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Discover the ‘Light’; Deepen Your Faith in 2025

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Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences

Pope Francis spoke recently at the recent International Congress on the Future of Theology, 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."

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: