Seminaries and Priestly Formation: New Options in the Light of Modern Challenges

Abstract

Every organization or community of human beings that have an objective or goal to achieve must as a matter of necessity eschew a programme of formation that will empower its protagonists in the task of attaining the overall goal. This plan must take cognizance of the peculiarities and intricacies that define the identities, collective and individuals, of all the human, material and procedural elements involved in the quest to attain the set goal. It is within this general purview of orientation for goal achievement that we want to look into seminaries and priestly formation, examining their status vis-à-vis the goal and focus of the Church as regards the Catholic priesthood. How can we situate the Catholic priesthood within the mission of Christ and his Church? What is the relevance of the seminary to this mission and how does it help in ensuring adequate preparation for the challenges and demands of the priesthood