Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests (Ascension)

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Chapter 4: Spiritual Formation

life. Mary became an integral part of John’s daily affairs, his choices, and his aspirations. She was invited into every part of his life and his heart. John set the pattern for every priest. 169 In recent times the role of St. Joseph has become more prominent in the life of the Church and also in the lives of priests. St. Joseph—so close to the Incarnate Word and to his Holy Mother, as the protector of Jesus and of Mary—has much to teach priests who have been called, like him, to fatherhood in the order of grace. 141 He is a great friend, intercessor, and guide in one’s priestly ministry. In addition to Our Lady and St. Joseph, every priest has personal devotions to cherished saints, heavenly patrons, and the angels, especially his guardian angel. These bonds of love to friends in heaven nourish the life of faith and contribute greatly to spiritual formation. 170 Practices of personal prayer and devotion are not intended to be confined to actual moments of prayer; rather, they should overflow into the rest of a priest’s life. Time spent in prayer is the source of warmth that raises the spiritual temperature of the entire day, so to speak, helping the priest to live in God’s presence more habitually. That habit is reinforced by regular recourse to aspirations throughout the day, spiritual communions, and small self-denials and sacrifices that concretely express the priest’s love for God. Fostering the presence of God in his life also facilitates his discernment of spirits by which interior movements of the soul, such as thoughts, feelings, and desires, are understood and acted upon appropriately. Also being

141 “Joseph’s attitude encourages us to accept and welcome others as they are, without exception, and to show special concern for the weak, for God chooses what is weak (see 1 Cor 1:27). He is the ‘Father of orphans and protector of widows’ (Ps 68:6), who commands us to love the stranger in our midst. I like to think that it was from Saint Joseph that Jesus drew inspiration for the parable of the prodigal son and the merciful father (see Lk 15:11-32).” Francis, Patris Corde (On the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church) , December 8, 2020, no. 4.

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