Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

heavenly liturgy which is celebrated in the Holy City of Jerusalem toward which we journey as pilgrims, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, Minister of the holies and of the true tabernacle.” 283 In the Eucharistic sacrifice, the seminarian learns to offer himself with Christ to the Father and receives spiritual sustenance, Christ’s own Flesh and Blood. In Holy Communion, he encounters Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, and opens himself to the transforming power of his self-giving and redeeming love. The Eucharist is the source of pastoral charity, the love that animates and directs those who walk in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, who gives his life for his sheep so that they may live. As source and summit of the Christian life, the daily celebration of the Eucharist is the essential moment of the day. 284 “The priestly soul strives to make its own what is enacted on the altar of sacrifice. But this cannot be achieved except through priests themselves penetrating ever more intimately through prayer into the mystery of Christ.” 285 b. Sacrament of Penance : The Sacrament of Penance fosters the mature recognition of sin, continuous conversion of heart, growth in the virtues, and conformity to the mind of Christ. It is a school of compassion that teaches penitents how to live out God’s compassionate mercy in the world. The frequent celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is aided by the practice of a daily examination of conscience. 286 c. Liturgy of the Hours : Through the Liturgy of the Hours (or the Divine Praises, in the Eastern Catholic Churches), seminarians learn to pray with the Church and for the Church, assimilating the language of prayer of the Church that is pleasing to God and transformative, forming both mind and spirit. They unite themselves with the Body of Christ in unceasing praise and petition. This prayer prepares them for their lifelong ministry as priests who pray on behalf of the whole

283 Sacrosanctum Concilium , no. 8; see Heb 8:2. 284 See CIC, c. 246 §1; CCEO, c. 346 §2, 2°. See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 46; Ecclesia de Eucharistia . 285 Presbyterorum Ordinis , no. 14. 286 See CIC, cc. 246 §4, 276 §2, 5°; CCEO, cc. 369 §1, 346 §2, 4°.

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