What Are the Two Threats Facing Seminarians, According to a CBCP Official?

A Catholic archbishop has urged young seminarians to be vigilant against insecurity and pride, which he views as significant threats to their priestly formation. During a Mass at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City on 12 February, Archbishop Midyphil Billones of Jaro emphasised the importance of recognising their vocation as "bearers of this light," and framed his message around the dangers of abnegation and usurpation.

Last updated: 12 February 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Archbishop Billones delivered a poignant message to seminarians during the annual “Sangkan” gathering, which took place from 12 to 14 February 2023. This event, hosted by Mary Help of Christians High School Seminary, aims to foster vocations and brotherhood among minor seminarians. Billones highlighted that insecurity can lead to self-doubt, undermining their growth and mission readiness, while pride can distort their understanding of true service to God.

Key takeaways

Archbishop Billones identified insecurity and pride as major threats to priestly formation.
He emphasised the need for seminarians to acknowledge their unique gifts and capabilities.
The archbishop warned that abnegation and usurpation could hinder their spiritual journey.

Timeline: how we got here

The Sangkan gathering, a significant event in the Catholic Church calendar, took place from 12 to 14 February 2023, in Dagupan City. The archbishop's remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the Church regarding the formation of new priests and the spiritual challenges they face. This issue has been on the agenda for several years as the Church seeks to nurture future leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith and capable of serving their communities.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Archbishop Billones' homily during the Sangkan gathering brought fresh insights into the challenges faced by seminarians, particularly highlighting the dual threats of insecurity and pride. His framing of these concepts as "abnegation" and "usurpation" adds a nuanced understanding of the internal struggles that young men in formation may encounter.

What was already established

Concerns regarding the spiritual and personal development of seminarians are longstanding within the Catholic Church. Previous discussions have addressed the necessity of fostering humility and service-oriented mindsets among future priests. The importance of a supportive seminary environment has been emphasised to help combat these issues.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this specific message was directed at seminarians in the Philippines, the principles apply broadly, including in the UK. The themes of insecurity and pride resonate with many young people entering vocations, affecting their relationships and personal development. By fostering a supportive environment, the Church can help nurture a generation of priests who are committed to serving their communities.

Businesses and jobs

For Catholic institutions in the UK, the insights from Archbishop Billones may encourage a reevaluation of their formation programmes. By addressing the psychological and spiritual challenges faced by candidates, seminaries can better prepare future clergy for the demands of pastoral life, potentially leading to healthier church communities.

Policy and regulation

In terms of policy, the Church in the UK may consider implementing more structured support systems in seminaries to address the issues raised by Billones. This could include increased mentorship programmes, mental health resources, and spiritual guidance to help seminarians navigate their formation more effectively.

Numbers that matter

1 – The singular focus on Jesus Christ as the true source of light, as emphasised by Archbishop Billones.
2 – The two primary threats identified: insecurity (abnegation) and pride (usurpation).
3 – The number of days the Sangkan gathering lasted, highlighting its importance in fostering community.

Definitions and jargon buster

Abnegation: The act of renouncing or rejecting something; in this context, it refers to the denial of one's gifts and capabilities.
Usurpation: The act of taking or claiming something without right; here, it relates to claiming ownership of God's light.
Sangkan: A gathering designed to strengthen vocations and brotherhood among seminarians.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Seminaries should focus on immediate actions to support seminarians by implementing workshops or discussion groups centred around self-awareness and humility. Encouraging open conversations about challenges faced in formation can help mitigate the effects of insecurity and pride.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the coming months, seminaries might consider establishing mentorship programmes that connect current seminarians with experienced clergy. This could provide guidance and support in navigating their spiritual formation and help foster a culture of humility and service.

Signals to watch

Increased participation in spiritual guidance and mentorship programmes.
Feedback from seminarians regarding their formation experiences and challenges.
Trends in the mental health and well-being of seminarians as support systems are implemented.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage seminarians to reflect on their unique gifts and how they can serve others.
Create an open environment where insecurities can be discussed without judgement.
Promote humility through service activities and community involvement.

Don’t

Discourage self-doubt; instead, foster a supportive atmosphere that builds confidence.
Allow pride to overshadow the mission of serving God and the community.
Neglect the importance of spiritual guidance and mentorship.

Checklist

Identify personal gifts and how to use them in service.
Participate in discussions about challenges faced in formation.
Engage in community service to practice humility.
Seek mentorship from experienced clergy.
Reflect regularly on personal growth and spiritual journey.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As with any formation process, the effectiveness of proposed solutions to combat insecurity and pride will vary among individuals. The Church must remain flexible and responsive to the unique needs of each seminarian. Additionally, potential resistance from within the seminary community could arise, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue and support.

Bottom line

The messages shared by Archbishop Billones carry significant implications for the future of priestly formation. By addressing the dual threats of insecurity and pride, seminaries can better prepare future priests to serve their communities with humility and confidence, ultimately becoming true bearers of the light.

FAQs

What are the main threats to priestly formation according to Archbishop Billones?

Archbishop Billones identifies insecurity (abnegation) and pride (usurpation) as the primary threats that seminarians must guard against during their formation.

What is the purpose of the Sangkan gathering?

The Sangkan gathering aims to strengthen vocations, bonds, and brotherhood among minor seminarians, fostering a supportive community.

How can seminaries support their students in formation?

Seminaries can support students by encouraging open discussions about insecurities, establishing mentorship programmes, and promoting humility through service activities.