emphasising the value of studying theology at accessible institutions such as Maryvale and encouraging the faithful to take advantage of the opportunities offered to deepen their faith. In the address, His Holiness compared theology to light:

"Thanks to light, objects emerge from darkness, faces reveal their contours, the shapes and colours of the world finally become visible. Light is beautiful because it makes things appear but without showing itself. Has any of us seen light? No, but we see what light does: it makes things visible. Now, here, …, we see each other, but we do not see the light, because it is discreet, gentle, humble and, therefore, remains unseen. Light is ‘kindly’. Theology too is like that: it works quietly and humbly so that the light of Christ and his Gospel can emerge."

His Holiness summarised:

I would like now to leave you with an invitation, namely, that theology be accessible to all. For some time now, in many parts of the world there has been an interest among adults to resume their education, including their academic training. Men and women, especially in middle age and perhaps already holding a degree, desire to deepen their faith, to try something new; often they enroll in university courses. This is a growing phenomenon and it merits interest on the part of society and the Church. Middle age is a special time in life. It is a time when one usually enjoys a certain professional security and emotional stability, but also a time when failures are painfully felt and new questions arise as youthful dreams fade. When this happens, people can feel abandoned or even at an impasse – a mid-life crisis. Then they sense a need to renew their quest, however tentatively, perhaps even with a helping hand. Theology can be that guide on the journey! Please, if any of these people knock at the door of theology, of the schools of theology, may they find it open. Make sure that these women and men find in theology an open house, a place where they can resume their journey, a place where they can seek, find and seek again. Be prepared for this. Make imaginative adjustments to your programmes of study so that theology can be accessible to all.

At Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences, the only ecclesial institute of this kind in the English-speaking world, you too can discover more about theology, where “the light of Christ and his Gospel can emerge.”

Maryvale HIRS offers both the Ecclesiastical Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) and Licence in Divinity: Pathway in Catechetical Sciences programmes, theology qualifications recognised by the Holy See.

• The Ecclesiastical Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) is a five-year, part-time, collaborative-learning degree programme in Catholic theology providing a comprehensive exposition and analysis of Christian doctrine based on the study of the sacred Scriptures, the works of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the documents of the Magisterium. (One option is aimed at Permanent Deacons).
• The Licence in Divinity: Pathway in Catechetical Sciences is another qualification of the Holy See, distinct from an STL, it is a three-year, part-time, programme aimed at those in leadership positions in catechetics and in other positions of responsibility.

Both programmes are important for formation and catechesis within the Archdiocese of Birmingham and beyond.

To arrange an informal Zoom chat with Deacon Dr Harry Schnitker: