LICENTIATE IN FORMATIVE SPIRITUALITY AND COUNSELLING (LTh)

1. Scope and Duration

1. Licentiate in Formative Spirituality and Counselling consists of lectures, seminars, case studies, spiritual direction and counselling sessions, and a scientifically prepared thesis.
2. This programme is spread over two years (four semesters) aiming to specialize in formative spirituality and counselling, mainly through a profound study of various relevant theories in fields of formation, spirituality, and counselling.
3. One of the primary thrusts of this programme is psycho-spiritual integration that is expected from those who would eventually undertake their mission of animating young religious and seminarians as well as pastoral accompaniment of the faithful in parish and school/college settings.

1. Requirements for Admission:

1. A Baccalaureate in Theology (BTh), with at least a high second-class grade, from a recognized Faculty of Theology, or an equivalent degree; those who have successfully completed the regular theological training in a Catholic seminary, with a minimum of three years of training, may be admitted to this programme based on the assessment of the Director of Vinayasadhana Institute.
2. The applicant must be below 50 years of age. In certain cases, the age requirement may be relaxed by the Director in consultation with the Institute Council (DVK Bylaws Art. 47, §1.2), after an aptitude test is successfully completed.
3. An interview and examination, if required.
4. A letter of introduction and recommendation from the candidate’s Major Superior/Ordinary or a competent person acceptable to DVK.

1. Academic Programme

1. The academic programme offered as part of Licentiate in Formative Spirituality and Counselling consists of 124 credits.
2. The courses are grouped under three major categories of courses: (1) Obligatory Basic Courses, (2) Supplementary Obligatory Courses, and (3) Optional Additional Courses.
3. Obligatory Basic Courses are arranged in such a way that the three streams of expertise in formation, spirituality, and psychological counselling are holistically integrated in offering a theoretical understanding as well as practical experience of psycho-spiritual wholeness in each candidate. To this effect, the Supplementary Obligatory Courses and Optional Additional Courses are arranged, the latter offering a hands-on experience in formative contexts.

1. Methodology:

1. The study methods adopted for the Licentiate programme are such that they promote multi-disciplinary enquiry and practical appreciation of problems. Theories in formation, spirituality and counselling are to be understood in the light of theological and ecclesiological principles laid down in the Sacred Scripture and Venerable Traditions of the Church, especially also taking into account the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and other relevant Church documents. A critical as well as an integral approach towards various theories in formation, spirituality, and counselling will also be emphasized to ensure that a holistic approach is imbibed by each candidate at the successful completion of studies in Vinayasadhana Institute.
2. The method of teaching shall include lectures, discussions, case studies, tutorials, seminars, and written assignments. It requires library research and personal writing which promotes self-study and equips the students with varied skills for the assimilation of knowledge, critical thinking, and oral and written communication.
3. Keeping in focus the psycho-spiritual wholeness that all candidates must attain through this programme, the Licentiate is planned as a residential programme, facilities for which will be offered by DVK.
4. Regular Eucharistic celebration, prayer sessions, recollection, etc., in the community and spiritual direction and personal and group counselling sessions will be arranged by the Vinayasadhana Institute

1. Comprehensive Examination

1. The Licentiate programme comprises a comprehensive examination both written and viva voce at the end of the fourth semester.
2. The written examination will be on the basis of the Obligatory Basic Courses and will last three hours.
3. The oral examination will be of an hour before a panel of four examiners and will be based on a number of topics covering the whole programme of studies.

1. Thesis

1. With a view to prepare for competence in scientific research, during the final semester of Licentiate each candidate shall prepare a thesis under the guidance of a staff of Vinayasadhana Institute.
2. The guide of the thesis shall be appointed by the Director of Vinayasadhana Institute, from among its fulltime staff, in consultation with the Institute Council. In case of an interdisciplinary thesis, if requested by the candidate, the Director, in consultation with the Institute Council, may appoint a second guide from outside the Vinayasadhana Institute.
3. The Thesis Proposal is to be scrutinized and approved by a group of examiners constituted by the Director for the purpose during the third semester of studies.
4. The format of the thesis shall be according to the prescribed methodology of DVK. The length of the Thesis shall be 45,000 to 50,000 words (around 100 pages, 1.5 line spacing).
5. Within a period of four weeks after the formal submission of the thesis, the Director of Vinayasadhana Institute shall arrange a defence of the thesis with a panel of three examiners, appointed by Controller of Examinations, in consultation with the Director, including the guide of the thesis.

1. Marks and Grading System

The grade of the Licentiate in Formative Spirituality and Counselling will be determined by calculating the marks according to the following proportions: Semestral Examinations: 60%; Comprehensive Examinations and Thesis: 40%.

1. Extension of Duration

1. Licentiate in Formative Spirituality and Counselling is spread over two academic years or four semesters.
2. Those who do not complete the programme in two consecutive years may be permitted by the Director, in consultation with the guide of the thesis, to extend the registration for one more year by paying the annual tuition fees.

1. The Degree of Licentiate

1. With the degree of Licentiate in Formative Spirituality and Counselling one is eligible to be admitted to the doctorate course.
2. It also entitles one to teach in a faculty, major seminary, or institutes of formation