Certificate Program in the Pastoral Care of Migrants

Migration is a growing phenomenon in Asia, and all indications suggest that it will remain an important aspect of the region’s landscape. The local churches in countries of origin and destination in Asia are called to promote theological reflection and studies on this phenomenon. The Instruction Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi states: "Episcopal Conferences will likewise entrust to Catholic university faculties in their territories the task of studying the various aspects of migration more thoroughly for the benefit of concrete pastoral service for migrants. Compulsory courses of theological specialization could also be programmed for this purpose" (EMCC, 71).

To answer this call, Loyola School of Theology, the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples (CBCP-EMCI), and the Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) have established a special program in Migration Theology. The program is tailored to meet the different needs of lay pastoral workers, religious, and ordained persons involved in this ministry. It also aims to train students of theology in addressing this important concern of the Church today.

The requirements for enrolling in the Certificate Program are as follows:

a) proof of proficiency in the English language through the LST English Proficiency Test;
b) accomplished application and registration forms;
c) letter of recommendation from the superior, bishop or official of the applicant’s institution;
d) at least 2 years of college (or its equivalent) and a basic theology course

The required five courses for this program are offered during the first semester of each academic year (from June to October). Four courses are compulsory; one subject is chosen from a list of elective migration courses. All courses are open to auditors.