On March 27, Pope Francis met at the Vatican with seminary students, religious superiors, and clerical trainers from Calabria, Italy, and encouraged them to walk together in unity and fraternity to bring clerical training in line with the signs of the times.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
The Pope shared the importance of the priestly vocation and pastoral service during a meeting at the Vatican on Monday morning with the students and staff of the seminary of Calabria, together with the bishops who had arrived for an ad limina visit. The Pope reminded them that clerical careerism is a scourge. Contemplating the words of John’s Gospel, “They dwelt with him”, the Pope reminded priests that these verses remind priests of the fundamental element of their priestly ministry, that this is their calling and that they should lead the way in God’s love and with God. They were also reminded to be careful not to fall prey to the epidemic of careerism. “Careerism is one of the ugliest forms of worldliness that can exist in the clergy.” Papa shared.
Pastors are not officials
Recalling the words of Jesus who asked the disciples what they are looking for, the Pope asked them to ask themselves what they are looking for in the priesthood. As in the French courts, pretending to be the shepherds of their people the Abbot The Pope also said that he is saddened to see priests who have become priests of the regime. He added that when the sense of priesthood is lost, it is abominable.
The Pope asked the bishops present to ask themselves what kind of Church they dream of and what kind of priests they envision for their flock. The Pope said that it is necessary to reflect on the ministry of a priest and reminded that a priest should not be confined to a parish as a solitary shepherd. In light of the need to adapt priestly formation to the signs of the times, he invited clerical trainers to “make a clear decision about priestly formation”.
In front of the students, the Pope shared the importance of dealing with the sufferings of the human family and showing the mercy of God the Father like Jesus did and the need to evangelize the youth. The Pope invited them to love everyone, to do everything in love and brotherhood.