Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

priest formator verifies that the candidate for the priesthood is ready to assume the teaching, sanctifying, and governing mission of Christ. Furthermore, he should demonstrate pastoral love for others and faithful obedience, in conformity with Christ. 223 Prior to ordination to the priesthood, the candidate is to make a canonical retreat (CIC, c. 1039; CCEO, c. 772) and take the Oath of Fidelity. 224 The final judgment about a seminarian’s admission to candidacy (or perpetual profession, for members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life), institution into the ministries of lector and acolyte, and ordination to the diaconate and priesthood belongs to the diocesan bishop or major superior. He must issue his official call in the name of the Church on the basis of a moral certitude that is founded upon positive evidence proving the suitability of a candidate for Holy Orders (CIC, cc. 1052 §1, 1025 §§1-2, and 1029; CCEO, c. 770). The seminary’s evaluations are important in providing this evidence. If such positive evidence is lacking, the seminary must not recommend the advancement of a seminarian. 225 Seminarians who lack the positive qualities for continuing in formation should not be advanced in the seminary program. They should be advised to leave the seminary. In these cases an opportunity should be provided for the seminarian to present his self-assessment, including the possibility of others who can speak on his behalf. 223 The diocesan bishop or competent superior may make use of a formation commission, consisting, for example, of the vocation director, the vicar for clergy, other priests, religious, and laity. This com mission could provide discernment regarding readiness for priestly ordination at the conclusion of the vocational synthesis stage. The commission should ordinarily proceed by consensus, but the final recommendation to the diocesan bishop or religious superior belongs to the vocation director. 224 See Scrutinies , Enclosure IV . 225 Regarding moral certitude, “the fundamental principle in this matter consists in the fact that the competent authority must issue the official call in the name of the Church on the basis of a moral certitude that is founded upon positive reasons regarding the suitability of the candidate (c. 1052, §1, with c. 1025, §§1-2, and c. 1029).” Further, “Although the call [to Holy Orders] is a canonical act which pertains to a personal authority it is clear that such an authority ought not proceed merely on the basis of his convictions or intuitions, but should give a hearing to the opinion of persons and councils and not depart from these except on the strength of well-founded reasons (c. 127, §2, 2°).” Scrutinies , nos. 2-3.

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