RATIONALE
Etymologicalty "formation" means to lead, train, fashion, model, design, arrange, construct, make, create, put in order, give shape, to be a meaningful reality. When the concept is applied for a person, it means to direct, guide, and prepare him for a meaningful life. In other words, a formation program for the seminarians of the Spiritual Year is to help them to grow in all aspects of life and respond to God's invitation.
I realize that he has responsibility to nurture the seeds of vocation. The Second Vatican Council states clearly this responsibility:
"… students should be prepared by a special religious formation and, especially, by suitable spiritual direction, to follow Christ the Redeemer with generous souls and pure hearts. Their way of life should be fully in keeping with the standards of sound psychology and should include suitable experience of ordinary affairs of daily life, and contact with their own families". (Optatam Totius, No. 3)
Pastores Dabo Vobis affirms this statements:
'The Church look after these seeds of vocations sown in the hearts of children, … , providing a careful though preliminary discernment and accompaniment. In a number of part of the world, these Seminaries continue to carry out a valuable educational work, the aim of which is to protect and develop the seeds of a priestly vocation, so that the students may more easily recognize it and be in a better position to respond". (Pastores Dabo Vobis, No. 63)
As a formator, I also realize that the seminarians are the young persons who have high ideals, and dynamism. In the other side, they are in the problematic age who need accompanist in their process of growth and problem-solving. This matter was strengthened by Pope John Paul II. He said:
'The young people in every generation, are still searching. Like the young man in the Gospel, they are searching for answers to basic questions, not only for the meaning of life, but for a concrete way to go about living it. That is the most fundamental characteristics of our young. We must help to discover that life has meaning only when they give it as a free gift to others, that is their vocation to love".
(Pope John Paul II, Crossing the-Threshold of Hope, 1995. pg. 122).
It is important that the formator accompany the young person on his journey of life and vocation not only by accepting and encouraging him, but more specially by "walking with" him as a companion. The understanding of the importance of the task of priestly formation has opened my heart. Enriched by the personal and communal life in many years in Seminary, I wish to respond to the demanding and important need of formation for the Sanjaya Spiritual Year. I agrees that the formation and education of the young seminarians today determine the future of the Church. Therefore, seminary formation plays a vital role in building the Church. In Pastores Dabo Vobis, Pope John Paul II states:
"The formation of the future priest, both diocesan and religious, and life long assiduous care fore their personal sanctification in the ministry and for the constant updating of their pastoral commitment are considered by the church as one of the most demanding and important tasks for the future of evangelization of humanity"
(Pastores Dabo Vobis, No. 2)Driven by his commitment to formation, I wish to share his experiences through this program and plan. I expect that this program and plan will be a help in the process of education. It is to help the formation for the Sanjaya Spiritual Year. Thank you.
Etymologicalty "formation" means to lead, train, fashion, model, design, arrange, construct, make, create, put in order, give shape, to be a meaningful reality. When the concept is applied for a person, it means to direct, guide, and prepare him for a meaningful life. In other words, a formation program for the seminarians of the Spiritual Year is to help them to grow in all aspects of life and respond to God's invitation.
I realize that he has responsibility to nurture the seeds of vocation. The Second Vatican Council states clearly this responsibility:
"… students should be prepared by a special religious formation and, especially, by suitable spiritual direction, to follow Christ the Redeemer with generous souls and pure hearts. Their way of life should be fully in keeping with the standards of sound psychology and should include suitable experience of ordinary affairs of daily life, and contact with their own families". (Optatam Totius, No. 3)
Pastores Dabo Vobis affirms this statements:
'The Church look after these seeds of vocations sown in the hearts of children, … , providing a careful though preliminary discernment and accompaniment. In a number of part of the world, these Seminaries continue to carry out a valuable educational work, the aim of which is to protect and develop the seeds of a priestly vocation, so that the students may more easily recognize it and be in a better position to respond". (Pastores Dabo Vobis, No. 63)
As a formator, I also realize that the seminarians are the young persons who have high ideals, and dynamism. In the other side, they are in the problematic age who need accompanist in their process of growth and problem-solving. This matter was strengthened by Pope John Paul II. He said:
'The young people in every generation, are still searching. Like the young man in the Gospel, they are searching for answers to basic questions, not only for the meaning of life, but for a concrete way to go about living it. That is the most fundamental characteristics of our young. We must help to discover that life has meaning only when they give it as a free gift to others, that is their vocation to love".
(Pope John Paul II, Crossing the-Threshold of Hope, 1995. pg. 122).
It is important that the formator accompany the young person on his journey of life and vocation not only by accepting and encouraging him, but more specially by "walking with" him as a companion. The understanding of the importance of the task of priestly formation has opened my heart. Enriched by the personal and communal life in many years in Seminary, I wish to respond to the demanding and important need of formation for the Sanjaya Spiritual Year. I agrees that the formation and education of the young seminarians today determine the future of the Church. Therefore, seminary formation plays a vital role in building the Church. In Pastores Dabo Vobis, Pope John Paul II states:
"The formation of the future priest, both diocesan and religious, and life long assiduous care fore their personal sanctification in the ministry and for the constant updating of their pastoral commitment are considered by the church as one of the most demanding and important tasks for the future of evangelization of humanity"
(Pastores Dabo Vobis, No. 2)Driven by his commitment to formation, I wish to share his experiences through this program and plan. I expect that this program and plan will be a help in the process of education. It is to help the formation for the Sanjaya Spiritual Year. Thank you.
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