4 aspects of seminary formation (LMI brochure)

Re: The Four Dimensions of Seminary Formation

Fr: Lorenzo Mission Institute (LMI) Vocation Brochure

1.    Human Formation

This helps seminarians (sems) grow in their human aspect. They are able to develop even more their RELATIONSHIP with others. They are trained in their MATURITY which requires a clear and strong training in FREEDOM. LMI has programs that help sems to know more about themselves and to help them relate well with others as such qualities are needed in a priest.

2.    Intellectual Formation

Sems are also students who also have to learn the necessary KNOWLEDGE for their future mission. They are formed intellectually as they study PHILOSOPHY and then THEOLOGY. These undertaking is important in the life of the sems so that they can be equipped for the ministry of the knowledge about the world and also the SCRIPTURES, CHURCH and HER TEACHING.

3.    Spiritual Formation

As future priests, sems are formed to deepen their RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD. A seminarian must have a PARTICULAR and INTIMATE relationship with the Lord who called them to share in his mission. Spiritual activities are done in the seminary every period of the day of a seminarian so as to INTEGRATE himself to the life of Christ as he goes on his seminary formation.

4.    Pastoral Formation

Priests are called to IMITATE THE EXAMPLE of Christ as the GOOD SHEPHERD. Thus, in the seminary formation, sems are given the opportunity to practice their ministry through APOSTOLATE as they are being sent to different areas in a limited period of time. This is important as sems in LMI who are called to be MISSIONARIES as they are to be sent to wherever they are called to do mission.

NB: Community Life

It is also important in the life of a sem to belong in a COMMUNITY. In LMI, sems foster UNITY despite the differences from where they came from yet united in the call to priesthood. In every aspect of formation of a sem, he is not alone. He is with the whole community journeying towards the call of Christ. It is also to foster the sense of community and COMPANIONSHIP that will also take place in the life of every priest. And it is important that this life starts in the seminary where one is called to be formed as priest for the people of God.

[Conclusion:]

In the seminary, sems are FORMED TOGETHER, PRAY TOGETHER, STUDY TOGETHER, PLAY TOGETHER, EAT TOGETHER and DO MISSION TOGETHER.