Original Research

The experiences of African Roman Catholic Church seminarians

James O. Juma, Karen van der Merwe, Danie Du Toit
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 73, No 3 | a4151 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v73i3.4151 | © 2017 James O. Juma, Karen van der Merwe, Danie Du Toit | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 September 2016 | Published: 26 April 2017

About the author(s)

James O. Juma, Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, South Africa
Karen van der Merwe, Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, South Africa
Danie Du Toit, Optentia Research Unit, North-West University, South Africa

Abstract

This qualitative study describes and interprets the lived experiences of African RomanCatholic Church seminarians (priests-in-training). The interpretive lens employed was worldview, a conceptual tool extensively used in African-centred psychology. Sixteen Africanseminarians (age range 21–31 years) were purposely selected and interviewed in depthAdditional sources of data were reflexive notes and observation notes. Data were subjected tovarious iterative cycles of analysis. Participants described their difficulty in adjusting in theseminaries where teaching and living predominantly reflects a Western world view. Theyevidenced cognitive dissonance, emotional discomfort and feelings of marginalisation. Thefindings point to the importance of acknowledging the world views and cultural heritage ofseminarians in their training.

Keywords

African seminarians; Roman Catholic Church; Worldview; Marginalisation

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2863
Total article views: 3770

 

Crossref Citations

1. The significance of integration of families of seminarians in the Roman Catholic ministerial formation in South Africa
Sr Puseletso Clementina Mokone, Dr KJ Pali
Pharos Journal of Theology  vol: 103  year: 2022  
doi: 10.46222/pharosjot.10342