INTELECTUAL FORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The intellectual formation of future priests finds its specific justification in the very nature of the ordained ministry. A priest can be described as an official facilitator in the area of faith and religious life of people. Having been ordained, he has been given by God the definitive responsibility of guiding the people.
Holding such a responsible position and functioning in it in a public manner, he should be able to communicate to all – believers and non- believers the knowledge of truth which is God himself, having his first concern for Christians. The challenge of the new civilization, which the Church in the Third Millennium is called to face, demands that the priest, as her representative, is prepared to answer and respond to modern man and times adequately. The present situation which is marked by religious indifference, a widespread distrust regarding the capacity of reason to reach objective and universal truth, the phenomenon of pluralism both in the human society and the Church and by fresh problems and questions brought up by scientific and technological discoveries, demands that the future priest is adequately prepared to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and to make it credible to the legitimate demands of human reason (PDV, No. 50). Accordingly, the intellectual formation of futurepriests is aimed at widening their vision in Christ, of God, the world and man, and at the same time deepening their faith, that they may whole-heartedly commit themselves to the service of the Kingdom of God and of the Church.
Philosophical Studies
As the first stage, but a crucial one, philosophical studies have the purpose of leading the students gradually to a solid and consistent knowledge of human person, the world and God. Such a preparatory training is vital because of the links between the great philosophical questions and the mysteries of salvation which are studied in theology later, under the guidance of the higher light of faith. Philosophy helps the students to acquire a genuine sense of reality, and the ability to discern truth wherever it is found. It develops in them a reflective awareness of the fundamental relationship that exists between the human spirit and truth. Thereby the students recognize that the truth is not created or measured by man but is given to man as a gift by the Supreme Truth, God, revealed to us ‘fully’ in Jesus Christ. The whole endeavour is to create in the students a sense of purpose in life, personal convictions and maturity of mind which are essential in a would-be priest.
Philosophy Curriculum
It includes the study of both the Western Philosophy which has a role instimulating critical thinking, and the Indian Philosophical Systems which are of greater relevance in our own country. The students are also made conversant with contemporary philosophical investigations stimulated by recent scientific progress, particularly in relation to current ethical problems. In addition, the so-called human sciences too are taught as they are of considerable use in acquiring knowledge of the culture and the dynamics of the society in which one lives (PDV, No. 51).
The Vatican II had already recognized and accepted the proper contribution of the Social Sciences in the field of priestly and religious formation. In the decree on the Training of Priests, it is stated: “they should be taught to use correctly the aids provided by pedagogy, psychology and sociology” (OT, No. 20). “Philosophy emerges, then, as one of noblest of human tasks…. It is an innate property of human reason to ask why things are as they are, even though the answers which gradually emerge are set within a horizon which reveals how the different human cultures are complementary” (Fides et Ratio, No. 3). Pope John Paul II encourages to recover in the flow of our enduringly valid philosophical tradition, the range of authentic wisdom and truth – metaphysical truth included – which is proper to philosophical enquiry (Fides et Ratio, Conclusion). Hence, it is also necessary to be knowledgeable about the scientific progress which influences life of man so much that the future priest is able to enter into dialogue with his contemporaries.
Theological Studies
The intellectual formation of the future priests is based and built above all on the study of sacred doctrine or theology. Christian theology is a reflection that seeks to understand God, world and life in the light of faith. Theological reflection is centered on adherence to Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God, and a sharing in the thinking of Christ. Hence theological subjects are studied in the light of faith and under the guidance of the Magisterium, in such a way as to draw pure Catholic teaching from divine revelation, entering deeply into its meaning, making it the nourishment of their spiritual life, and learning to proclaim, explain and defend it in their priestly ministry (Code of Canon Law, 254 #1).
Mission Oriented Spirituality
It is particularly during their study of theology that seminarians learn to reflect critically on their faith and integrate it with their lives. Since true theology proceeds from the faith and aims at leading to the faith, the theologian is, first and foremost, a believer, a man of faith. But he is a believer who asks himself questions about his own faith, with the aim of reaching a deeper understanding of the faith itself. Since faith brings about a personal relationship between the believer and Jesus Christ in the Church, theology also has intrinsic Christological and ecclesial connotations, which the future priest should take up consciously, not only because of what they imply for his personal life but also in as much as they affect his pastoral ministry. These Christological and ecclesial dimensions which are connatural to theology and help candidates to the priesthood grow in scientific precision, will also help them to develop a great and living love for Jesus Christ and for his Church. This love will nourish their spiritual life and guide them to carry out their ministry with a generous spirit. This issue emphasizes the great need to personalize the content of their study and thus avoid the danger of following a mere exam-oriented study.
The various branches of theology are meant to lead the students to a complete and unified vision of the truths which God has revealed in Jesus Christ and of the Church’s experience of faith. Thus while Fundamental Theology has as its object, the fact of Christian revelation and its transmission in the Church, Sacred Scripture, being the soul of all theology, is given special importance. Its study consists not only in mastering the exegetical methodology, but also in finding inspiration and nourishment in the daily reading of and meditation upon the sacred books. Thus the different branches of theology work together from different angles infavour of a more complete understanding of the faith The students therefore need to build a synthesis which will be a result of the contributions of the different theological disciplines, the specific nature of which acquires genuine value only in their profound coordination (Code of Canon Law, 252).
So seen, the commitment to study, which takes up no small part of one’s time, is not in fact an external and secondary dimension of a seminarian’s human, Christian, spiritual and vocational growth. In reality, through study, especially the study of theology, the students assent to the Word of God, grow in their spiritual life and prepare themselves to fulfill their pastoral ministry.
While study time is sacred and is to be used only for that purpose, it would be certainly useful before attending a class to go through the matter to be treated, be aware of the issues involved, and attend the lectures intelligently and revise them regularly. As not everything is dealt within the class, it is necessary to refer the library for the purpose of supplementing or complementing the content of their studies.
The rules and regulations regarding the examinations as found in the calendar will be followed strictly. The student is expected to do his best in these examinations. Any impropriety in the examinations like copying will not be tolerated.