Minahasa Local Wisdom Mapalus: A Contextual Interpretation of Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te

Ventje Felix Runtulalo; Emanuel   Martasudjita; Armada  Riyanto; Liberatus  Mayabubun

doi:10.53396/media.v7i2.964

Authors

Ventje Felix Runtulalo Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Seminari Pineleng, Indonesia
Emanuel Martasudjita Universitas Sanata Dharma Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Armada Riyanto Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Teologi Widya Sasana Malang
Liberatus Mayabubun Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53396/media.v7i2.964

Keywords:

Contextual theology; Dilexi Te; Love for the poor; Mapalus

Abstract

This study examines the dialogue between Mapalus, a Minahasan tradition of mutual cooperation, and Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te to develop a contextual understanding of Christian love and its pastoral implications for the Diocese of Manado. It employs qualitative library research through a critical interpretive review and contextual hermeneutics, encompassing conceptual mapping of Mapalus literature, textual analysis of Dilexi Te, and reflexive synthesis of cultural and theological perspectives. The analysis identifies convergences in solidarity, equality, justice, respect for human dignity, and shared responsibility. Mapalus provides a cultural framework for expressing the Church’s preferential option for the poor through communal cooperation, while Dilexi Te deepens the theological interpretation of these practices as participation in God’s saving love. However, strict reciprocity and financial obligations in contemporary adaptations of Mapalus may burden economically disadvantaged households and risk their exclusion. The study concludes that critically engaging Mapalus in the light of Dilexi Te enriches contextual theology and offers a culturally rooted resource for pastoral renewal, directing the Diocese of Manado toward inclusive communal responsibility and concrete solidarity with the poor and marginalized.

Author Biography

Ventje Felix Runtulalo, Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Seminari Pineleng, Indonesia

Ventje Felix Runtulalo is affiliated with Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Teologi Widya Sasana in Malang and Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat–Seminari Pineleng, Indonesia. He earned a master’s degree in Biblical Exegesis from the Institut Catholique de Paris, France, in 2010. He is currently on study leave to pursue further studies at Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Teologi Widya Sasana, having previously served as a lecturer in Biblical Exegesis at Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat–Seminari Pineleng. He was born in Mokupa, Indonesia, on November 20, 1973.

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