FORMATION OF THE YOUNG CANDIDATES IN INSTITUTES OF CONSECRATED LIFE AND IN THE SEMINARIES FOR THE SYNODAL WAY

Abstract

God is the origin and end of the formation of candidates in institutes of consecrated life and seminaries. He sows the seed of vocation to total self-giving. Through formation, God provides a fertile ground where the seed germinates and sustains to bear sweet, beautiful, and attractive fruits to satisfy the hungry and thirsty souls in the world. Formation to consecrated and priestly life creatively moulds the candidates' minds, hearts, bodies, talents, and gifts to conform to the life of the Trinity. The formation process and structure provided for candidates require a synodal way which stems from the Trinitarian life and action of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Such a synodal approach is characterized by communion, participation, and mission. It demands an integral formation of the whole person, which enables the candidates to integrate human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral aspects of their lives and develop them simultaneously. Proper disposition to formation fosters growth in communion with God, internalization of Christ's values, and participation in the salvific mission under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Formation to total self-giving and consistent heart response to God's love is an ongoing process that involves both initial and ongoing formation. Today, contemporary society demands not only the testimony of work and intellectual capacity but also the testimony of concrete life experience, personal encounters with God, and shared responsibility, which synodal formation shapes and sustains.