|
19. That pastoral concern which ought to permeate thoroughly the
entire training of the students also demands that they be diligently
instructed in those matters which are particularly linked to the sacred
ministry, especially in catechesis and preaching, in liturgical
worship and the administration of the sacraments, in works of charity,
in assisting the erring and the unbelieving, and in the other pastoral
functions. They are to be carefully instructed in the art of directing
souls, whereby they will be able to bring all the sons of the Church
first of all to a fully conscious and apostolic Christian life and to
the fulfillment of the duties of their state of life. Let them learn
to help, with equal solicitude, religious men and women that they may
persevere in the grace of their vocations and may make progress
according to the spirit of their various Institutes.
In general, those capabilities are to be developed in the students
which especially contribute to dialogue with men, such as the ability
to listen to others and to open their hearts and minds in the spirit of
charity to the various circumstances and needs of men.
20. They should also be taught to use the aids which the disciplines
of pedagogy, psychology, and sociology can provide, according to
correct methodology and the norms of ecclesiastical authority.
Likewise, let them be properly instructed in inspiring and fostering
the apostolic activity of the laity and in promoting the various and
more effective forms of the apostolate. Let them also be imbued with
that truly Catholic spirit which will accustom them to transcend the
limits of their own diocese, nation, or rite, and to help the needs
of the whole Church, prepared in spirit to preach the Gospel
everywhere.
But since it is necessary for the students to learn the art of
exercising the apostolate not only theoretically but also practically,
and to be able to act both on their own responsibility and in harmonious
conjunction with others, they should be initiated into pastoral work,
both during their course of studies and also during the time of
vacations, by opportune practical projects. These should be carried
out in accordance with the age of the students and local conditions,
and with the prudent judgment of the bishops, methodically and under
the leadership of men skilled in pastoral work, the surpassing power of
supernatural means being always remembered.
|
|