Perspectives on Kabanalan (Holiness) among Filipino Young Professionals Implications in Theology and Catholic Education

This study aimed at understanding the concept of holiness (kabanalan in Filipino) from the perspective of 50 selected Filipino young professionals along with the contributing factors which helped them in obtaining such understanding though a simple qualitative research. This research also aimed at exploring
whether the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) definitions of kabanalan still persist at present. From the data gathered, it was discovered that four out of the six definitions of kabanalan from the CBCP are still persisting today. The data implies that kabanalan is manifested in three distinct yet interrelated aspects namely, nakatuon sa Diyos (directed towards God), pagpapakatao (being human) and aspetong panrelihiyon (religious aspect). In addition, the participants were able to identify that aside from their education (kahalagahan ng edukasyon) other contributing factors which helped them understand kabanalan, were, buhay pamilya (family life), aspetong panrelihiyon (religious aspect), and sariling paglinang (self- enlightenment). Moreover, this implies that Filipino young professionals adhere to the Filipino way of theologizing by rooting from their personal experiences in the family, education, religion and personal quest in understanding the faith.

Keywords – Catholic education, Filipino young professionals, Holiness, Kabanalan