On Monday, December 11th, an alumnus of Sedes Sapientiae from Mexico, Fr Ervin Ramos Sánchez, defended his doctoral thesis at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. Directed by Professor Francisco Insa, the thesis falls within the field of Moral Theology and was titled The Law of Abortion Decriminalization in Mexico City: A Theological-Moral Evaluation. The defense was attended by several of the candidate's mentors from Sedes, as well as a large number of friends, including many priests from Altomonte and several fellow diocesans from Tabasco, among them the vicar general of the diocese. Congratulations, Reverend Doctor Ervin!
Fr Ervin was not the only former student to attain the degree of doctor during the year 2023. Fr Samuel Atta, Fr Wellington de Castro and Fr Hezron Jhud Cartagena had preceded him.
Fr Samuel Atta, from the Archdiocese of Kumasi (Ghana), defended his doctoral thesis on May 17, 2023. Supervised by Professor Giovanni Zacharia, his thesis was titled The Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Catechumenate: Origin, Basic Foundations, and Theological Dynamism. On this occasion, in addition to the presence of numerous Ghanaian and Italian compatriots, the candidate was supported by his archbishop, His Grace Mgr. Gabriel Anokye, who was present at the academic event. Congratulations, Fr Atta!
Fr Wellington de Castro, from the Archdiocese of Campo Grande (Brazil), also defended his thesis in May. Titled The Common Priesthood of the Faithful in the Editio Typica Tertia of the Roman Missal, like the previous one, it was supervised by Professor Zacharia. Gaudeamus igitur, Rev. Doctor Wellington!
Fr. Hezron Jhud Cartagena, from the Archdiocese of Cebu (Philippines), had the discussion of his thesis on 14 June, in the presence of Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy where Fr. Hezron is preparing to serve the Church in the diplomatic mission. His speaker was Professor Fr Javier Canosa, rector of our college. The title of the research was Contribution of the Affirmative Definitive Sentences of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Contentious-Administrative Matters to Good Governance in the Church. All the best to Brother Hezron as well!
Fr Paul Robin Thekkath, from the diocese of Sagar (India) presented his thesis at the Pontifical Oriental Institute on 17 November last. The title of his study was: Collection of canonical sources for the Eastern Canon Law codification: the Syro-Malabar Church's participation. Congratulations!
