Pope Francis Speaks About Formation for Priesthood

In an address to new bishops (September 2016), Pope Francis spoke specifically about candidates for the priesthood.

He said:

“I urge you to take special care of the structures of initiation of your Churches, especially the seminaries. Do not allow yourselves to be tempted by numbers, by the quantity of vocations. Seek instead the quality of the discipleship. Do not deprive seminarians of your firm and loving fatherly touch. Let them grow until they are free to be with God “as calm and peaceful as a child weaning in its mother’s arm”, not prisoners of their own whims, overcome by fragility but free to embrace all that God asks of them, even when this is not as pleasant as the maternal womb was at the start. Beware also of seminarians who retreat into a rigid way of thinking – there is always something ugly beneath the surface”.

Read more at http://www.lastampa.it/2016/09/16/vaticaninsider/eng/the-vatican/the-world-is-tired-of-dishonest-charmers-fashionable-priests-and-leaders-of-pointless-crusades-kZjBnT5ZFJA8OyEgey6vjN/pagina.html

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