Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

98 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

his life for his sheep so that they may live. As source and summit of the Christian life, the daily celebration of the Eucharist is the essential moment of the day. 284 “The priestly soul strives to make its own what is enacted on the altar of sacrifice. But this cannot be achieved except through priests themselves penetrating ever more intimately through prayer into the mystery of Christ.” 285 b. Sacrament of Penance : The Sacrament of Penance fosters the mature recognition of sin, continuous conversion of heart, growth in the virtues, and conformity to the mind of Christ. It is a school of compassion that teaches penitents how to live out God’s compassionate mercy in the world. The frequent celebra tion of the Sacrament of Penance is aided by the practice of a daily examination of conscience. 286 c. Liturgy of the Hours : Through the Liturgy of the Hours (or the Divine Praises, in the Eastern Catholic Churches), seminarians learn to pray with the Church and for the Church, assimilating the language of prayer of the Church that is pleasing to God and transformative, forming both mind and spirit. They unite them selves with the Body of Christ in unceasing praise and petition. This prayer prepares them for their lifelong ministry as priests who pray on behalf of the whole Church. It also cultivates a mind and heart attuned to the whole Body of Christ, its needs, its suf ferings, its graces, and its hopes. 287 d. Spiritual direction : Biweekly meetings with an approved spiritual director is an essential part of spiritual direction, especially in arriving at the interiorization and integration needed for growth in sanctity, virtue, and readiness for Holy Orders. Seminaries should offer clear expectations regarding the frequency at which spiritual direction is scheduled. e. Bible : “A relationship with the Word of God holds a preeminent place in the process of spiritual growth.” 288 Receiving the Word of God proclaimed and preached in the Church and in the quiet and personal assimilation of that holy word in lectio divina enables those in formation to hear God’s communication to them as a transforming challenge and hope. To take on more fully the mind

284 See CIC, c. 246 §1; CCEO, c. 346 §2, 2°. See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 46; Ecclesia de Eucharistia . 285 Presbyterorum Ordinis , no. 14. 286 See CIC, cc. 246 §4, 276 §2, 5°; CCEO, cc. 369 §1, 346 §2, 4°. 287 See CIC, c. 246 §2; CCEO, c. 346 §2, 3°. See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 48. 288 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 103.