By Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru, March 15, 2024: As many as 364 persons have successfully completed the first online theology course conducted by Bengaluru’s St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute.
The St. Peter’s Online Theology, or SPOT, is “a testament” to the seminary’s “enduring commitment to enrich and embellish Christian faith and commitment among our laity and religious,” says Father Jaya Pradeep, the coordinator of the program.
The initiative has emerged as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Sacred Scripture and Theology, he added.
The first convocation ceremony of SPOT held on February 25 was attended among others by Bishop Henry Dsouza of Bellary and Father Anthony Lawrence, president of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute.
Father Pradeep said 516 laity and religious had enrolled in SPOT for the 2023-2024 academic year, and 364 of them received the completion certificates.
“It was a testament to their dedication and perseverance in mastering subjects like Scripture, Missiology, and Canon Law,” the coordinator said.
He said most graduates would serve in remote villages with the knowledge and insights they have gained from the course.
“The certificate courses have not only brought awareness to the importance of Sacred Scripture and Theology but have also empowered individuals to serve their communities with greater understanding and compassion,” the priest added.
A nun who has successfully completed the course said until she started the course her understanding of Scripture was confined to the sermon during Mass. “However, thanks to SPOT, I have gained a profound understanding of the Scripture and the Theology interwoven within it.”
Another nun, working in a mission station, said the course “opened my eyes to give Jesus to the people who have been deprived of his Presence.”