Pastoral-Theological Formation of Clerics in the Context of the Ratio institutionis sacerdotalis pro Polonia (2021)

Abstract

The document entitled The formation process of presbyters in Poland. Ratio institutionis sacerdotalis pro Polonia, in force since October 1, 2021, has provided an impulse to pose the question of what the pastoral-theological formation of clerics attending seminaries in Poland should look like. The document emphasizes the need to ensure the integrity of the entire formation of candidates for priesthood and points out that it is to be achieved by the harmonious coordination of the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions, which must be accompanied by a pastoral inclination (cf. RISP 74; 80; 463). The author presents his considerations in three sections. He begins by describing the purpose of the formation (1), then discusses its stages (2) and, finally, reflects on the entire educational process that takes place as part of the formation (3).