Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 187

Program of Priestly Formation

even when it is genuine and has proved itself, leaves one’s affections and instinctive impulses intact, candidates to the priesthood need an affective maturity which is prudent, able to renounce anything that is a threat to it, vigilant over both body and spirit, and capable of esteem and respect in interpersonal relationships between men and women.” 239 Seminary formation in sexuality and celibacy communicates to men in priestly formation and enables them to appropriate the following: a. Their call to priestly celibacy as a share in the chastity of Christ, Head and Shepherd, Servant and Spouse 240 b. The physiological and psychological understanding of human sexuality c. The meaning of the virtue of chastity, which includes a formation in authentic principles of sexual maturity and chastity, including virginity, 241 and which also includes “a proper knowledge of the duties and dignity of Christian marriage, which represents the love which exists between Christ and the Church” 242 d. The requisite skills for living chastely: ascetical practice, prudent self-mastery, and paths of self-knowledge, such as a regular personal inventory and the examination of conscience e. The meaning of celibate chastity, especially the theological rationale that makes clear how it pertains to the logic of the ordained priesthood f. The means to live celibate chastity well, including genuine friendships; priestly fraternity; a mentoring relationship; spiritual direction; priestly asceticism, which honestly reckons with the sacrifices that celibacy entails; and especially the Sacrament of Penance 239 Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 44. 240 See Sacramentum Caritatis , no. 24. 241 See Congregation for Catholic Education, Training for Priestly Celibacy (1993), and Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, A Guide to Formation in Priestly Celibacy (1974), 46. 242 Optatam Totius , no. 10.

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