Pastores Dabo Vobis, “On the Formation of Priests” - (March 25, 1992) Writing after the 1990 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II speaks of a scarcity of priestly vocations in parts of the world and calls for direct preaching on the mystery of vocation; analyzes factors within society that hinder vocations, while also pointing to factors that “offer favorable conditions for embarking” on a vocation; reaffirms the value of priestly celibacy in the Western Church; discusses major and minor seminaries, cooperation with the laity, how movements and lay associations foster vocations, affective maturity among priests, ongoing formation, older priesthood candidates, roles of laity and women in priestly formation, among other topics.
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 Vita Consecrata, “On the Consecrated Life and Its Mission in the Church and in the World” - (March 25, 1995) Writing after the October 1994 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II examines the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience; new and old forms of consecrated life; religious garb; the founding charisms of institutes; women; initial and ongoing formation of consecrated persons; community life; authority’s role; the relationship of religious superiors and bishops, and their need for ongoing dialogue; roles within the local church; cooperation with the laity; issues related to participation in ecclesial movements; roles of priests and brothers in mixed institutes; promotion of vocations; the prophetic character of consecrated life; the ecumenical contribution consecrated institutes can make; their role in education, including colleges and universities; service of the poor; and many other concerns.
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