Expressions of Jesus’s Kagandahang-loob (Benevolent Love) in Selected Local Churches During the Pandemic

Author

• Emmadoña C. Lee, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Date of Publication

2025

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Religious Education

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Theology and Religious Education

Thesis Advisor

Dorothy P. Javier-Martinez

Defense Panel Chair

Rebecca G. Cacho

Defense Panel Member

Agnes M. Brazal

Francis Xavier R. Salcedo

Abstract (English)

This study explores how the Catholic Church in the Philippines, specifically focusing on the Archdiocese of Manila and the Diocese of Cubao, expressed kagandahang-loob (benevolent love) amid the uncertainty and suffering of the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to the persistent public question: “Nasaan ang Simbahan?” (Where is the Church?). Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with clergy and lay leaders, the research reveals that the Church was present in tangible and meaningful ways. Participants recounted experiences of material support, spiritual guidance through online masses and counseling, communal prayer, and inclusive acts of service, all of which conveyed a sense of Christ-like compassion. While the Church faced internal and societal challenges such as fear, limitations, and moments of self-interest, its efforts were widely perceived as authentic expressions of kagandahang-loob. These findings suggest that such compassionate engagement not only affirmed the Church’s pastoral role but also offered a model for nurturing a faith community rooted in empathy and solidarity. The study advocates for the intentional integration of kagandahang-loob into religious education to cultivate a more reflective and compassionate practice of faith.

Keywords: Kagandahang-loob, Catholic Church, COVID-19 pandemic, Philippines, Pastoral Response

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Isinasaliksik ng pag-aaral na ito kung paano ipinamalas ng Simbahang Katolika sa Pilipinas, partikular na sa Arkidiyosesis ng Maynila at sa Diyosesis ng Cubao, ang kagandahang-loob noong pandemya ng COVID-19. Sa gitna ng kawalang-katiyakan at pagdurusang dulot ng COVID-19, tumutugon ang papel na ito sa tanong ng publiko: “Nasaan ang Simbahan?”

Sa pinagsamang pamamaraan (mixed-methods) ng pananaliksik, kabilang na ang mga sarbey, talakayang pangkat (focus group discussions), at mga panayam sa mga pari at mga laykong lider, naipakita ng mga resulta na ang Simbahan ay sadyang nagpamalas ng kanyang presensya sa mga kongkreto at makahulugang paraan. Isinalaysay ng mga kalahok ang kanilang mga karanasan ng pagtanggap ng tulong-materyal, espirituwal na paggabay sa pamamagitan ng mga online na misa at counseling, sama-samang panalangin, at inklusibong paglilingkod. Lahat ng mga karanasang ito ay nagpamalas ng malasakit na tulad ng kay Kristo.

Sa kabila ng mga panloob at panlipunang hamon na hinarap ng Simbahan kagaya ng takot, mga kakulangan, at ilang sandali ng pansariling interes, ang mga pagsisikap nito ay malawak na kinilala bilang tunay na pagpapahayag ng kagandahang-loob. Ipinahihiwatig ng mga natuklasan na ang ganitong mapagmalasakit na pagdamay ay hindi lamang nagpatibay sa pastoral na papel ng Simbahan kundi nag-alok din ng isang huwaran sa paglinang ng mga pamayanan ng pananampalataya na nakaugat sa empatiya at pakikiisa. Iminumungkahi ng pag-aaral ang pagbibigay-diin sa kagandahang-loob sa relihiyosong edukasyon upang mahubog ang isang mas mapanuri at mapagmalasakit na pagsasabuhay ng pananampalataya.

Mga Susing Salita: Kagandahang-loob, Simbahang Katolika, pandemya ng COVID-19, Pilipinas, Tugong Pastoral

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Lee, E. C. (2025). Expressions of Jesus’s Kagandahang-loob (Benevolent Love) in Selected Local Churches During the Pandemic. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_tred/5

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Embargo Period

12-13-2025