P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That solid preparation of the candidates for Holy Orders and permanent training of ordained ministers may be carefully provided for.
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"I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you" (2 Tim. 1:6). The words of St Paul to Timothy can be applied to the ongoing formation to which all priests are called by virtue of the "gift of God" received at their ordination. Another text to Timothy states, "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you. Practise your duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress" (1 Tim. 4:14-16).
The motivation for ongoing formation is contained in the dynamism of the sacrament of holy orders. That being so, there are also purely human reasons which call for the priest to engage in ongoing formation. Every life is a constant path towards maturity, a maturity which cannot be attained except by constant formation. There is no profession, job or work which does not require constant updating if it is to remain current and effective. The need to keep pace with the path of history is another human reason justifying ongoing formation.
Furthermore, the priest owes it to God's people. Ongoing formation is necessary to ensure that the priest can properly respond to this right of the People of God.
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