Christ our perfection : the Christological spirituality of Fr. Avertan Fenech, Carmelite

Abstract

The overall purpose of this study examines the Christological spirituality of the Servant of God Fr Avertan Fenech, Carmelite, in his writings and life. The study’s method is an intertextual and hermeneutical analysis of Fr Avertan’s writings, consisting mainly of meditations and conferences for novices placed under his direction and formation, as well as his personal writing; his sources were also evaluated. The aim is to reveal the image of Jesus Christ developed in Fr Avertan’s writings and spiritual writings and spiritual life. By primarily examining his socio-politico-religious background, the thesis relates the great political and economic transition in Malta at the turn of the twentieth century and a renaissance of pastoral and social outreach for the Catholic Church in Malta. Simultaneously, the Carmelite Order emraced the Reform of Touraine in its Constitutions and ways of living. From this integral context to comprehend Fr Avertan’s writing and life, the thesis then recreates a spiritual profile of Fr Avertan as a man of prayer, a novice master and spiritual father, a priest, and the quiet sufferer. Here, he is portrayed as a friar who continuously sought the presence of God and wholly dedicated to the Divine Will. The third section examines his Christological spirituality in his writings, where the figure of Christ is brought out under four titles: Christ the Master, Christ the Healer, Christ the poor and meek Lord, and Christ the Eternal Priest and Victim. From these four images, this study’s final section explores the mirroring of these images in Fr Avertan’s own person, expanding upon the previously discussed spiritual profile and giving it a new perspective. The study, concluding that Fr Avertan Fenech was indeed authentically Carmelite and mystical, also paves the way for further literary and theological studies on the life and spirituality of Fr Avertan Fenech.