Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 258

Spiritual Dimension

Guidance and instruction in methods of meditation, contemplation, lectio divina , daily examen, and meditation on the Fathers of the Church must be provided. 323 Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament must be encouraged. Scheduled hours of Eucharistic Exposition are particularly desirable to provide special opportunities for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the seminary. It is also desirable that seminarians develop a habit of personal visits to the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. 324 Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and to the saints must be encouraged. 325 Opportunities for devotional prayer should be made available and encouraged. The Rosary, “a compendium of the Gospel,” 326 is especially recommended as a means of contemplating Christ in “the school of Mary.” 327 Devotion to the other saints, especially St. Joseph, is also an important element of the devotional life of seminarians and priests. 328 On appropriate occasions, the seminary should sponsor ecumenical events, including prayer services, with other Christians. Consideration should also be given to interaction with those of the Jewish faith and other religions. The seminary should provide seminarians with training on the proper use of sacramentals, including consecrations, blessings, and reverence for sacred things. 329

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323 See CIC, c. 246 §3; CCEO, c. 346 §2, 1°; see Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 113. 324 See Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass , nos. 79-81. 325 See CIC, c. 246 §3; CCEO, c. 346 §2, 5°. 326 Pope Pius XII, letter Philippinas insulas to the Archbishop of Manila, AAS 38 (1946): 419. See St. Paul VI, Marialis Cultus (1974), no. 42, www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_exhortations/docu ments/hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus.html ; Rosarium Virginis Mariae , no. 1.

327 Rosarium Virginis Mariae , no. 1. 328 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 112. 329 See CIC, cc. 1166-1172.

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