International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
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Title:
THE INTEGRATED ACCOMPANIMENT MODEL (IAM): AN EMERGENT FRAMEWORK FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FILIPINO PRIESTLY PASTORAL CARE

Authors:
Vicente J, Saraza, Jr ., Mary Jane R. Jose and Maria Lourdes L. Chavez

Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER)
ISSN: 2455-8834
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
Publication Date: May 2026
DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.006

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Vicente J, Saraza, Jr1 ., Mary Jane R. Jose2 and Maria Lourdes L. Chavez3
1,2,3. Miriam College, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines

MLA 8
Jr, Vicente J, Saraza,, et al. "THE INTEGRATED ACCOMPANIMENT MODEL (IAM): AN EMERGENT FRAMEWORK FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FILIPINO PRIESTLY PASTORAL CARE." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 11, no. 5, May 2026, pp. 1844-1965, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.006. Accessed May 2026.
APA 6
Jr, V., Jose, M., & Chavez, M. (2026, May). THE INTEGRATED ACCOMPANIMENT MODEL (IAM): AN EMERGENT FRAMEWORK FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FILIPINO PRIESTLY PASTORAL CARE. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 11(5), 1844-1965. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.006
Chicago
Jr, V., Jose, M., & Chavez, M. (2026, May). THE INTEGRATED ACCOMPANIMENT MODEL (IAM): AN EMERGENT FRAMEWORK FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FILIPINO PRIESTLY PASTORAL CARE. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 11(5), 1844-1965. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.006

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ABSTRACT:
This study explored the lived experiences of Filipino diocesan priests in providing pastoral care, with the aim of developing an emergent framework for their professional development. Grounded in a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design, the research captured the essence of pastoral ministry as experienced by priests actively serving in a Roman Catholic diocese in Bulacan, Philippines. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants who met specific inclusion criteria. Using Giorgi’s phenomenological method, the study identified core structures related to the nature of pastoral care, essential competencies, and contextual challenges encountered in ministry. Findings of this study revealed that pastoral care among Filipino priests is deeply relational, integrative, and contextually embedded, characterized by presence, listening, accompaniment, and spiritual guidance. Key competencies included empathic listening, discernment, cultural sensitivity, and holistic care that bridges psychological and spiritual dimensions. However, priests also face significant challenges such as role overload, limited formal training in counseling, emotional strain, and structural constraints within parish settings. From these lived experiences, the study proposes the Integrated Accompaniment Model (IAM), an emergent framework that highlights the dynamic interplay of personal formation, pastoral competencies, and contextual realities. The findings offer important implications for seminary formation, ongoing clergy development, and the integration of psycho-spiritual approaches in pastoral care, contributing to both ecclesiastical practice and the broader field of counseling and pastoral psychology.

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