“Human formation leads to and finds its completion in spiritual formation. Human formation continues in conjunction with and in cooperation with the spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions of formation” (PPF6, no. 225). “For every priest his spiritual formation is the core which unifies and gives life to his being a priest and his acting as a priest” (PDV, no. 45).
“The basic principle of spiritual formation is contained in Pastores dabo vobis [no. 45] and is a synthesis of the teachings of Optatam totius: The seminarian is called ‘to live in intimate and unceasing union with God the Father through his Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit.’ This is the foundational call to discipleship and conversion of heart. Those who aspire to be sent on mission, as the apostles were, must first acquire the listening and learning heart of disciples. Jesus invited these apostles to come to him before he sent them out to others” (PPF6, no. 226).
“The spirituality cultivated in the seminary is specifically priestly. Through the Sacraments of Initiation, seminarians already share in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ with other members of the Church. They also aspire to become priests who are configured to Christ, Head and Shepherd of the Church, our great High Priest. The seminarian is invited to put everything he is and everything he has at the service of the Gospel, deepening his total self-gift through simplicity of life, celibacy, and obedience. His interior life gradually draws him deeper into the priestly, self-sacrificial path of Jesus” (PPF6, no. 228).
Cardinal Glennon College has a robust program of spiritual formation consisting of: Daily Mass and Holy Communion, frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance, daily recitation of the Divine Office, bi-weekly Spiritual Direction, weekly participation in communal lectio divina, monthly Days of Recollection, an annual directed Silent Retreat, as well as the promotion of a rich devotional life. For seminarians in the Propaedeutic Stage, an additional seminar on the practice of prayer and discernment aids their ongoing interior growth.
