Care and formation of delayed vocations

Abstract

In the history of the Church, the phenomenon of priestly vocations coming from those who have already lived as adults is a constant feature. This has served as a real sign of the times, whether through the importance it has acquired in many local churches, or through the many new issues, which have emerged. On one hand, these so-called delayed vocations have represented a phenomenon which has been judged very positively, insofar as they served as a sign of the vitality of vocation work, resulting in at least a partial remedy for the considerable diminution of “classic” (“normal”) vocations, who predominantly come from humanities oriented secondary schools. On the other hand, delayed vocations present new pedagogical, disciplinary, and structural challenges regarding both priestly identity and preparation for the priesthood. The varied experiences of local churches show that Bishops, and all who have at heart the promotion of delayed vocations, must make efforts in various ways to promote them and adequately form them. In a particular way, they must ensure a deeper discernment of the authenticity of these vocations, and their solid spiritual and intellectual formation. The entire formation process must be founded upon a vision of priestly ministry which is fully in conformity with the doctrine of the applicable Ecclesiastical Magisterium, and which also must be differentiated from the formation received by candidates for the permanent diaconate, or by those lay people who undertake works of the apostolate. Great attention must be paid so that, in the formation of delayed vocations, the oneness of the Catholic priesthood is protected. The impression should never be given that there are two classes of priesthood, distinct from the cultural point of view and regarding the law of celibacy.