Normally, the Major Seminarians of the Roman Catholic Church enjoy about two months holiday (or even more) before the beginning of a new Academic/Formation year. The Apostolic work period cannot be said to be part of the holiday because it is a continuation of the formation year which eventually ends with the reunion with the Bishop at the end of the Apostolic work. So, with the Apostolic work and Reunion over, a Seminarian who has just gone on Apostolic work for the first time may likely ask this question: With the Apostolic work over, what next?
While for some, the next thing is to begin to jump from pillar to post and sleep endlessly; for others, considering the demanding nature of the Catholic Priesthood which they are aspiring to, the next thing for them is to continue to equip themselves for the task ahead. For me, the latter group is a better choice that should be made.
Indeed, a Seminarian could maximize the long holiday on the following:
๐๐ผ1. Reading some of the basic philosophical books, Theological books, Ecclesiastical documents, etc. (It was during such times that I read the entire: Plato’s Dialogue, some Papal Encyclicals, the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, a good volume of the bible, etc.).
๐๐ผ2. Acquiring some skills that are very essential to the Priestly ministry, like: Driving, the use of modern technology in the dissemination of the Gospel message, etc. (It was also during such times that I enrolled for computer training and driving respectively). Remember that the Seminary may not offer you any special time for the above but you are expected to begin to use them as soon as you are ordained or even before ordination.
๐๐ผ3. Visitation of some places that could strengthen your aspiration towards the Catholic Priesthood; like: Monasteries, Catholic Spiritual Sites, etc.
The truth is that when a Seminarian FREELY undertakes the above and even more activities, without the usual Seminary directed programme of activities, he will ever be grateful to God that he did. This is because, the Catholic Priesthood which he is aspiring to demands a lot and without making sincere efforts to add to what the Seminary is able to offer within the period of formation, may likely leave some *lacunae* in the priestly life and ministry of the person in future. To tell you how demanding the priestly ministry is like, even after ordination, the Church still encourages ongoing formation of her priests.
Dearest brothers, I pray that the good Lord may continue to direct your paths towards the โfountain sources‘. Amen.
๐๐ผ Please o, lest I forget, do not waste all the _โPECUNIA’_ you were given during the apostolic work on frivolities. Remember that you need to get some new books and then sustain yourself throughout the next academic/formation year. The country is becoming more critical and not many are ready to give as before.
Remain blessed๐๐ผ
Leave feedback about this