Spirituality in the periphery : a case study with adolescents in the Valletta area

Abstract

The aim of the research is to put the ethos of Teen Klabb Youth Centre to the test by exploring how the spiritual dimension is being presented to the adolescents and in what ways they are responding to it. It also aims to understand the adolescents’ challenging behaviour, what triggers it, and how to help them grow humanly and spiritually by looking beyond such behaviour. In the act of looking beyond, it is hoped that a lived example of a spirituality in the periphery is portrayed through these youths’ lives. In this context, a qualitative research method has been undertaken, opting for a focus group approach, in order to collect primary data. This has allowed the researcher to gather valuable evidence that comes directly from the participants who have been selected because of their direct knowledge and experience of Teen Klabb. The study sheds light on the adolescents’ emotional needs. Understanding them is an important factor in order to assist them further in their spiritual needs. This integral approach has been shown to help the adolescents to lower their guard and be more receptive to the pastoral care provided. This investigation also shows that the pastoral call to service must be endowed with patience and understanding that goes beyond simply reducing the adolescents to their behaviour at that particular moment. It also requires setting aside the religious cultural norms in order to meet the person where they are.