Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Introduction

1 One of the warmest friendships in all Scripture is that between St. Paul and St. Timothy. Paul had known Timothy from his youth and was like a father to him. “I yearn to see you again,” Paul wrote to him, “recalling your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and that I am confident lives also in you” (2 Tm 1:4-5). 2 St. Timothy spent years in the company of St. Paul during his missionary voyages, being formed in the faith and in apostolic ministry. Eventually Paul left Timothy in Ephesus as a newly ordained bishop, but he continued to reach out to his spiritual son with paternal love and concern. Paul advised, inspired, and exhorted his “dear child” to live out the sacred office he received at his hands: “For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God” (2 Tm 1:6-8). 3 With Paul’s departure, Timothy was working on his own in the vineyard of the Lord. His initial period of formation was complete, but his continued growth was no less urgent. As he cared for souls and preached the Gospel, Timothy continued to mature as a man, deepen his interior life, conform himself to God’s will, expand his understanding of the faith, learn from his pastoral experience, and hone his capacity to preach and care for souls.

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