Participants in the virtual event explored the theme “The Revision of Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis in a Missionary Synodal Perspective” based on the December 2015 document of the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy translated as “The Gift of the Priestly Vocation.”
The online discussions, also known as “palavers,” were structured around present-day seminary formation in Africa, with participants reflecting on what is working and what is not working based on experiences from different parts of the continent.
In her presentation, Sister Dominica Dipio pointed out the disconnect and said she had observed it in seminaries and in the life of priests in parishes and in communities.
The Ugandan-born member of the Missionary Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church and consultor of the Pontifical Council for Culture expressed concern that many priests do not continue with formation, which participants at the July 19 palaver agreed should be ongoing.
“Most of the priests are overwhelmed by their assignments and they quickly burn out. They hardly have time to engage in their own formation, which is supposed to be ongoing,” said Dipio, who is also a professor of literature at Uganda’s Makerere University.
“I have met priests in retreats who have for years not had the experience of retreat. The involvement in mission takes all their time and burns them out,” Dipio said, appealing to bishops to allow priests “to reconnect with God as the center.”
“For our priests, ongoing formation is quite a challenge and we need to support them, especially the young ones,” Dipio said.
Source link : https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/258393/priest-says-survival-mentality-is-impeding-authentic-formation-in-africa-s-seminaries
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Publish date : 2024-07-27 11:00:00
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