Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

92 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

Preparation for Simplicity of Life

216. Human formation should cultivate a spirit of generosity, encour aging the seminarian to become a man for others and to curb expectations of entitlement; seminarians should learn practical ways of living simplicity of life. 267 Manifestations of undue materialism and consumerism in the seminarian’s behavior should be confronted and corrected. The formation program should articulate the distinctive qual ities of simplicity of life appropriate for one preparing for priestly lead ership. Simplicity of life is particularly important in our own age when human needs and desires are so consciously manipulated and exploited. A consumer society often reduces people to things, which are used and then discarded, plunging society more deeply into a world of objects, which ironically seem to possess us. In a consumer society, a right attitude toward the world and earthly goods is easily lost. That is why a seminarian has to be helped to cultivate personal self-discipline and asceticism. It is an important pastoral obligation of all priests who accompany people through the journey of life to acquire a sound and balanced perspective about earthly goods and possessions so that they can impart right attitudes to others. 268 The seminary should foster simplicity of life. Such an attitude does not disparage the world but sees it in light of freedom and service. Priests are able to understand correctly “that the Church’s mission is carried out in the midst of the world and that created goods are absolutely necessary for man’s personal progress.” 269 They can also better appreciate that when the passion for acquisition and possession is curbed, the human capacity for appreciation and enjoyment of the world often is enhanced. 217. 218.

267 “A right attitude to the world and to earthly goods . . . is of great importance for priests for this reason, that the Church’s mission is carried out in the midst of the world and that created goods are absolutely necessary for man’s personal progress. Let priests be thankful then for everything that the heavenly Father has given them towards a proper standard of living. However, they ought to judge everything they meet in the light of faith, so that they will be guided towards the right use of things in accordance with God’s will and will reject anything that is prejudicial to their mission.” Presbyterorum Ordinis , no. 17. 268 “Already being used to sacrificing willingly and generously what is not needed, they . . . [can] become sincere and credible promoters of true social justice.” Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 111. 269 Presbyterorum Ordinis , no. 17.