PHILIPPINE JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE STUDIES
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PHILIPPINE JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE STUDIES
Vol. 1, No. 1, s. 2020
Alter Christus: An Interpretative Phenomenology on the
Journey Towards Becoming Christ-like
Holden Kirby M. Valdez1; Al Gerald S. Barde2
1
Education Program Specalist II, Department of Education, San Fernando City, La Union
2
Department Head - English, Saint Louis College, San Fernando City, La Union
Abstract - It seems that most people, especially students, at this day and age have
been so engrossed with the offers of worldly offers: Technology, Modernization,
Commercialism, Social Media, and countless things which seem to feed the hunger
for a convenient existence. This research endeavored to unfold the Spiritual realm
of people towards the sacred journey towards holiness in imitating Jesus Christ.
Qualitative research particularly Interpretative Phenomenology design was
employed in this study. Purposive sampling was employed from which fifteen (15)
informants participated. Data were gathered by interviewing the informants. The
interview was voice recorded.
Most of the informants were spiritually inclined and for them to become Christ is a
life-long journey, a mission and a vocation. This research concludes that every
human person can become like Christ or Alter Christus, regardless of belief and
disposition.
Keywords: Alter christus, Journey, Christ-like
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INTRODUCTION “Be holy as I am holy,” says Peter, quoting
the Old Testament (1 Peter 1:15-16) [3]. The one who
The search for the essence of our existence is claims to follow Jesus must be constantly growing in
one of the penultimate goals of every human person. holiness, righteousness, and justice. The disposition
We desire to unravel the truth about our very being. of justice and goodness must permeate all other moral
Either consciously or subliminally, we are trying to attributes, such as joy, conscientiousness,
surface the best in us. We have a life-given task to faithfulness, peace, kindness, gentleness.
search for our authentic existence. But these things
seem to be vague without any reference to something “But you were taught to be made new in your
sublime, to something ideal. Hence, we cling to a hearts, to become a new person. That new person is
Higher Being to whom we see perfection – God. made to be like God – made to be truly good and
holy.” (Eph. 4:23-24) [3]
Since people reach the age of reason, he is not
only oriented to his culture and environment but as Today, most students in Catholic schools
well as to religion. He is taught that there is a higher seem not to take heed of the deeper essence of this
being that is invisible and worthy to be worshipped. invitation of Christ. Although Catholic school
We find God through religion and one of which, with imposes that prayers are to be said before and after
the largest population in the world is Catholicism. class, regular Eucharistic Celebrations are scheduled,
and the holy rosary be prayed everyday on the month
Every Catholic school is expected to embody of October, these seems to be inadequate in the whole
the teachings of the Catholic faith through Catholic context of spiritual formation. Are these enough to
education. As Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas of say that people in the Catholic schools reflects the
Lingayen-Dagupan puts it, “The product of a good image of Christ? Students in Catholic schools only
school is a good student. The product of a Catholic see Catholicism as mere religious affiliation without
school is another Christ.” any serious impact on their personal lives. Thus, the
invitation of Christ is very abstract to them,
It is clear therefore that, just like other unattainable and impractical. How then, can they
Christians, people in Catholic schools whether understand and later on respond to the invitation of
Catholic or non-Catholics are invited to become like Christ to become like Him?
Christ. Christ Himself made clear this precious
invitation when He said, “Come, follow me.” Teachers in the Catholic schools on the other
(Matthew 4:19) [3]. This means that one must give hand, are more mature in the realm of religiosity, but
himself up, carry his burdens in life, and follow the one of the essences of this study is to discover more
ideals of Christ as expressed in the Gospel. on their spirituality rather than their religious
disposition. As teachers, they serve as role models not
If we try to look at this in the greater scheme only in the academe but more on the character and
of things, this invitation to become like Christ is not values. Do they reflect Christ as well?
only an invitation in itself but a challenge. The ideals
and teachings of Jesus Christ are indeed very godly. The school administration also plays an
In contrast, we see ourselves as imperfect, vulnerable, important role in this study since their authority
and weak especially when confronted with difficult upholds the Mission, Vision, and Goals of the school
situations. To become another Christ therefore could anchored in the Catholic faith. Therefore, this
mean going beyond our human capacity, transcending endeavor will also capture their spiritual and religious
the limitations of our nature as merely human beings stand in discovering Christ to themselves and
and sometimes going against the characters which we becoming role models also.
have already established. How is it possible then to be In this regard, the researchers sought to find
holy as Jesus Christ? answers to questions pertaining to the invitation and
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challenge to become a replica of Christ, as well as to being Christ-like. Qualitative research explores
the discovery of the spiritual journey of students, insights and understanding of individual perception
teachers, and administration in a Catholic university, on the experiences. Asperas (2005) described that
particularly at the Virgen Milagrosa University qualitative research becomes more human approach
Foundation in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. due to the fact that it considers people not as objects
Specifically, this interpretive phenomenological but as subjects. It considers people’s stories as
study aims to discover how students, teachers, and valuable because they tell inner journeys, processes,
administration of the Virgen Milagrosa University which point to the unfolding of levels of reality seen
can reflect and radiate Christ to other people. in their connectedness. In this way, it is more holistic
and not as fragmented approach.
Furthermore, the researchers believed that
personal accounts will lead to the avenue of the According to Streubert and Carpenter in 2011
discovery of faith within the context of character- that phenomenological inquiry requires that the
values formation in the school which will later on be integrated whole be explored, it is a suitable method
manifested as Christ-like values. Findings from this for the investigation of phenomena particularly on the
study will hopefully provide enlightenment and daily experiences of people in the Catholic
encouragement to take the crucial invitation and universities. A holistic perspective and the study of
challenge – to be an ALTER CHRISTUS. experience as lived serve as the foundation of
phenomenological inquiry [8].
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY In focus, this study employed Interpretative
Phenomenology that dealt with interpreting and
This interpretative phenomenological study
understanding (not just describing) lived
endeavored to unfold, understand, and find meaning
experiences of students, teachers, and administrators
from lived experiences of students, teachers, and
in a Catholic university. The focus of
administration of Virgen Milagrosa University
phenomenological inquiry, then, is the meaning of
Foundation on their journey towards becoming
people’s experience in regard to a phenomenon
Christ-like.
(descriptive phenomenology), and how those
Specifically, it sought to: experiences are interpreted (hermeneutics). It was
noted by Polit and Beck in 2014 that an important
1. Explore possible that students, teachers, distinction between descriptive and interpretative
and administration of Virgen Milagrosa phenomenology is that in an interpretative
University Foundation can become phenomenological study, bracketing does not occur.
Christ-Like For Heidegger, it was not possible to bracket one’s
2. Explore the essence of becoming an Alter being-in-the-world. Hermeneutics presupposes prior
Christus? understanding on the researcher’s part [9].
In interpretative phenomenology, it is
METHODOLOGY impossible to rid the mind of preconceptions and
approach something in a completely blank or neutral
Research Design way. It is believed instead that researchers use their
own experiences to interpret those of others. In
Qualitative research particularly addition, she stated that researchers may
Interpretative Phenomenology design was used as an also use their experiences to guide their research
approach in the pursuit of understanding and finding questions. Moreover, the researchers are interpreting
meaning from the lived experiences of students,
teachers, administrators on their journey towards
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something in which we ourselves exist; therefore we sciences, and technical-vocational courses,
have no detached standpoint [9]. secondary, elementary and pre-school courses. In
2005, the University Chapel was completed and
Furthermore, in a phenomenological study consecrated with Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz as the
such as this pursuit, the main data source was in- Mass Celebrant, and proclaimed the institution as a
depth conversations of me and the informants as full Catholic University.
co-participants. The researchers have helped the
informants describe their lived experiences on their Being known as one of the prominent
spiritual journey towards becoming Christ-like Catholic university in the Region, the VMUF
without leading the discussion. Through in-depth continues to uphold its Vision and Mission which is
conversations, the researchers strived to gain anchored in Catholic education.
entrance into the informants’ world, to have full
access to their experiences as lived [6]. Fifteen (15) informants participated in the
study, five (5) of whom are from the school
With triangulation, conversations were administration; five (5) from the teaching staff from
guided by standardized open-ended questions and random college departments, and five (5) from
were accordingly (voice) recorded with supporting students also from random college departments.
field notes of observation of gestures for verbatim
data gathering. According to Polit and Beck (2004), To protect the confidentiality of informants,
triangulation refers to the use of multiple referents to they were assigned to a code name based on the
draw conclusions about what constitutes the truth. famous name of Saints, Biblical characters, and
Multiple triangulations is used employing data and Filipino values.
method triangulation comparable to Shenton’s Informants Teresa, Pedro, Monica, Agatha,
triangulation via data collection and data sources and Lorenzo are students from random colleges.
were employed which are further described in the Informants Teresa and Pedro allowed for an interview
discussions of Research Instrument. during their vacant periods in the Henyo Corner, a
separate study area in the VMUF, one of the newest
Importantly, this phenomenological structures in the campus. The Henyo Corner is walled
approach welcomed leeway and diversity in by iron grills; therefore, it is vulnerable to noise
responses of the informants as they shared lived especially from the vehicles inside the campus. But
experiences on spirituality. Teresa and Pedro were comfortable in this venue so
the interview was done there. There were a small
Sources of Data number of students on the venue but nonetheless the
researcher made sure that the conversation was as
Research Settings discreet as possible. Teresa was the first informant on
the first day of interview. She was the only one to be
The Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation interviewed on that day and Pedro was interviewed on
is the research setting of the study. The Virgen the second day.
Milagrosa University Foundation is one of the
prominent Catholic Universities in Ilocos Region Agatha allowed an interview on the second
(Region I) and is a privately supported, co- day in the St. Dominic Parish, specifically in the last
educational Catholic university in San Carlos City, bench of the Parish’s chapel after the Mass. The
Pangasinan, Philippines. It was founded in 1958 by interview venue was expectedly quiet since it is a
Dr. Martin Posadas. Virgen Milagrosa University church and it was done in the early evening hour.
Foundation (VMUF) offers courses in the medical Monica allowed an interview during lunchtime on the
and paramedical fields, in liberal and applied arts, fourth day in one of the classrooms in their
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department. It was quiet there except for a low sampling was used that involved studying cases that
humming sound from an electric fan which is met a predetermined criterion of importance. The
relatively big. Also, some classmates of her were guiding principle in the selection of the sample
there at the far end of the room. Discretion on the for a phenomenological study as this is that all
conversation was safeguarded. Lorenzo was participants must have experienced the phenomenon
interviewed also on the fourth day in one of the under study and must be able to articulate what it is
classrooms in their department. The interview was like to have lived that experience [6].
quick since there was an urgent matter on his
part, yet the essential questions were answered. Inclusion Criteria
Informants Martha, Mary, Eve, Miriam, and Inclusion criteria for informants in this study were:
Rachel are from the teaching staff from random
college departments. Martha, Eve, and Rachel (For student informants)
allowed for an interview in their respective faculty 1. Regular students who are in their third year of
room. Mary was interviewed in the Henyo Corner and College in the VMUF and they must have spent
Miriam, on the other hand, was interviewed in one of their first and second year college in the same
the classrooms in their college department. Martha, school.
Eve, and Rachel were interviewed with only little 2. Either male or female
interruptions since only a few faculty members were 3. Religion must be Roman Catholic
with them. When Mary was interviewed, there was 4. With sound mind which will be assessed by the
some distracting noise from vehicles passing by. Yet, researcher through observation and asking
the researcher ensured that the device used for voice questions which can evaluate their orientation time,
recording was adaptive to unnecessary noises. place, and person. This includes asking the
Miriam was interviewed in one of the classrooms in informant’s name and age, the place where he/she
their department. There were little interruptions also lives, and the approximate time, and date of the
during the interview with Miriam since she had just interview (Synderman & Rovner, 2009).
given her students’ final exam. Yet, she managed to
signal them that an important interview was going on. (For teacher informants)
1. Must have been five years and above in service in
Lastly, informants Courtesy, Courage, the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation
Kindness, Care, and Charity are from the 2. Must be married
administration from random departments and offices. 3. Must be female
All of whom were interviewed in their 4. Religion must be Roman Catholic
respective offices except Kindness since he preferred 5. With sound mind which will be assessed by the
to be interview in a classroom. All of them were researcher through observation and asking
interviewed with only little interruptions. questions which can evaluate their orientation time,
place, and person. This includes asking the
Sampling informant’s name and age, the place where he/she
lives, and the approximate time, and date of the
This pursuit sought to understand and find interview [6].
meaning from lived experiences of students, teachers,
and administrators in the Virgen Milagrosa (For administrator informants)
University Foundation (VMUF) in San Carlos City, 1. Religion must be Roman Catholic
Pangasinan. 2. Either male or female
3. With sound mind which will be assessed by
Purposive sampling was employed in this the researcher through observation and asking
phenomenological inquiry. Specifically, criterion
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questions which can evaluate their orientation time,
place, and person. This includes asking the After approval by professors of
informant’s name and age, the place where he/she administrative thesis and ethics review of this
lives, and the approximate time, and date of the research paper from the thesis adviser and upon the
interview [6]. approval of the dean of the College of Education, the
study proceeded on its data collection phase.
Fifteen (15) informants participated in the Purposive sampling was employed wherein randomly
study, five (5) of whom are from the school selected students, teachers, and administrators were
administration; five (5) from the teaching staff from the informants of this study.
random college departments, and five (5) from
students also from random college departments. Ten The researchers met with the prospective
(10) informants provided saturation of data gathered informants to secure informed consent that contained
but the researcher sought for another five (5) full disclosure of the intent of the study and its
informants to ensure saturation and richness of data. methods for voluntary participation in the study.
There were eleven (11) female and four (4) Informed consent presented discussed in detail the
male informants aged eighteen (18) to sixty (60) years purpose and significance of the study, methods and
old. processes to be employed, the risks and discomforts
the study might cause the informant, the right to
In qualitative studies, sample size should be withdraw from participation at any given time, the
determined based on informational needs. Hence, a benefits, and their right to full confidentiality and
guiding principle in sampling is data saturation – that anonymity. Interviews were conducted on
is, sampling to the point at which no new information informants’ availability and most convenient time
is obtained and redundancy is achieved [4]. and place. In this study, all informants were
interviewed in a convenient area where untoward
Instrumentation and Data Collection interruptions were minimized. Data gathering was
Data on the inquiry of understanding and continued until no new findings were discovered and
finding meaning from lived experiences of students, saturation of categories was achieved [9].
teachers, and administrators of Virgen Milagrosa
University Foundation on the journey towards
becoming Christ-like were gathered through
triangulation of data collection of self-report
approach, observation, and field notes and
triangulation of data sources. The primary
method of collecting qualitative data is
through self-report, that is, by interviewing study
participants. According to Hopf, many types of
interview exist, from highly structured (research
controlled), through semi-structured to highly
unstructured (uncontrolled). Structured interviews
involve asking each interviewee the same set of
standardized questions and in the same order, but this
type is not typically used in qualitative research.
Thus, qualitative researchers tend to employ
interviews that are less structured and which offer Figure 1. Interview with the Informants
interviewees opportunity to expand their answers and
give complex accounts of their experiences.
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Data were gathered last October 14-17, 2014 In focus, standardized open-ended interview
on which lasted 30 to 41 minutes. With triangulation, was employed alongside observation of informants’
conversations were guided by standardized open- non-verbal responses which were taken down on field
ended questions and were accordingly (voice) notes. Informants were asked identical questions, but
recorded using an iPhone-4s model with supporting the questions are worded so that responses are open-
field notes of observation of gestures for verbatim ended [2]. The standardized open-ended questions
data gathering. Multiple triangulation was used in this were formulated by the researcher and was refined
study employing data and method triangulation and approved by the thesis adviser.
comparable to Shenton’s (2004) triangulation via data
collection and data sources. The open-endedness allowed the informants to
contribute as much detailed information as they
Triangulation refers to the use of multiple desired and it also allowed the researcher to ask
referents to draw conclusions about what constitutes probing questions as a means of follow-up. Through
the truth. The aim of triangulation is to overcome the this interview technique, researcher obtained all the
intrinsic bias that comes from single-method, single- information required, and gave students, teachers, and
observer, and single-theory studies [1]. It has also administrators the freedom to respond in their own
been argued that triangulation helps to capture a more words, provided as much detail as they wished, and
complete and contextualized portrait of the offered illustrations and explanations on their lived
phenomenon under study – a goal shared by experience.
researchers in all qualitative traditions. Denzin
identified four types of triangulation: data The interviews were (voice) recorded for
triangulation, investigator triangulation, method purposes of verbatim recording of data gathered.
triangulation, and theory triangulation. Also, voice recorder was used during the entire
interview to make a detailed description and
In this study, method triangulation was used. interpretation of the informants’ emotional tenor and
Method triangulation involves the use of multiple mood [8]
methods of data collection about the same
phenomenon such as in this study wherein Spoken data was validated by field notes of
standardized open-ended interview, observation of gestures as non-verbal cues conveyed
observation method and field notes of observation messages. In collection and interpretation of non-
were employed. In qualitative studies, researchers verbal data, gestures were coded during interviews.
often use a rich blend of unstructured data collection According to Polit and Beck (2004), an operation
methods (e.g., interviews, observations, documents) known as coding is required to make research data
to develop a comprehensive understanding of a amenable to analysis. In qualitative coding,
phenomenon. Multiple data collection researchers develop coding categories that represent
methods provide an opportunity to evaluate the extent important themes in the data. In this study on
to which an internally consistent picture of the becoming Christ-like, gestures were coded
phenomenon emerges. numerically based from the prepared coding by
the researcher guided by analyses from the books
In summary, the purpose of using “How to Read Body Language” by Philip Redhead
triangulation is to provide a basis for convergence on (2003) and “How to Use Body Language” by Drs.
the truth. By using multiple methods and Sharon and Glenn Livingston (2004). Coding and
perspectives, the researcher of this study strived to interpretation of gestures for this inquiry on becoming
sort out “true” information from “error” information, Christ-like is shown at the Appendix.
thereby enhancing the credibility of the findings.
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Polit and Beck (2004) emphasized that Transferability of this study also facilitated its
qualitative data collectors must be able to create an trustworthiness [11]. Purposive sampling was
atmosphere that safely allows for the sharing of employed in this phenomenological inquiry wherein
experiences and feelings. Respect and authentic informants included were students, teachers, and
caring for informants were critical which the administrators of Virgen Milagrosa University
researcher of this study acknowledged. Foundation in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Students
who declined the request to participate were asked for
Qualitative research aims to gather an in-depth referral to prospective informants who ascertained
understanding of human behavior and the reason that their qualification for this study. This strategy
governs such behavior. Thus, data collection requires enabled trustworthy comparison of the findings of
researcher to spend considerable amount of time with this study on other pursuit on becoming Christ-like
the informants to achieve saturation point which since informants were accordingly chosen.
make it very important that researcher needs first to
establish rapport and trust with the informants [10]. To achieve dependability, research design and
Hence, some meetings were held three times as methodology were carefully chosen in the basis of
initially for establishing rapport and trust and appropriateness of the data gathered to provide
securing of consent, second for data gathering and for pertinent information for this study. Interpretative
validation of data in the third meeting. Some Phenomenology design was used as an approach in
informants permitted an interview on first meeting. the pursuit of understanding and finding meaning
from the lived experiences of students, teachers, and
Moreover, study informants were respected administrators on their journey towards being Christ-
for their convictions and beliefs. Researcher like. According to Streubert and Carpenter (2011),
ascertained an environment of neutrality and avoided because phenomenological inquiry requires that the
any act or word that might cause discomfort on the integrated whole be explored, it is a suitable method
part of the informants. Thanksgiving was expressed for the investigation of phenomena particularly on the
very after meeting and data collection phase to show daily experiences of people in the Catholic
heartfelt appreciation to informants for voluntary universities. A holistic perspective and the study of
participation. experience as lived serve as the foundation of
phenomenological inquiry. Standardized open-ended
Trustworthiness interview and observation method with field notes
were used for research methodology.
To assure trustworthiness of this study, the
researchers sought and adopted Guba’s four criteria Confirmability in qualitative study deals with
in ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative studies the objectivity of research. Research design and
namely credibility, transferability, dependability, and methodology were carried out accordingly that
confirmability. ensured the study’s findings were the result of the
experiences and ideas of students, teachers, and
In this study, the researchers have ascertained administrators, rather that the characteristics and
credibility by returning back to research informants preferences of the researcher. Triangulation through
who provided some confusing responses to validate data collection and data sources were potent ways that
transcripts and check for any inconsistencies in their assured that data gathered were free of the
responses. Some meetings were held three times as researcher’s bias. Shenton (2004) considers that a key
initially for establishing rapport and trust and criterion for confirmability is the extent to which the
securing of consent, second for data gathering and researchers admit his or her own predispositions.
validation of data on the third meeting. Hence, taking Interpretative Phenomenology as
research design of this study wherein researcher’s
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own experiences guided data interpretation, cautious transcript closely in order to become as familiar as
measures were observed as to not supersede the possible with the account. So the skill at this stage
informants’ reality. was finding expressions which were high level
enough to allow theoretical connections within
To further warrant confirmability of this and across cases but which were still grounded in
study, step-by-step course of action was presented in the particularity of the specific thing said on
detail. This process is the “audit trail”, which traced spirituality.
the course of the research systematically via the
decisions made and procedures described as The transformation of initial notes into themes was
illustrated. continued through the whole transcript. Similar
themes emerged as going through the transcript
Data Management and Analysis and the same theme title was repeated.
At this stage, the entire transcript was treated as
Data from (voice) recorded interviews of data, and no attempt was made to omit or select
students, teachers, and administrators were particular passages for special attention.
transcribed in verbatim and were simultaneously
analyzed with the field notes. The process of 2. Connecting the Themes. Connecting the themes
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis by was the second step in the analysis. The emergent
Jonathan A. Smith and Mike Osborn (2007) was themes were listed on a sheet of paper, and were
employed in this inquiry. seen for connections between them. So, in the
initial list, the order provided was chronological –
It is also said in the process that access it was based on the sequence with which they came
depends on, and is complicated by, the researcher’s up in the transcript. The next stage involved a more
own conceptions; indeed, these are required in order analytical or theoretical ordering, as I tried to make
to make sense of that other personal world through a sense of the connections between themes which
process of interpretative activity. Thus, a two-stage emerged. Some of the themes were clustered
interpretation process, or a double hermeneutic, is together, and some emerged as superordinate
involved. The participants are trying to make sense of concepts.
their world; the researcher is trying to make sense of
the participants trying to make sense of their world 3. Continuing the Analysis with Other Cases. Third
(Smith and Osborn, 2007). step dealt with continuing the analysis with other
cases. I used the themes from the first case to help
The employed process involved looking for orient the subsequent analysis. I was disciplined in
themes in the first case, connecting the themes, discerning repeating patterns but also
continuing the analysis with other cases and finally acknowledged new issues emerging as she worked
writing up in narration and interpretation. The process through the transcripts. Thus, I respected
is discussed in brief detail adopted for this study of convergences and divergences in the data –
understanding and finding meaning from lived recognized ways is which accounts from
experiences of students, teachers, and administrators informants were similar but also different.
on the journey towards becoming Christ-like.
1. Looking for themes. In the first step of looking for Once each transcript was analyzed through
themes in the first case, the transcript was read a interpretative process, the themes were not
number of times; font color was changed to selected purely on the basis of their prevalence
highlight what is interesting and significant about within the data. Other factors, including the
what the informant said. It was important in the richness of the particular passages that highlighted
first stage of the analysis to read and reread the the themes and how the theme helped illuminate
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other aspects of the account, were also taken into It shows the way of Christ. It celebrates the sacrifice
action. of Christ through the Holy Eucharist.
4. Writing up. Writing up was the final section which The informants’ responses revealed glimpses
was concerned with moving from the final themes but rich reality of their journey towards Spirituality,
to a write up and final statement outlining the which leads to becoming Christ-like. Their
meanings inherent in the informant’s experiences. account of personal experiences unveiled
The division between analysis and writing up was, significant themes clustered as
to a certain extent, a false one, with that the New Bethlehem: The Birth of Faith, A Seedbed of
analysis was expanded during the writing up Hope: Institutional Evangelization, and Christ
phase. Avenue: The Path Towards Becoming Christ-Like
The stage was concerned with translating the
themes into a narrative account. Here the analysis 1. New Bethlehem: The Birth of Faith
became expansive again, as the themes wee
explained, illustrated and nuanced. The table of The Birth of faith begins with a subjective
themes was the basis for the account of the experience of the sacred. Life’s journey is
informants’ responses, which took the form of the enlightened by faith, and this faith gives light to the
narrative argument interspersed with verbatim realization of God and His infinite goodness. Through
extracts from the transcripts to support the case. this, a person chooses his or her stand in the context
Care was done to distinguish clearly between what of faith, God, and religion.
the informants said and the analyst’s interpretation
Personal Religious Inclinations
or account of it.
A1. Spirituality over Religiosity
Field notes during interview were
incorporated in the analysis of (voice) recorded There is a difference between Religiosity and
data for validation of responses as non-verbal cues Spirituality. A person is being religious when he
conveyed messages pertinent to interpretation of regularly fulfills his religion’s practices and
data. The (voice) recordings were submitted to the traditions. On the other hand, a person is said to be
university’s Research, Planning and Development spiritual when he is able to commune with God
Center for time-limited storage and disposal after always through prayers and subjective disposition in
verification. faith regardless of his fulfillment of his religion’s
practices and traditions.
Nine of fifteen informants confirmed that
RESULTS
they are more spiritual individuals because of their
Towards Becoming Christ-Like intimacy with God, and that they are less religious.
(Question: Do you consider youself Spiritual or
Students, teachers, and administrators in Religious?)
Catholic schools and universities experience
a different paradigm. Other than having Religion or Care: “If you say na ang religious ay laging
Theology subjects or having a regular schedule for pumupunta sa church, na everyday, no, I’m not.
Mass and other religious activities, there lies Because I only go to church with my children during
something in the background…something bigger yet Saturday, anticipated Mass. And every Wednesday or
unseen. This something is the grace of God. Catholic everytime na papasok kami ng mga anak ko sa school
universities are extraordinary, not primarily because if it’s not to late we drop by in the chapel…anyway
it is religiously affiliated but because it teaches Christ. ang chapel natin nandyan naman lagi, ano? And of
course pag hindi naman ako nagmamadali, I always
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drop by in our chapel. Spiritually oo din kasi answers. It is an indication that he is in deep thought
everytime that I have my problem I always run to and is a sign that words are truthful.]”
Him[referring to God], seek His help, seek His
guidance, and eventually seek His advice, when I seek A2. Faith is getting Stronger
His advice, humihingi naman ako ng signs. “Ito ba (Question: How can you describe your relationship
ang dapat gawin?” never na hindi nya ako with God?)
pinagbigyan sa mga signs… I do not only pray during
nighttime. Pag sumasakay ako sa tricycle together Eve: “Ang alam ko mas kwan [strong] ngayon ang
with my children, I lead yung, dasal sa kanila dahil relationship ko with God, unlike before, yun nga,
kasama ko sila sa tricycle.. sabi nilang ganun “ma, nung mga [recent] years, hindi gaano nagsisimba
hindi pa tayo nagdasal. [Looks directly in the eyes of pero nagpi-pray ako. [Informant smiles lightly and
the researcher as she speaks without staring. It sincerely and maintains direct eye contact which
symbolizes confidence and sincerity].” signifies truthfulness.]”
Lorenzo: “Siguro ano, spiritual, kasi hindi naman Teresa: “Intact siya eh. Yung faith ko sakanya mas
ako laging nakakapagsimba pero nagdadasal naman lalong naging strong. Strong na siya hindi katulad
ako. Pag minsan may time din na kwan, buong family nung dati. Ngayon, parang, kahit anong mangyari,
namin pupunta sa Manaoag, parang may schedule Siya ang uunahin ko. Kahit anong mangyari, nasa
ganun pero hindi naman lagi, parang pag kwan, Holy Kanya lang yung faith ko. [Informant smiles lightly
Week ganun. Pero sa spiritual ako.” [Informant looks and sincerely and maintains direct eye contact which
left while he answers. It is an indication that he is in signifies truthfulness.]”
deep thought and is a sign that words are truthful.]”
Courtesy: “Ang spiritual life ko, may times na hindi
Martha: “Sa spiritual kasi yun nga, hindi rin ako ko ginagawa yung mga ginagawa natin, halimbawa
nakaka-attend ng novena, ganun, yung mga rosary minsan, I do not pray the rosary, which I believe very
pero ano naman pag sa bahay na bago kami matulog, powerful ang effect ng pag-pray ng rosary kaya alam
ayun sinasabihan ko yung mga anak ko na mag-pray. ko din yun. Naaalala ko si Lord kapag may problema
Tapos ako din may sarili din akong prayer din bago ako. Pero may mga years talaga na dahil nasaktan
matulog, paggising; ganun, tapos pag may mga ka, ‘di ba? Parang naging mahina ka. May times na
gagawin ako na medyo mahirap, ganun lagi rin dirediretso akong nagseserve. Meron yung time na
akong nag-aask ng blessing, ng guidance, ganun. regular kaming nagmamass. Pero meron din yung
[Informant nods on affirmation of her answers. The time na hindi. Pero yung aking principle na kung ano
ocassional nod is a postive message. It is an yung tama, no matter what it takes, yung ang
indication that one is listening and is interested.]” susundin. [Informant smiles lightly and sincerely and
maintains direct eye contact which signifies
Kindness: “Nasa spiritual ako. Talagang… nung truthfulness.]”
bata-bata ako medyo, kasi hindi mo iniisip na
mamamatay ka na mamaya eh, pero this time Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Inspiration
tumatanda ka na, narerealize mo kailangan mo
The informants were asked if they consider
talagang kumapit sa [Diyos]. Napruweba ko yun na
Jesus Christ as their inspiration in their practical and
prayers napaka powerful. Nagdefense ako sa
spiritual life. All the informants answered yes, they
Masters, biglang, idea, gumaganun [signals that
do consider Jesus Christ as their inspiration.
ideas are coming up on head].”
In the journey towards becoming Christ-like,
Pedro: “Sa spiritual ako. Kasi kahit na hindi
this is one of the vital questions to be asked, “Are you
ako…nagsisimba kung alam mo naman na sa sarili
inspired by Jesus? By his life? His works and deeds?
mo na nag.. may (faith) ka naman kay God at
His amazing love for us?” this serves as one of the
nagdadasal ka… [Informant looks left while he
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pieces in the backbone of one’s faith in God and will Catholic institutions affect the Character-
eventually lead to the replicating His Goodness. Values formation of student, teachers, and
administrators. Informants were asked if the
B1. Christ, Provider of Comfort to the Suffering Catholicity of the University affects the formation of
Monica: “Ngayon parang mas naging open na din. faith.
Parang kasi kapag problema, syempre kabataan ako (Question: Do you think the Catholic-ness of VMUF
parang takot kong i-ano [i-share] sa parents ko yung affects the Character-values formation?)
mga problem ko kaya ang parang malalapitan ko
lang talaga maliban sa kaibigan ko, kay Christ kasi Mary: “Syempre, syempre importante yun. Unang
parang naicoconfess ko sakanya lahat ng problems una sa Vision Mission nakalagay na yan di ba? Yung
ko parang Siya lang talaga yung makakatulong sakin. sa pagstart ng class with a prayer, and then you end
Para bigyan Niya ako ng kapanatagan ba.. ganun. up with a prayer. Kasi unang una pag alam nilang
[Informant looks left while he answers. It is an you start with a prayer, alam nilang guided sila ni
indication that he is in deep thought and is a sign that God. (To the University president and her family) the
words are truthful.]” mere fact na nag put up sila ng chapel dito, hindi lang
estudyante tsaka faculty ang natutulungan nila to
Pedro: “Minsan nakakalimutan ko magdasal… yun be..para mapalapit kay God, pati yung mga outsiders.
nga pag kinakausap ko siya pag may problema ako. [Informant smiles lightly and sincerely and maintains
Pag Masaya naman nagpapasalamat sa kanya. Pero direct eye contact which signifies truthfulness.]”
mostly (nagdadasal ako) sa pagrereview kasi hirap
na hirap ako, kaming magkaklase. Pag nagdadasal
ako naiintindihan ko yung mga lessons. Parang yung
post ko kanina sa Facebook, ‘ginawa ko na yung C1. A manifestation of Spiritual Leadership
dapat kung gawin, Ikaw (Lord) na po yung bahla The Catholicity of a school will be lifeless
sakin.’ [Informant looks down and slightly smiles, without true leadership. Most of the informants
this portrays that he is reflecting on something professed that the role of the university president and
good.]” her family has been great and relatively beckons the
B2. Jesus gives Contentment rest to actively participate in religious activities.
Mary: “Ay syempre, sabi nga nila, what made you Care: “Ang laki ng role nila Madame President
contented? Yung having God with you makes a [Dr.Lilia Juan, VMUF] at tsaka ng family nila.
person contented. Kasi siya yung magiging guidance Makikita mo kasi sila mismo ang nagle-lead sa
mo sa lahat ng gagawin mo eh… if you are with God, religious activities. Pati sa church makikita mo na
nanjan si God sayo, it can make a person contented andoon sila palagi. I have learned so many things
talaga. [Looks directly in the eyes of the researcher from madame president. Number one is to be humble.
as she speaks without staring. It symbolizes Napaka humble niya na tao. That’s one thing that I
confidence and sincerity].” admire about the president. Ang nagustuhan ko
naman kay Sir (referring to the husband of University
1. A Seedbed of Hope: Institutional Evangelization President) ay yung pagiging doting father niya.
Aside from the home and church, one is indoctrinated Bihira na ang makikita mong ganyan na father
and evangelized in the school, particularly those of ngayon. That’s what I admire about our two leaders
Catholic ones. The Catholic school serves as a (referring to the university president couple). Tsaka
seedbed where not only students grow in faith and very religious si mam president. Alam mo ba na
awareness of God but teachers and administrators too kapag may nagti-take ng board exam, nagbubuo siya
through their leadership and role modeling. ng Prayer Warriors. Tignan mo naman yung pag
accept natin kay mama Mary, everybody have their
The Impact of A Catholic Institution own contribution, di ba? you don’t need to be called
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para mag-attend ka. We give our best. Tignan mo enrich the religious and Spiritual realms of students,
lahat naman tayo di ba? that’s one. [Informant is teachers, and administration.
directly facing the researcher with open stance. The
informant is focused and interested in the The informants professed that religious
conversation.]” activities in the school helps in the enhancement of
the Character-Values formation which takes place in
Eve: “From the admin to the ano [faculty] during the the campus.
mass andyan sila Dr. Marili. [Informant smiles lighly
and remains focused on the conversation.]” (Question: Do you think Religious Activities
which are being held in the school contributes to the
Charity: “Open sila [University President and VPs] spiritual formation?)
pag dating sa religious [activities]. Kagaya ng ano
pag magpapadala (sa Archdiocesan Activities) ng Monica: “Oo, kasi di [ba] parang yung dito ka,
estudyante hindi na sila nagdadalawang isip. Sa kailangan tuwing kunyari yung [feast ni] St. Dominic
faculty naman, prefer nila to have, ano, spiritual ganun, parang mag a-ano [cancel] sila ng klase para
development. Yung aming Team building and lang makapag-pray tayo tas kung darating si bishop
Leadership program, parang faculty development talagang isu-suspend yung klase para lang umattend
seminar, yan. [Informant is directly facing the tayo ng Mass, ganun… katulad nung dumalaw dito si
researcher with open stance. The informant is Our Lady of Manaoag di ba talagang kahit madaling
focused and interested in the conversation.]” araw pupunta yung mga estudyante para makapag-
vigil lang. [Informant looks left while he answers. It
C2. Close ties among Students, Teachers, and is an indication that he is in deep thought and is a sign
Administration that words are truthful.]”
Rachel: “In a way, oo din.. kahit hindi mo naman Charity: “Nung una kasi, the students are not
sabihin na totally nakak affect in a positive way, yung attending the Wednesday Mass pero nung nag-start
mga graduates naming, ano sila..i ba yung pag na naging member na ng CEAP [Catholic
Virginian ka. Kasi parang very close ang ties ng Educational Association of the Philippines], naging
faculty-student-administration..yung mga ganun… Catholic school na ang VMUF, so natuto na rin yung
yung tipong pag nakita mo sila madam president..na mga bata na mag-rosary every Wednesday. Every
kahit na antagal tagal na silang hindi nagkita ng Sunday requirement na mag ano [gumawa] sila ng
alumni niya..kilalang kilala pa rin nila yung mga reflection sa Mass. Somehow parang may reminders
alumni. Mafefeel ng alumni na ‘hindi ako magkamali din sila sa buhay nila upon hearing the scriptures,
ng pinangalingan’ parang hindi ka umalis sa family minsan nakakaisip din sila na “ay kagagaling ko sa
mo..yun..yun ang nandito sa VMU. Yun ang kaiba simbahan” so namiminimize yung pag-commit nila
(kaibahan). Kaya yung pag may mga nagtratransfer ng kasalanan. [Informant is directly facing the
na estudyante namin nalulungkot kami kasi parang researcher with open stance. The informant is
‘ay iniwan mo yung pamilyang nagmamahal sayo.’ focused and interested in the conversation.]”
ito yung second home mo pag nag-aaral ka.
[Informant smiles lighly and remains focused on the Mary: [When asked if religious activities affect the
conversation.]” Character-Values formation of Students]
“Syempre..syempre…importante yun. Unang una sa
Religious Activities: Avenue for Spiritual Vision Mission nakalagay na yan di ba? Yung sa
Enrichment pagstart ng class with a prayer, and then you end up
with a prayer. Kasi unang una pag alam nilang you
Every Catholic school upholds the Values start with a prayer, alam nilang guided sila ni God.
and Ideals of the Catholic faith, and with this, [Looks directly in the eyes of the researcher as she
religious activities are being implemented so as to
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speaks without staring. It symbolizes confidence and [Informant smiles and looks directly at the
sincerity].” researcher.]”
Care: “Dito kasi sa amin sa school (college A. Foundations From Theological Studies
department), we discipline our children not to cheat One of the Core elements in a Catholic University
because they should fear God. May corresponding na is the theology subject being taught to students as a
punishment at talgang na-punish yung mga way of indoctrinating the faith to God and religion
estudyante na nag-cheat…kaya dito sa department through basic catechism.
namin, iwan mo sila pagbalik mo tahimik pa rin sila.”
E1. A Call to Role Modeling
“One way of showing that you fear God is, mag
umpisa ka, wag kang mag-cheat. At bawal dito sa Almost all of the informants professed their
kanila ang nagsasalita ng bad words lalo na ang mga opinions that the approach of teaching theology can
babae. [Looks directly in the eyes of the researcher still be improved. Some of the informants also
as she speaks without staring. It symbolizes encourage those who teach theology to be role
confidence and sincerity].” models.
D1. Spiritual Initiative Courage: “Sana, those who are teaching theology
should give good example. I seldom see them there
Teachers and administrators have their own [chapel] when we have Mass. [Informant maintains
way in leading their respective offices and direct eye contact, a signal of truthfulness]”
departments to engage in prayer and other similar
spiritual activities such as attending the regular Mass, Monica: “Para sakin, hindi naman ganun
Vigil, and the like. masyado…pero yung iba naman parang iniinform
kami parang dun sa about, yung mismong, yung
Charity: “We pray the Angelus every 8 o’clock, eh Christ in three divine persons ganun pero parang
dapat 6 [o’clock] pero kasi students, ang first period naipaliwanag naman samin. [Informant looks left
nila 7:40 so we pray the Angelus in the morning 8 while he answers. It is an indication that he is in deep
o’clock, then 12 o’clock [noon], and 5 o’clock in the thought and is a sign that words are truthful.]”
afternoon, we also pray the Three O’lock Prayer kasi
we have the address system.[In faculty] Early in the Kindness: “Hopefully yung mga religion teachers
morning we have the prayer I am the one leading sa natin sila sana ang, I don’t know kung ginagawa nila
mga faculty. We read the Reading [Mass readings] yun, hindi ko rin alam. Sila dapat ang manguna kasi
for the day, First Reading then Gospel then we have sila yung nag a-ano [nagtuturo] ng religion they will
the reflection story and we have God’s Word, so every also set an example, syempre. Kasi ako nung Lector
morning, so before na ang mga teachers pupunta sa ako, kapag hindi ako nasa labas talagang I see to it
klase nila we pray. [Informant gives a closed-lip na Wednesday nandyan ako kasi may iske-schedule
smile, a gesture of courtesy.]” din kami. [Informant looks left while he answers. It is
an indication that he is in deep thought and is a sign
Courtesy: “Noon every morning, we start the day with that words are truthful.]”
a prayer ditto sa office naming…pero mas maganda
sana kung lahat. Kasi yung common set ng heart, ng E2. A Different Approach in Evangelization
mind ay okay. [Informant gives a closed-lip smile, a Teresa: “Meron at merong kulang, kasi
gesture of courtesy.]” parang..yung..hindi mo mararamdaman habang
Eve: “Oo. meron din kaming time dito na nagpi-pray tinuturo.. kasi parang more on facts sila eh.. more on
tas meron din kaming time na mag-rosary. Kaya facts yung tinuturo nung sir naming sa theo and pag
meron kaming [points to the image of the Blessed sa outside naman [referring to Parish Youth
Virgin Mary] sa office may schedule ng rosary. Ministry], more on kung ano yung mga naranasan,
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experience-based. Kaya parang, “ahh, ganun pala..” An Indelible Fingerprint of Christ
parang ganun yung mararamdaman mo. Parang mas
nafefeel mo siya. [Informant maintains direct eye If Catholic Universities produce Christ-like
contact, a signal of truthfulness.]” beings, then it must have something that non-Catholic
colleges and universities don’t have. Informants were
E3: Theology as a Ground for Encouragement asked if there is or are certain trademarks that we
Pedro: “Opo, kasi po yung diniscuss sa theology possess that make us unique since we are in a Catholic
noon, naalala ko pwede tayong university, and also if we have any difference with
maging..parang..puwede silang maging banal non-Catholic schools.
kagaya ni Jesus Christ sa paggagawa ng mabuti like G1. Courtesy and Respect
po si (Saint) Pedro Calungsod. [Informant is looking
left and up. This is a reassuring sign that he is in deep Courtesy: “Oo naman. Malaking pagkakaiba. Sa ano
thought.] na lang natin..sa pagmamano, pagble-bless..isa yun
sa mga practices natin, ano? At tsaka pag may Mass
talagang nandun yung respect ng bawat isa…yan
God’s Touch: A miraculous experience of God’s yung time na nagkakaroon ng
Love bonding..yung..nagbubuklod yung mga tao dito.
[Informant gives a closed-lip smile, signalling a
God touches us in many ways. He lets us feel gesture of courtesy.]”
His unconditional love. The informants shared their
most touching experiences with God. This, also, is a Martha: “Meron, magalang daw sila tas masayahin.
very significant part of the whole journey. [these are feedback from institutions where VMUF
students spend their OJT] [Informant maintains
(Question: When was the time when you felt that God direct eye contact, a signal of truthfulness.]”
really touched the you, your life?)
G2. An Atmosphere of Belongingness
Rachel: “Marami, marami. Kasi ang mama ko cancer
survivor siya, tsaka mga unexpected blessings sa Mary: “Kung makikita mo mga faculty dito
bahay, sa mga anak ko… God is leading me to people magkakakilala, di ba? Sa ibang school, parang wala
na nagtutulong sa akin. Every day is a miracle to me. ka lang. pero dito, maski na estudyante parang pag
Basta araw-araw may unexpected blessing. Kaya naka i.d. at uniform ka (teachers), “good morning
emotional ako kasi basta sa pagdating sa sharing ng mam.” Ganun sila kahit hindi kakilala. Sa mga
experiences ko kay God, hindi mo matatawaran. faculty naman, yun ang maganda kasi, ah…halos
[Informant is on the verge of crying yet she remains lahat ng faculty dito magkakakilala. Dito madaling
focused and composed.]” lapitan ang administrator. Yung hindi ka mahihiyang
lapitan [sila]. [Looks directly in the eyes of the
Care: “…my brother was diagnosed of a lung cancer, researcher as she speaks without staring. It
tignan mo, God is good…stage 4, but my brother is a symbolizes confidence and sincerity].”
cancer survivor…[Looks directly in the eyes of the
researcher as she speaks without staring. It Rachel: “Oo. meron tayong unique na trademark..
symbolizes confidence and sincerity].” yung hindi mo matatawaran yung closeness ng
students, faculty, staff..yung ganun.. talagang
Miriam: “Nung time na umaattend ako sa mga maaano mo na “uy, VMU yan” pero pag ibang school
preaching yun din yung time na hindi rin ako parang..ang taas taas ng ere nila. [Informant looks
maintindihan ng parents ko, palagi akong left while he answers. It is an indication that he is in
pinapagalitan pero at least nakakapit pa rin ako kay deep thought and is a sign that words are truthful.]”]
Lord. [Informant is on the verge of crying yet she
remains focused and composed.]”
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Care: “Of course, my God, we are considered as one kapwa, parang ganun. Ang ano kasi.. ang ano ni
big family..yung dito yung makikita mo an gating Christ, hindi siya ganun. Tinitignan niya tayo pantay-
environment na sila madame president, kino-consider pantay. Tapos, tumulong ka…kunwari sa financial
ka nila na kapamilya. [Looks directly in the eyes of problem, hindi naman porket nakakaranas ka nang
the researcher as she speaks without staring. It hirap, hindi mo na kakayanin pang tumulong pa sa
symbolizes confidence and sincerity].” kapwa mo. Kasi yung pagtulong, hindi naman talga
siya sa pera.pwede ka naming tumulong in different
ways. Tapos, pagmamahal or pag care sa kapwa mo.
The Value of Spirituality Kasi lahat naman nagi-start sa pagmamahal at pag-
care sa kapwa mo…yang pagtulong at pag-intindi, to
Courage: “Okay, the difference is that… I came from follow na lang yan pag may pagmamahal ka sa
[A certain university] that is not a Catholic school kanila. [Looks directly in the eyes of the researcher
and it is a private school but not a Catholic school. as she speaks without staring. It symbolizes
[This is] A private school but it adopts the Catholic confidence and sincerity].”
education. The difference here is when we have mass
in [a certain university] very few students [attending H1. Christ-like Students
the mass]. But here, it is different. There is an active Courage: By the way how they [students] relate one’s
participation by the students, there, very few. Also, self to the other. Like for example, you can see
personnel… you can also personnel attending mass, students helping one another, you can help student[
more. In [a certain university] you seldom see the in an] act of charity, kindness. You can see also by
president [attending Mass]. That’s the difference. So their actuation and words and the way they also
I can see the difference, the value of spirituality. Also, conduct themselves in class; and how the way they
here students, when they come to the office they are also, their attitude outwardly. Yan, so these are the
cordial. I can see the difference in attitude. It helps in signs that will manifest what is internal spirituality.
some way. But we need more to inculcate values to It is internal but can be expressed externally.”
our students. [Informant looks left while he answers.
It is an indication that he is in deep thought and is a H2. Christ-like Teachers
sign that words are truthful.]”
Courage: “And also by the personnel, they give good
2. Christ Avenue: The Path towards becoming example. We advice our personnel up-front to be
Christ-like student-oriented. Yung, you’re ready to serve our
Life is a journey and the journey students with charity, hindi yung kwan, they act very
towards becoming Christ-like is not an easy bossy, ‘no? It should be with humility…by giving
path. The imitation of Christ itself is a good example.”
challenge and most importantly a vocation.
Christ-Like Beings: Possible
Manifestations of Being Christ-like
A person can be Christ-like. This is possible
What is it to be Christ-like? How can a according to all the informants of this study. Although
student, teacher, and administrator can become some of them may have doubts that is because they
Christ-like? Informants were asked how a person can think about being perfect. Yet, in their answers lie the
imitate Christ. keys how this journey is possible:
i1. A Personal Vocation, Conviction, and Initiative
Teresa: “Siguro, isa na dun yung kung paano mo Teresa: “Oo naman.. lahat naman tayo may
intindihin yung kapwa mo. Kung paano mo titignan possibility na maging katulad ni Christ.. it’s just on
kung..kasi ano eh ngayon more on tayo sa how or kung paano natin gustong gawin yun. Parang
discrimination; more on tayo sa pangmamata sa
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