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| Filipino bishops fall in line as they prepare to celebrate Mass at the start of their bi-annual meeting in Cebu City on Jan. 27. (Photo by Roy Lagarde) |
Philippine Church leaders must pay attention to the continuing formation of members of the clergy and those studying for the priesthood.
Cardinal Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy in Rome, said priests should "undertake, in a unique way, ongoing human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation."
In his message to a gathering of Filipino priests in Cebu City last week, the prelate said Filipino clergymen need to discover "wider horizons" in their evangelization work.
The four-day gathering was part of the Philippines' observance of the "Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons."
Cardinal Stella said priests will also benefit attending courses "on the practice of priestly formation" that are often held in Rome.
"They will help them … to deepen their own vocation," said the prelate, adding that priests will acquire "better formational skills and educational methods" to help young people.
He said priests are ideal guides for the youth to discern their vocation, guide seminarians, and even "accompany their fellow priests."
At the annual gathering of Catholic bishops on Jan. 27, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, papal nuncio to the Philippines, urged the prelates to provide seminaries with the "best formators."
"All our efforts in the formation in faith will ensure good results not only for the seminarians themselves but for the church at large," he said.
At least 400 seminary formators and rectors attended the clergy meeting that discussed the implementation of new guidelines for priests issued by the Vatican in 2016.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, head of the Episcopal Commission on Seminaries of the bishops' conference, said the meeting also drafted updated standards for the formation of future priests.
"As disciples of the Lord, we never stop learning. We should nurture and maximize the gift of priestly vocation," said the prelate.
Archbishop Caccia, meanwhile, told the bishops that the Year of the Clergy in the Philippines "presents us an occasion for the renewal of our life and ministry."
"It is good to stress the necessity of the ongoing formation and renewal for all priests, including bishops," he said.
Source: UCAN