Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 118

Seminary Formation: Structural Elements

the integration of all four dimensions that the seminarian comes to the affective maturity and freedom needed for priestly service. Each of the dimensions of formation is aimed at “transforming” or “assimilating” the heart in the image of the heart of Christ [cf. Optatam Totius , no. 4; Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 57], who was sent by the Father to fulfill his loving plan. He was moved when faced with human suffering (cf. Mt 9:35-36), he went to seek out the lost sheep (cf. Mt 18:12-14), even to offering his life for them (cf. Jn 10:11). He came not to be served but to serve (cf. Mt 20:24-28). As the Second Vatican Council indicates [see Optatam Totius , nos. 4, 19], the entire process of formation in preparation for priestly ministry, in fact, has as its aim the preparation of seminarians to “ enter into the communion with the charity of Christ the Good Shepherd. ” 170 The goal is the development not just of a well-rounded person, a prayerful person, or an experienced pastoral practitioner, but rather of one who understands his formation within the context of his call to service in the Church. In the beginning stages of formation, the seminarian must be presented with specific areas of growth in each dimension so that he is able immediately to see the need for formation within himself, no matter how challenging this may be for him. In the later stages of formation there needs to be a systematic approach to growth in each of the stages of formation with the hopes that the man will naturally see the areas of growth needed in himself and will therefore continue to desire to be formed even after priestly ordination. SEMINARY STAGES OF FORMATION Formation in the seminary begins by focusing in a concentrated way on the seminarian’s relationship with Jesus Christ. The seminarian first became a disciple of Christ at his Baptism; formation in the

117

118

170 Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 89, quoting Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 57.

67