Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

GOFP 114

Chapter 3: Human Formation

of transparency in his life. It also involves knowing and embracing at all times who one is and intentionally living in accord with one’s identity both alone and with others. The priest’s unity of life springs from gratitude at being personally called by Jesus; it is an overflow of that joy into the decisions and interactions of his life. A priest with unity of life knows he shares the pastoral charity of Christ and always seeks to care for souls. Of course, he prudently considers the circumstances of his interaction and may not always speak explicitly about the faith—but in all his encounters, the priest who possesses unity of life seeks to treat others with a refined kindness that reflects the charity of Jesus. Capacity for Fatherhood 114 The priest’s spiritual fatherhood is more than a mere metaphor for his ministry. Like a natural father, he shares in the Fatherhood of God by generating life and loving in a distinctly paternal way. 87 For example, the priest provides for his people in the order of grace, particularly by administering the sacraments. He guides them along the way of truth and salvation, especially in his preaching and teaching. He protects them from harmful spiritual and moral influences through his courageous and loving counsel and personal sacrifice. These and other paternal responsibilities depend upon a constellation of human virtues that natural and spiritual fathers have in common. They are important markers of human formation, as the following examples outline:

87 “Through the gift of celibacy the priest also acquires that spiritual yet real fatherhood which is uni versal in dimension and assumes concrete expression particularly towards the community entrusted to him.” DMLP, no. 80.

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