[Domuni International] A New Momentum for DOMUNI’s Arabic-Language Programmes

25 september 2026

On 8 September 2026, DOMUNI Universitas and the Congregation of the Chaldean Sisters, Daughters of Mary, inaugurated the Digital Centre for Pastoral Formation online. Intended for people engaged in the life of the Church in Iraq and in the diaspora, the Centre is the fruit of cooperation between the two institutions. Its opening also marks a new stage in the development of the Arabic-language programmes offered by DOMUNI Universitas.

A Growing Range of Programmes

These new programmes are aimed at Arabic speakers living in the Middle East and in other parts of the world. They make it possible to pursue higher education at a distance in one’s own language, in fields ranging from theology and biblical studies to psychology and religious studies. The project carried out with the Chaldean Sisters extends this approach by directing it towards pastoral formation needs identified in Iraq.

DOMUNI Universitas currently offers four Master’s programmes in Arabic: biblical studies, pastoral theology, comparative religion and social psychology. The launch of the Master’s in social psychology enriches this offering in the humanities and social sciences. Alongside the theological disciplines, it makes it possible to address questions relating to interpersonal relationships, groups and social contexts. It also comes alongside a rise in the number of students enrolled across the various programmes taught in Arabic, a sign of the growing interest these programmes attract among Arabic speakers.

A Bachelor in Theology and a Diploma in Catechesis complete these programmes. The latter is aimed particularly at those involved in passing on the faith and in Christian formation. The Arabic-language offering thus meets a variety of goals: undertaking a university degree, deepening one’s knowledge of a discipline, or acquiring knowledge useful for pastoral work.

The possibility of studying at a distance plays an essential role for students spread across several countries. It allows them to continue their studies from where they live, while balancing them with their professional, family or Church commitments. This accessibility is what gives the choice to offer teaching in Arabic its full significance.

Much more than just a partnership

In 2026, this academic momentum has been accompanied by a strengthening of the partnerships of DOMUNI Universitas in Iraq. A framework cooperation agreement was concluded with the Congregation of the Chaldean Sisters, Daughters of Mary (رهبنة بنات مريم الكلدانيات), represented by its superior general, Mother Naam Kamora. Dr. Marie Monnet, O.P., rector of DOMUNI Universitas, took part in the signing remotely.

The agreement provides for the joint creation of a digital centre for pastoral formation. The project covers a wide range of needs: pastoral skills, leadership and service, group leadership and Christian education, spiritual and psychological accompaniment, communication and listening, and teamwork. It also includes training in the use of digital teaching tools and artificial intelligence.

The two institutions bring complementary strengths to the project. The Chaldean Sisters are responsible for setting up and running the Centre, organising the courses, handling enrolment and providing administrative follow-up. DOMUNI Universitas contributes by supervising the programmes, developing scholarly and educational content, and providing academic support. The partnership also provides for the exchange of resources and for research projects in education, pastoral ministry and digital learning. It is intended in particular for people engaged in Church service: priests, men and women religious, and lay people.

The Digital Centre for Pastoral Formation Opens Its Doors

The online inauguration on 8 September marked the start of activities at the Digital Centre for Pastoral Formation. It brought together a number of Church and institutional leaders. Mar Paul III Nona, Chaldean patriarch, addressed the gathering, as did the superior general of the Chaldean Sisters, who presented the mission of the new Centre.

Speaking on behalf of DOMUNI Universitas, Dr. Ameer JAJÉ, O.P., vice-rector, highlighted the significance of this initiative. He recalled that education can build connections between peoples and cultures, and that academic cooperation makes it possible to place knowledge at the service of people and communities. He also stressed that the project should not be seen simply as a programme of study, but as a pastoral project and an ecclesial mission, intended to accompany members of the Church as they grow in knowledge, faith and service.

The Centre responds to this ambition: to offer people engaged in the Church in Iraq and in the diaspora the means to train, deepen their reflection and develop their practice. Its digital format makes it possible to envisage this formation beyond a single location, taking into account the diversity of situations and missions.

A Collaboration Set to Grow

The opening of the Centre gives the agreement between DOMUNI Universitas and the Chaldean Sisters its first concrete expression. The courses and exchanges launched within this framework will enable the two institutions to continue their collaboration and to explore new joint projects. The agreement provides for an initial three-year period of cooperation, renewable by mutual agreement, as well as the possibility of concluding further agreements to develop other academic programmes.

For DOMUNI Universitas, this initiative accompanies the development of its Arabic-language offering. It combines higher education programmes with a pastoral formation project designed with a partner based in Iraq, in order to meet needs expressed within the communities concerned. In the coming years, DOMUNI Universitas intends to continue developing its Arabic-language programmes, increase their visibility and strengthen its ties with Church and academic institutions in the Middle East.