Videoconference - April 28^th 2004. Congregation for the Clergy

General subject: The priestly vocation

Prof. Paolo Scarafoni, L.C. - "Priestly vocations and Christian anthropological realism"

A priestly vocation is the greatest gift God can bestow upon one of his creatures, on a man, because it consists in identification with Christ the priest who redeems and sanctifies humankind.

In priestly vocations one observes all the consequences of the Son of God’s descent through His incarnation, because Christ the Priest’s personal presence is extended to all real fragile men with all their limitations, although made worthy to receive such a sublime gift by the grace of God.

Within this "kenotic" framework we must not lose sight of a healthy anthropological realism in the various stages of a priestly vocation. Realist Christian anthropology avoids the naïve naturalism of the man who considers all to be good which leads to laxism and self-lenience or voluntaristic Pelagianism; it avoids miraculism or mistaken supernaturalism that sees in God’s intervention the solution for all humankind’s shortcomings and leads to forms of sentimental spirituality; and it also avoids a deterministic interpretation of history and society considering humankind as the product of surrounding society, with no individual responsibilities. Realist Christian anthropology contemplates a man created in God’s image, free, redeemed by Grace and in identification with His Son Jesus Christ (this identification is sublime in those called to priesthood); this man however is marked by sin. Even after baptism and Holy Orders the "fomex peccati" remains, it is needed to produce the effort and the credit in the battle against the triple concupiscence. In God’s plans redemption includes both battle and commitment, not comfortable laziness.

Furthermore realist Christian anthropology considers that society and culture strongly influence personalities and behavioural habits. Compared to a few decades ago, current circumstances environmental characteristics are more unfavourable for those wishing to answer a Christian and priestly vocation. Education and the catechesis of the faith and of Christian morals are increasingly lacking among the faithful today.

We are faced with young people inclined to react according to sentimentalism and emotions; greatly lacking in will and spirit of sacrifice; their minds are confused and lazy; they have little humanistic sensitivity due to the prevalence of applied technology, and often show significant emotional frailty due to the weakness of family life. The young today however are far more spontaneous and communicative, and this is a great advantage for their formation.

In the initial stages of the vocation’s research and proposal, this anthropological realism leads one to bear in mind that one must explain correctly, and often repeatedly, to the young what a priestly vocation unknown to the majority really is, and show them how important they are for the both the Church and for humankind, to allow God’s Grace to echo in their consciences through this call, and that welcoming the call influenced by God’s Grace and after careful discernment, will be an event filled with fear and perplexity, and therefore there will be a need for support and caring help provided with respect and mercy.

In the second stage of the formation of priestly vocations, this anthropological realism leads one to consider that, while a long period of time is needed for training before one is ready to receive the Holy Orders, in current circumstances a vocation’s formation is even slower and more laborious. A humanistic formation needs to be strongly emphasised, with special attention addressed to the will and to coherence, to dominating one’s feelings. It is necessary to work with perseverance and allow for the necessary amount of time, not trusting the initial immediate and fast progress made.

The realist Christian anthropology attributes great importance to the work of the Holy Spirit, and is well aware that He is constantly active with His actions, silently and inside consciences. At times the progress and spiritual gifts He bestows on the young preparing for priesthood are surprising. One must educate to a loving discernment and a docile and demanding faithfulness to His inspiration.