Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 282

Intellectual Dimension

Issues about priestly identity and about the apostolic and missionary dimensions of priestly ministry “are closely linked to the question about the nature of truth.” Philosophy serves “as a guarantee of that ‘certainty of truth’ which is the only firm basis for a total giving of oneself to Jesus and to the Church.” 347 The seminary philosophy program of studies should be balanced, comprehensive, integrated, and coherent. The philosophy program must include substantial studies in the history of philosophy, treating of ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. a. The study of the history of philosophy helps seminarians understand philosophical issues as they have developed in the Western philosophical tradition and, more particularly, in the Catholic intellectual tradition, which has been both shaped by and contributed to the shape of the Western philosophical tradition. This historical approach to the study of philosophy aids in the “integration of philosophical studies . . . [through] a specific ‘philosophical methodology.’” 348 The knowledge of philosophy, with its powerful impact on theology and theologians, is necessary in order to appreciate the richness of our theological Tradition. b. At the same time, philosophy prepares seminarians for priestly ministry. By living more reflectively in the historical Catholic intellec tual tradition, seminarians are better equipped for their ministry of teaching the faith, better prepared to engage contemporary culture, and better prepared for the “evangelization of culture” that is integral to the new evangelization. In this regard, some treatment of American philosophy or social thought is also helpful for seminarians in under standing the dynamics of contemporary society in the United States. 349

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347 Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 52. 348 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 159.

349 For example, see the following resources from the USCCB: Bishops’ Program for Social Reconstruction (1919); The Challenge of Peace (1983); Economic Justice for All (1986); Called to Global Solidarity (1997); Responsibility , Rehabilitation , and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice (2000); Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue , Prudence and the Common Good (2001); Strangers No Longer: Together on a Journey of Hope (2003); and Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (2015). Pontifical Biblical Commission, The Bible and Morality: Biblical Roots of Christian Conduct (2008), is also a resource.

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