During Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis ordained six priests for the Diocese of Rome and one each for the Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy, the Peru-based Family of Disciples, the Apostolic Prefecture of Azerbaijan and the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, Italy. The men were between the ages of 26 and 38.
In his homily, the Holy Father said that a priest who does not willingly embrace Christ’s cross and who does not try to lighten the burdens of his people is not worthy of the name.
“A priest who perhaps has studied a lot of theology and has one, two or three degrees, but has not learned to carry the cross of Christ is useless,” the Pope said. “He might be a good academic, a good professor, but not a priest.”
What I find particularly intriguing about the Pope’s statements is the fact that much of seminary training is dedicated to theological study with little attention given to preparing future Priests for the practical application and administration of pastoral care they will be asked to offer to those entrusted to them in their future ministry.
It is very clear that, up until now, Priests have been trained primarily to be the teachers of the Faith and moral doctrines of the Church. Seminarians are expected to excel in academics, to be masters of the historical development of the dogmatic and doctrinal teachings of the Church.
They are required to have a working knowledge of the fundamental canonical precepts which govern the administration of the Sacraments as well as the practical requirements for the dutiful and reverential observance of their liturgical obligations and responsibilities.
And while I agree with everything which Francis had to say about the role of academics in the actual service which the Priest is called upon to offer to the faithful, the Holy Father’s remarks come a little late in the game for these and countless other selfless candidates who present themselves to be servants of God’s People as Priests of Jesus Christ.
One can only hope that the repeated calls which Francis makes for “caring and merciful” Priests be mirrored in the training seminaries under his care and jurisdiction will offer to those who eventually will serve the needs of the Church.
If the Holy Father insists that his Priests be sensitive, attentive and caring servants of Christ and not so much scholars and academics, then let him insist that his seminaries reflect his expectations and goals.
Thus far, while the Holy Father has been quick to critique many Priests who have diligently sought to teach, govern and sanctify their flocks in keeping with the training they received, the Pope has been much too slow and quire lethargic in insisting that his expectations be translated into a practical curriculum within the seminaries which operate under his supervision and authority.
In the meantime, while hoping to offer words of inspiration and challenge, let us hope that the Holy Father will be less severe in his admonitions and judgments of those who presently serve the People of God as His Priests.
Lord knows it's tough enough being a Priest today as it is without having to constantly incur the harsh words and piques of the Vicar of Christ!
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