Elements for the convergence of theoretical and practical perspectives in religious-priestly formation

Abstract

Formation for ministerial life has been a challenge for the Church, throughout history and across diverse contexts. It is a common ground for achievements and efforts experienced by both formators and those being formed. It yields satisfactory results when each person allows themselves to be formed and seeks their own identity and responsibility within the formative process, with joint responsibility. On one hand, the de-clericalization of the ordained minister and the raison d'être of service may serve as primary elements for reflecting on the formative path in seminaries and formation houses, as well as provoking reflection on the increasingly human identity of the minister, in order to better face the challenges of humanity in the hopeful proclamation of the Kingdom of God. On the other hand, we aim to present, through field research, the gaps in the priestly formation process as identified by seminarians, who are, after all, its main stakeholders. Reflecting on the formative mission is to outline pathways that lead to the true meaning of the Church as ministerial and service-oriented, to avoid falling into the reductionism of a rigid model that diminishes the primary meaning of joint responsibility in formation.