Aim of priestly formation
The ultimate aim of priestly formation is the gradual configuration of the Seminarian to be a living image of Jesus Christ, Head and Shepherd of the Church. This life transformation happens in the Seminarian with his free collaboration through the agency of the Holy Spirit under the guidance of the team of Formators.
It is said in the Gospels, Jesus appointed the twelve “to be with him, and to be sent out to preach” (Mark 3:14). Accordingly, ‘being with Jesus’ comes before ‘sending on the mission’. In the Seminary, young men aspiring to become priests are expected to undergo the same experience that the first disciples of Jesus had with their Master by being with Him. Hence, the Seminary is “more than a place, a material space, should be a spiritual place, a way of life, an atmosphere that fosters and ensures a process of formation, so that the person who is called to the priesthood by God may become, with the sacrament of orders, a living image of Jesus Christ, Head and Shepherd of the Church” (Pastores dabo vobis, 42).
Integral Formation
The formation given in the seminary is integral, covering four major dimensions, namely, human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral (Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, 89-124).
Human formation
Human formation is the foundation of all priestly formation. The logic behind this understanding is that before becoming a priest, the priestly candidate must be a good and honorable man. In the area of human formation, the Seminarian is expected to develop his personality modeling after that of Jesus Christ, the Perfect Man. Focusing on personal and interpersonal development, human formation seeks to cultivate self-awareness, affective maturity, and capacity for healthy relationships. This involves addressing emotional, psychological, and social aspects to prepare seminarians for the challenges of their future ministry. Another major objective of the human formation is the training given to Seminarians to adopt a balanced life style that keeps them healthy both physically and mentally for an effective and powerful ministry.
Spiritual formation
Spiritual formation aims at assisting the Seminarian to grow, being docile to the Holy Spirit, in the communion and friendship with Jesus Christ, and in Him with his brothers and sisters. This involves personal prayer, daily meditation on the Word of God, celebration of the Liturgy, spiritual direction and reading. Spiritual formation helps the Seminarian gradually transform his life into a one of obedience, chastity, poverty and simplicity.
Intellectual formation
Intellectual formation is directed to develop the Seminarian’s competence in philosophy and theology, enabling him to articulate the faith of the Church credibly and intelligently, proclaim and defend it in dialogue with the contemporary world. A properly formed Seminarian will have the capacity to critically analyze any problematic situation in the light of the Word of God and teachings of the Church, and discern the best possible pastoral solution.
Pastoral formation
Pastoral formation is the culmination of the entire priestly formation process, since the priest is not for himself but for others. The priest must give his life for his brothers and sisters in pastoral charity in the imitation of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. This area involves hands-on experience in parish settings, community outreach, and other pastoral activities, helping seminarians develop the skills needed for effective pastoral care and leadership in the Church. Above all, what is most important is that the Seminarian develops a heart that burns with pastoral zeal and charity towards his brothers and sisters, and in particular, the poor and the less privileged.
