Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

CHAPTER 4: SPIRITUAL FORMATION | 65

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, inter cessor, 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 spir itual formation. 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 discern ment of spirits by which interior movements of the soul, such as thoughts, feelings, and desires, are understood and acted upon appropriately. Also being attentive to and affirming the piety and pious practices of the people he serves can enrich his own spiritual growth. 142 170.

171. Other personal means of growing in the spiritual life include the regular study of Sacred Scripture, a daily examination of conscience, an

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, www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/ documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html . 142 “In this way, future priests will acquire familiarity with the ‘popular spirituality’ that they will be called upon to discern, guide and accept out of pastoral charity and effectiveness.” Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 114, quoting St. Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi , no. 48.