Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 186

Human Dimension

real, desensitizing us to reality. In addition, careless and undiscerning use of information technology is morally dangerous and may lead to addictive behavior. Seminarians must be taught “how to use these technologies in a competent and appropriate way, shaped by sound theological insights and reflecting a strong priestly spirituality grounded in constant dialogue with the Lord.” 237 Seminarians must use social media and technology in accordance with local diocesan/eparchial policies, especially in regard to communication with minors. Human formation comes together in a particular way in the domain of human sexuality, and this is especially true for those who are preparing for a life of celibacy. The various dimensions of being a human person—the physical, the psychological, and the spiritual— converge in affective maturity, which includes human sexuality. Education is necessary for understanding sexuality and living chastely. Those preparing to live out a celibate commitment face particular challenges, especially in today’s cultural context of permissiveness and easy access to pornography. Education for chastity, a virtue incumbent on all Christians and in a unique way embraced in celibacy, presents it as a “virtue that develops a person’s authentic maturity and makes him or her capable of respecting and fostering the ‘nuptial meaning’ of the body.” 238 For all Christians, whatever their state of life, chastity cultivates the capacity for authentic self-gift in generative and faithful love. The celibate person renounces the realization of this capacity in marriage but embraces it in a universalizing love extended to all people. At the same time, the celibate commitment requires the development of particular habits and skills of living and relating in order to live the commitment with integrity. “Since the charism of celibacy,

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237 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 97; see Ratio Fundamentalis , nos. 97-100. 238 Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 44.

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