Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

126 | PROGRAM OF PRIESTLY FORMATION

a purely technical approach to “religious phenomena,” unfolds in the following ways: a. Theology in seminary intellectual formation is truly to be fides quaerens intellectum , faith seeking understanding. 362 This direc tion is not the same as the approach of religious studies or the history of religions. The seminary study of theology begins in faith and ends in faith, as should all true theological inquiry and study. b. In a seminary or priestly formation context, the study of theology is oriented to one’s own faith and also to the faith of others. In other words, the study of theology is apostolically motivated. “For the salvation of their brothers and sisters they should seek an ever deeper knowledge of the divine mysteries.” 363 c. At the same time, this study of theology, as we have already noted, enriches and expands the personal faith of the seminarian studying it. 364 d. When theology is studied in the context of priestly formation, it cannot be detached from other human knowledge. In fact, it is to be integrated with other elements of human understanding, especially philosophy and the human sciences. 365 e. The seminary study of theology, because it begins in faith and ends in faith, must also flow from prayer and lead to prayer. 366 f. In a particular way, the theology studied in preparation for priestly ministry must find integration and focus in the liturgy, the cele bration of the Mystery of Christ. g. Because theology studied in light of priestly mission and ministry must be directed to a practical wisdom, it must offer a complete and unified vision of the truths of faith. 367 This wisdom and uni fied vision, then, can be conveyed in the priest’s preaching and allow him to bring the Word of God into dialogue with the con temporary human situation. 368

362 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 53. 363 Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 51.

364 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 53. 365 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 53. 366 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 54. 367 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 54. 368 See USCCB, Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1982), 13.