Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Human Dimension

of bishops, is to be firmly embraced and retained. 271 Additionally, religious submission of the intellect and will is due to doctrine declared by the Holy Father or the college of bishops concerning faith and morals, even if they do not intend to proclaim it definitively. 272 Every bishop is an authentic teacher and instructor of the faith; 273 seminaries should inculcate in each seminarian a capacity to live in communion with his diocesan bishop. Seminaries should expect of seminarians a spirit of joyful trust, open dialogue, and generous cooperation with those in authority. As seminarians advance in their training, they should be given more opportunity to exercise responsibility and freedom. At the same time, they should understand that accountability is always part of the exercise of freedom. Seminaries should articulate that priestly obedience begins with humble and willing cooperation in seminary life, docility to direction, and wholehearted compliance with the seminary’s policies and programs. Seminarians are not expected to surrender their ecclesial rights to express their opinion or to make known their needs. 274 This docility will prepare seminarians to cooperate with their bishop 275 or superior, especially in the very practical matter of undertaking and faithfully fulfilling whatever sacred duty is given to them. 276 Resources for Human Formation The rector of the seminary has the responsibility to delineate attitudinal and behavioral expectations regarding all aspects of

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271 See CIC, c. 750 §2; CCEO, c. 598 §2; St. John Paul II, Ad Tuendam Fidem . 272 See CIC, c. 752; CCEO, c. 599. 273 See CIC, c. 753; CCEO, c. 600. 274 CIC, c. 212 §§2-3.

275 See Presbyterorum Ordinis , no. 7: “Priests for their part should . . . [respect in their bishop] the authority of Christ the supreme Pastor. They should therefore be attached to their bishop with sincere charity and obedience.” 276 See Christus Dominus , no. 28.

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