Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

66 | GUIDE TO ONGOING FORMATION FOR PRIESTS

annual retreat, 143 regular confession, 144 consistent spiritual direction, 145 and periods of more intensive spiritual formation, such as days of recollection, spiritual workshops, and individual “desert days,” that is, days set aside to be alone and quiet with the Lord. All personal means of spiritual growth presented thus far configure the heart of the priest more closely to the heart of Jesus Christ and culmi nate in pastoral charity. A reciprocal relationship exists between growth in intimacy with Christ, especially through the Eucharist, and growth in participation in the pastoral charity of Christ, the gift of oneself to the Church. 146 172.

FRATERNAL MEANS

173. Although the principal responsibility for spiritual formation rests on the shoulders of each priest, his personal efforts can be greatly enhanced by fraternal support. Of primary importance are Christ-centered friendships with other priests. It is difficult to overestimate the influence of brother priests who encourage and affirm each other in their spiritual practices, hold each other accountable as needed, and inspire one another to grow in holiness. They “seek to promote fraternal communion by giving

143 “More specifically, it is hoped that each priest, perhaps during periodical retreats, would draw up a con crete plan of personal life in concord with his spiritual director. The following elements may be suggested: (1) daily meditation on the Word or a mystery of the faith; (2) daily personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist, in addition to devote celebration of Mass and frequent Confession; (3) Marian devotion (Rosary, consecration or entrustment, intimate colloquy); (4) a period of doctrinal formation and study of the history of the saints; (5) due rest; (6) renewed commitment in putting into practice the indications of one’s Bishop and verification of one’s convinced adhesion to the Magisterium and to ecclesiastical disci pline; (7) attention to priestly communion, friendship and fraternity. Likewise to be deepened are other aspects such as the administration of one’s time and goods, work, and the importance of working with others.” DMLP, no. 94 (emphasis original). See also CIC, c. 276 §2, 2° and 4°. 144 See CIC, c. 276 §2, 5°. 145 “By placing the formation of their soul in the hands of a wise confrere—the instrument of the Holy Spirit—they will develop, as of their first steps in the ministry, their awareness of the importance of not journeying in solitude along the ways of the spiritual life and pastoral commitment. In making use of this efficacious means of formation so well tried and proven in the Church, priests are to exercise complete liberty in choosing the person who may guide them.” DMLP, no. 73. 146 “The internal principle, the force which animates and guides the spiritual life of the priest inasmuch as he is configured to Christ the head and shepherd, is pastoral charity, as a participation in Jesus Christ’s own pastoral charity. . . . The essential content of this pastoral charity is the gift of self, the total gift of self to the Church, following the example of Christ. . . . the priest’s pastoral charity not only flows from the Eucharist but finds in the celebration of the Eucharist its highest realization—just as it is from the Eucharist that he receives the grace and obligation to give his whole life a ‘sacrificial’ dimension.” PDV, no. 23.