Human formation in preparation for the priesthood Cover Image

Formacja ludzka w przygotowaniu do kapłaństwa
Human formation in preparation for the priesthood

Author(s): Wojciech Rzeszowski
Subject(s): Theology and Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu w Białymstoku
Keywords: preparation for the priesthood; human formation; human maturity and realization of vocation; spiritual seminary

Summary/Abstract: Priestly vocation is a great gift placed in a fragile vessel of a human heart (2 Cor. 4,7). This raises gratitude to God but also the need to care for yourself, especially for intensive human formation, since it is difficult to be a mature priest without being a mature human. Taking advantage of anthropological study a spiritual seminary should initiate in its seminarians such a dynamics of development which will last a lifetime. The idea is to live maturely, consciously and deeply so the priesthood was the way to realize God’s vocation, not a way to search yourself. The concern to attain such maturity will demand getting to know yourself, the capability to build relationships, achieving a balance in the emotional realm, ability to make responsible choices, healthy conscience and pastoral love. In the end the point is to shape your humanity on the model of Christ the Good Shepherd. Everybody is personally responsible for their development but nobody is alone on this way. We receive a vocation in Church and for Church therefore by seminary tutors it accompanies us in the process of discernment and realization of vocation. They will fulfill their mission only when they are people of mature and consistent personality because the tutor himself is always the most creative tool of upbringing. They should also show a good understanding of a human person on their emotional, intellectual and spiritual level since then they will understand and support seminary students and make appropriate decisions concerning their future.

  • Issue Year: 15/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 39-47
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Polish
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