human formation in pastores dabo vobis (1992)

Re: Human Formation

Fr: Pastores dabo vobis  (1992 St. Pope John Paul II). Ch 5. He appointed 12 to be with him: Formation of Candidate for the Priesthood, # 43-44 (Human Formation) [caps mine]

Introduction: (# 42) ”In preparing for the priesthood we learn how to respond from the heart to Christ’s basic question: ‘DO YOU LOVE ME?’ (Jn 21:15). For the future priest the answer can only mean TOTAL SELF-GIVING’ (122).

   “What needs to be done is to transfer this spirit – which can never be lacking in the Church – to the social, psychological, political, and cultural conditions which are so varied and complex….”

Human Formation, The Basis of All Priestly Formation

# 43.

>human perfection is reflected with particular liveliness in his attitudes toward others

>priestly ministry requires interpersonal dealings with human beings

>”In order that his ministry may be HUMANLY as credible and acceptable as possible, it is important that he priest should mold his HUMAN PERSONALITY in such a way that it becomes a BRIDGE and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of humanity.”

>the priest should be able to:

--know the depths of the human heart,

--perceive difficulties and problems,

--make meetings and dialogue easy,

--create trust and cooperation,

--express serene and objective judgments.

--BALANCED people:

---strong and free

---capable of bearing the weight of pastoral responsibilities

>they should be educated to:

--love the truth,

--be loyal,

--respect every person,

--have a sense of justice,

--be true to their word,

--be genuinely compassionate,

--be men of integrity and especially

--be BALANCED in judgment and behavior (Cf. Optatam Totius 11, Presbyterorum Ordinis 3, Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis 51)

>”Of special importance is the capacity to RELATE to others.

--fundamental: “man of communion”

--NOT arrogant, or quarrelsome but,

--affable,

--hospitable,

--sincere in his words and heart,

--prudent and discreet,

--generous and ready to SERVE,

--capable of opening self to clear and brotherly relationships and of encouraging the same in others,

--quick to understand, forgive, and console (cf. 1Tim3:1-5; Ti1:7-9) (cf. Proposition 21).

>Situation Today: standardization and loneliness

>Response: COMMUNION

“Today, this (Communion) is one of the most eloquent signs and one of the most effective ways of transmitting the Gospel message.”

“In this context, AFFECTIVE MATURITY (AM), which is the result of an EDUCATION in true and responsible LOVE, is a significant and decisive factor in the formation of the candidates for the priesthood.”

#44. AFFECTIVE MATURITY

>presupposition: that LOVE has a central role in human life

--“Man cannot live without love. He remains a being that is incomprehensible for himself; his life is meaningless, if love is not revealed to him, if he does not encounter love, if he does not experience it and make it his own, if he does not participate intimately in it.” (Redemptoris Hominis 10).

--love’s aspects: physical, psychic, spiritual

--“nuptial meaning” of the human body = to GIVE self to another and to TAKE the other to oneself vs. modern concept of sexuality = body and selfish pleasure (Redemptoris Hominis 10)

--NB: the family of the candidate may have from few weaknesses to serious failings

à EDUCATION for SEXUALITY

--education for responsible love and affective maturity

--purpose: to appreciate and love CHASTITY as a “virtue that develops a person’s authentic maturity and makes him/her capable of respecting and fostering the ‘nuptial meaning’ of the human body” (Familiaris Consortio 37)

>”In view of the commitment to celibacy, affective maturity should bring to human relationships of serene friendship and deep brotherliness a strong, lively and personal love of Jesus Christ.”

>”A LOVE FOR CHRIST, which overflows into a dedication to everyone, is of the greatest importance in developing affective maturity. Thus the candidate, who is called to celibacy, will find in affective maturity a firm support to live chastity in faithfulness and joy.” (Proposition 21)

>Characteristics of Affective Maturity:

--prudent,

--able to renounce anything that is a threat to it,

--vigilant over both body and spirit,

--capable of esteem and respect in interpersonal relationships between men and women.

>Requirements for Affective Maturity:

--clear and strong training in FREEDOM, expressed in the (a) truth of one’s own being, and (b) “meaning” of one’s own existence, i.e., the SINCERE GIFT OF SELF – the way and fundamental content of the AUTHENTIC REALIZATION of SELF (Gaudium et Spes 24).

--self-mastery

--determined to fight and overcome the different forms of selfishness and individualism vs.

--openness to others and generosity in dedication and service

--community life: help

à FORMATION to “RESPONSIBLE FREEDOM” and education of the MORAL CONSCIENCE (=obedience to moral obligations and deep meaning of such obedience) – should be accustomed to the voice of God, who speaks to him in his HEART.

Conclusion: (#45) “Human formation, when it is carried out in the context of an anthropology which is open to the full truth regarding the human person, leads to and finds its completion in spiritual formation.”