Faculty of Canon Law
Academic Collaboration with the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome, Italy
- Bachelor's and Master's Degrees available in Arabic and French
History
The Faculty of Canon Law at Université La Sagesse traces its roots back to the founding of La Sagesse School of Law in 1875, initiated by H.E. Msgr. Youssef Debs. The teaching of canon law gradually gained importance in response to legislative developments concerning personal status in Lebanon and the promulgation of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches in 1990.
Faced with the need to train specialists in ecclesiastical law, the Faculty was officially established in 1997 with the mission of educating both clerics and laypeople in the legal and pastoral fields. The Faculty of Canon Law signed a historic agreement with the Pontifical Lateran University in 2000, renewed until 2024, and transferred in 2024 to the Pontifical Oriental Institute.
Timeline of Key Milestones:
• 1875: Founding of the La Sagesse School of Law
• 1990: Promulgation of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches
• 1997: Official establishment of the Faculty of Canon Law at Université La Sagesse
• 2000: Signing of an academic agreement with the Lateran University (Vatican)
• 2014: Adoption of the American Credit System (Decree No. 481/2014)
• 2017: Official authorization of the Bachelor’s (103 credits) and Master’s (51 credits) programs (Ministerial Decree No. 872/M/2017)
• 2022: Official steps to transfer cooperation to the Pontifical Oriental Institute PIO, Rome
• 2024: Signing of the academic agreement with the Pontifical Oriental Institute PIO, Rome (5-year duration)
• 2025: Signing of a training agreement with the Latin Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Jordan for a diploma intended for lawyers
Vision
The faculty aims to become a leading Catholic ecclesiastical institution in the field of canon law within the multi-confessional society of the Middle East. This endeavour seeks to provide high-quality education while striving to install the values of ecclesiastical teaching through inculturation and the rooting of Christianity in various local cultures, as well as the incorporation of authentic values in modern society.
Mission
The Faculty of Canon Law at Université La Sagesse is dedicated to redefining the role of canon law in the diverse religious context of the Middle East. It aims to equip both laypeople and clergy with the skills needed to meet the contemporary needs of the Arab world. The faculty fosters a culture of human responsibility and faith, helping to develop individuals rooted in ethical and spiritual values (Salus animarum est suprema lex). In partnership with the Faculty of Eastern Canon Law at the Pontificio Istituto Orientale in Rome, it offers rigorous academic training and promotes interfaith dialogue and integration between canonical and civil legal systems, thereby affirming its commitment to academic excellence and societal service.
Values
The Faculty of Canon Law upholds fundamental values that are integral to its mission:
– The salvation of souls, as an act of faith,
– Equity and justice, principles fervently upheld,
– Integrity, a key value of the faculty, incarnated in all actions and endeavours,
– Profound respect for humanity in all its diversity and tolerance in all circumstances.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Programs
| Faculty of Canon Law | Faculté de droit canonique | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | Concentration | Examen d’entrée | Crédits |
| - En français et arabe | |||
| Licence | Droit canonique | - | 154 |
| Master | |||
| Diplôme pour avocats | Droit canonique | - | 30 |
» Program Learning Outcomes - Bachelor in Canon Law
| PLOs | Bachelor in Canon Law |
|---|---|
| PLO 1 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and norms of Canon Law. |
| PLO 2 | Analyse and interpret Canon Law texts effectively. |
| PLO 3 | Apply Canonical norms to various practical contexts. |
| PLO 4 | Evaluate the historical and theological contexts of Canon Law. |
| PLO 5 | Articulate legal ideas and arguments clearly and persuasively. |
» Program Learning Outcomes - Diploma in Canon Law for Lawyers
| PLOs | Diploma in Canon Law for Lawyers |
|---|---|
| PLO 1 | Understanding Canonical Matrimonial Law (Understanding): |
| PLO 2 | Mastery of Ecclesiastical Judicial Procedures (Application): |
| PLO 3 | Integration of Canon Law and Civil Law (Analysis): |
| PLO 4 | Competence in Canonical Penal Law (Evaluation): |
| PLO 5 | Interdisciplinary Knowledge in Psychiatry and Canon Law (Synthesis): |
| PLO 6 | Practical Skills in Canonical Legal Practice (Creation): |
Graduate Programs
| Faculty of Canon Law | Faculté de droit canonique | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | Concentration | Examen d’entrée | Crédits |
| - En français et arabe | |||
| Licence | Droit canonique | - | 154 |
| Master | |||
» Program Learning Outcomes - Master in Canon Law
| PLOs | Master in Canon Law |
|---|---|
| PLO 1 | Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of specific Canonical laws, such as Matrimonial Law, Religious Law, and Court Practice, by analysing complex cases. |
| PLO 2 | Apply legal knowledge to interpret and resolve practical issues in ecclesiastical courts, particularly in the areas of contentious procedure and judicial practice. |
| PLO 3 | Critically evaluate ethical and legal issues in canonical contexts, integrating bioethical and psychological perspectives into the analysis. |
| PLO 4 | Synthesise complex information from various canonical sources to conduct research and produce coherent and well-documented legal arguments, and communicate these effectively to both specialised and general audiences. |
| PLO 5 | Analyse and resolve conflicts of laws and jurisdictions, particularly in interfaith and international marriages, and adapt legal practices accordingly. |
» International
» Research Center
Contact
Faculty of Canon Law
Université La Sagesse
P.O. Box 50501, Furn El Chebbak, Lebanon
Dean
Msgr. Nabih Mouawad, PhD
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