Philippine E-Journals

SHARED STORIES ON PAULINIAN SPIRITUALITY AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: LIVING OUT THE VISION AND MISSION OF ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY MANILA

Nieves M. Medina | Encarnacion A. Dychangco | Jonathan V. Tupaz

Discipline: Religion

 

Abstract:

This paper reveals how the vision-mission of St. Paul University Manila (SPU Manila) is articulated in its curriculum and instruction. It revolves around the shared stories on the essence of the vision-mission of SPU Manila as witnessed by 18 participants representing all sectors of the academic community. Illustrating that stories are symbolic parts of the human experience, the ―narrative turns‖ of actions and events as experienced in the Paulinian community are meaningfully shared through interviews. These narratives focus on the meaning-making and making meaning on what the members of the academic community do and the essence of what they do in relation to how the vision and mission is lived out in and outside the classroom. Content analysis of the narratives focused on two distinct themes: Spirituality and Excellence. Spirituality in the study refers to the shared stories on ―making alive‖ the vision and mission of the University as a Marian and Pauline Community deeply rooted in Christ. Excellence, on the other hand, is reflected in the stories relating to instruction, research, and community extension. Moreover, it can be gleaned from the stories that excellence is deeply rooted in spirituality, a spirituality that is Christo-centric and steeped in the Gospel values of charity, compassion, and servant leadership. The study is limited to the stories or narratives on university-related activities, their in-depth analysis alongside visual presentations.