Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation

The importance the Church accords to the spiritual formation of the future priest is succinctly stated in Pastores Dabo Vobis:
"....for every priest his spiritual formation is the core which unifies and gives life to his being a priest and his acting as a priest." (PDV 45)
The Sulpician tradition considers spiritual formation to be the principal activity in the formation of seminarians. This formation has as its goal the formation of the priest in the image of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd. Spiritual formation is the integrating dynamic in the pastoral, intellectual and human formation of a candidate to the priesthood.
The central reference in spiritual formation is the constant search of union with Jesus Christ ... Priest, Prophet and King. The spiritual formation of a candidate to the priesthood must include discernment of a particular call that Jesus Christ addresses to the individual candidate. His following of Christ must resonate with a desire to assume the ministry and life of a priest.
Means of Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Direction
A vital element in fostering spiritual growth has traditionally been found in the opening of one's inner self to another "privileged witness", namely a spiritual director. In spiritual direction, the Sulpician tradition has always manifested a solemn respect for persons and a desire to serve their spiritual freedom which includes an absolute confidentiality concerning matters discussed by a directee with his director. At the beginning of his Seminary formation, the candidate is invited to choose a spiritual director among the members of the Formation Team (with the exception of the Rector) or among priests approved by the Archbishop of Edmonton for this ministry. The choice is to be confirmed with the Rector. A candidate usually meets with his spiritual director once every two weeks.
The spiritual director is a witness to the action of the Holy Spirit. His mission is to serve the Spirit alive and working within the candidate. Indeed, the Spirit is the true Director! Therefore, the spiritual director does not impose his own judgment; he brings out those elements which favour an enlightened personal decision, inspired by fidelity to God's will.
Liturgical Life
Priority is given to liturgical life, first to the Eucharist, which is the high point of Christian prayer and "is to be seen as the `summit and source' of the sacraments and of the Liturgy of the Hours.” (PDV 48) The Eucharist, Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are celebrated daily in community and seminarians are invited to celebrate privately the Office of Readings, Daytime Prayer and Night Prayer.
The community gathers regularly for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction; the Seminary private chapel fosters personal adoration.
Devotion to Mary and to the saints is fostered. The feasts of Mary, of the apostles and of the saints are celebrated with special attention.
Mental Prayer and Lectio divina
Importance is given to a daily, prayerful and meditative reading of the Word of God (Lectio divina) and to prolonged regular periods of prayer within a chosen atmosphere of silence. Though these forms of prayer are usually carried out privately, the seminarians are initiated to them during their first year and the whole community gathers regularly for the communal practice of Lectio divina.
Retreats and Recollections
There are two retreats during the year: a five-day retreat at the beginning of the first semester and a weekend retreat at the beginning of the second semester. Days of Recollection are scheduled throughout the year in order to favour an atmosphere of silence and prayer during which the seminarian may approach the Lord with his questions and his desire to seek clarity in his choice of life and vocation.
Rector’s Weekly Conference
In his weekly meeting with seminarians, the Rector discusses several points concerning the spiritual life of the Seminary and the spiritual life of the diocesan priest.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the Catholic tradition, the sacrament of reconciliation has been a particularly significant means for growth in the spiritual life. "Reconciliation between God and humanity was brought about by our Lord Jesus Christ in the mystery of his death and resurrection (cf. Rom. 5:10). The Lord entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church in the person of the apostles (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18ff). The Church carries this ministry out by bringing the good news of salvation to all and baptizing in water and the Holy Spirit (cf. Matt. 28:19)." (Decree for the Rite of Penance)
Seminarians are encouraged to cultivate a regular practice of sacramental confession. Although a seminarian is free to confess to a priest of his own choice, he is encouraged to celebrate the sacrament with his spiritual director.
The Call to Holiness
A call to live holiness and sanctity in daily life, when lived in the Spirit, constitutes the real and true milieu of sanctification. "Priests will attain sanctity in a manner proper to them if they exercise their office sincerely and tirelessly in the Spirit of Christ." (PO 13)
The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation within the context of spiritual direction, the daily homily and the Rector's weekly spiritual conference are privileged opportunities for the seminarian to hear and live the call to holiness within his individual formation.
A conscious commitment to live increasingly through love, obedience, simplicity of life and in celibate chastity is essential to the sanctification of a priestly way of life.

Next: Intellectual Formation