To be a credible witness for Christ, a priest must be authentic, approachable, kind, and uncompromising in character as a Christian gentleman. His humanity must be a bridge and not an obstacle for others to encounter Christ.
As the foundation for the other three dimensions human formation is the necessary foundation with which to begin. The late Pope John Paul II in his encyclical Pastores Dabo Vobis said, “The human personality of the priest is to be a bridge and not an obstacle to others in their meeting with Jesus Christ, the redeemer of the human race.” (PDV #43) The seminary provides solid human (personal and interpersonal) formation so that seminarians become balanced men, effectively mature, capable of relating well to others, of giving pastoral care within different cultural contexts, and of living celibacy in a healthy manner. This happens in a three-fold growth in self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and self-gift, done in the light of faith, with the purpose of more perfect conformity to the perfect humanity of Jesus (PPF #80).
As the foundation for the other three dimensions, human formation is treated first and foremost and it is considered the integrating dimension of priestly formation.
In human formation of the candidate for the priesthood, the seminary aims to accompany him in conforming his heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ, so as to become a sign of the love God has for each person. Human formation fosters growth in his character as a man who:
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