Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

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Program of Priestly Formation

Priestly life lived in configuration to Jesus Christ must necessarily manifest and give witness to the radicalism of the Gospel. In other words, priests are called to a way of life that gives evident and transparent witness to the power of the Gospel at work in their lives. A life of continual conversion allows the priest to become and remain “a ‘man of discernment,’ able to read the reality of human life in the light of the Spirit. In this way he will be able to choose, decide and act according to the will of God.” 67 The elements of such a lifestyle—named here and to be developed elsewhere in this document—include the following: a. A way of life permeated by the threefold charge given priests at ordination to teach, to sanctify, and to govern 68 b. A life of steady prayer centered first and foremost on Sacred Scripture and the prayerful celebration of the sacraments, especially Penance and the Eucharist, 69 the Liturgy of the Hours (the Divine Praises, in the Eastern Catholic Churches), and the liturgical cycles, but also on devotional and contemplative prayer 70 c. “Living intimately united” to the person of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, Son of God and Son of Mary 71 d. Devotion to Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of priests 72 e. A life of obedience that is apostolic, communal, and pastoral 73 f. A life lived in communion with one’s bishop and the presbyterate, a communion that includes sacramental, apostolic, and fraternal bonds 74 g. For priests who are members of a religious institute or a society of apostolic life, a life in community with one’s confreres in accord with the institute’s Rule of Life and charism or with the constitution of the society of apostolic life

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Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 43.

68 See Presbyterorum Ordinis , nos. 4-6, 13; Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 26; Optatam Totius , no. 21. 69 See Ecclesia de Eucharistia , no. 31. 70 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 33. 71 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 46. 72 See CIC, c. 246 §3; CCEO, c. 346 §2, 5°. 73 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 28. 74 See Sacrosanctum Concilium , no. 26; Presbyterorum Ordinis , nos. 7-8, 14; Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 17.

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