This psychobiography is focused on the life of Glenda Watson-Kahlenberg, whose life history epitomises the redemptive theme of triumph over tragedy. A phenomenological approach to the study allowed the researcher to observe the participant‟s lived experience through the theoretical lens of Frankl‟s conceptualization of a meaningful and full existence. A holistic perspective of factors contributing to redemption was accommodated by the Biopsychosocial-spiritual Model. The aim of this longitudinal revelatory study was to illuminate the process of redemption in a life, which leads to restoration and wholeness. This study breaks with traditional psychobiography – in that a life in progress has been selected; and personality development is not the key focus. This psychobiographical undertaking was anchored in qualitative research in the form of a single case study. Four types of triangulation were utilized, namely: data, investigators, theory and methodological triangulation. In addition, Alexander‟s identifiers of saliency, Miles and Huberman‟s data-management guidelines, Schultz‟s prototypical scenes, and Guba‟s criteria for trustworthiness, guided the methodology to ensure reliable data extraction and interpretation. The present researcher was in search of a deeper understanding of the enabling factors facilitating a restorative process in a life that was challenged by setbacks. Given the increasing pressures facing individuals in this modern era, the redemptive theme holds particular relevance, and was graphically demonstrated in the life of the participant who experienced trauma, widowhood, divorce, single parenthood, and a spate of medical and psychological setbacks. The findings suggest that the mental health clinician‟s utilisation of Frankl‟s conceptualisation of meaning in the most challenging circumstances, proffers itself as an all-purpose life-tool which enables individuals to overcome their challenges. The study demonstrated that gaining meaning in life is inextricably tied to an implicit legacy-oriented worldview. Of significance, is the role of forgiveness which emerged as the central redemptive catalyst. In this study, the resolution of past hurts through forgiveness, and the search for meaning, merge, forming an arterial theme in the life story of the participant. The dual impact of these factors not only reversed contaminated life-scripts, it also birthed a new calling in life which set the participant on a generative life course. The findings related to a redemptive life not only confirms existing theory, but also adds perspectives not previously considered. In addition, the findings related to the role of forgiveness has positive implications for the individual‟s physical and psychological wellbeing. Greater intentionality on the part of therapists to thread forgiveness into their practice, remains invitational in the light of the eugraphic impact demonstrated in this study.

Beata Maria/Dea Vults is a thesis for the degree of master (one year) in theology.   The thesis explores the role of the Virgin Mary as a martial saint in catholic combat with Islam and muslims between the years 1119 AD to 1648 AD with a focus on symbolism. The paper is focusing on symbolism in war banners, patron saints and semiotic symbols on arms and armour. There are three different events or phenomenons in the study, separated in time as well as space.   Firstly the war banner used at the battle of Las Navas (1212 AD) during the reconquista of Spain. The banner of Mary with child is the prime subjekt as well as the myths appearing in the aftermath of the battle, and the ceremony that was devised from it.   The second phenomenon is the knights templars use of Mary as patron saint, and the ceremony that followed this relationship. There is also discussion of the belts worn that were related to Mary, the use of wich is attested in documents from the trials of the templars between 1307 and 1312 AD. Lastly the paper focuses on the armours of the polish winged husars of 1648 AD and the seige of Vienna. The thesis explores the relationship between the symbols of the armour of the husars and the religious views of King John III Sobieski of Poland.   The main question of the study is:   What were the meaning of the symbols of Mary as she was carried as a ritualistic symbol for war?   The subsequent questions are:   How do you trace a progression in the useage of Mary as a symbol from the templars all the way to the use of Mary as a symbol for the winged husars?   Which types of worship of Mary as a symbol were used primarliy in wars with muslims?   The paper is researched by qualitative methods including text analysis as well as semiotic symbolism reading. There are two theories used in the analysis. Smarts dimensions and Andersons and Hulls Warrior elites, with Smarts dimensions as the dominant theory.