Prof. Mueller, Ratisbona, July 1, 2005

The Second Vatican Council, in its Decree on the formation of priests Optatam totius clearly underscored the fundamental importance for ongoing formation in the life of priests: "Since priestly formation, because of the circumstances particularly of contemporary society, must be pursued and perfected even after the completion of the course of studies in seminaries" (N. 22). The Decree invites the Bishops’ Conferences to find the means which allow for a renewal and an ongoing updating in the spiritual, intellectual and pastoral knowledge of priests.

During the ordination, the bishop reminds the priests that they must be "be mature in knowledge and that their doctrine be spiritual medicine for the People of God" (Presbyterorum ordinis, N. 19). A mature knowledge of the sciences is a constant challenge for priests and is not acquired definitively at a specific stage, but calls for an undefended openness to face the new analysis and conclusions of their times. This constant effort also extends to all the disciplines of theology: the deepening of Sacred Scriptures and the thorough study of the Fathers of the Church, and the documents of the Church Magisterium on the interpretation of the faith (councils, encyclicals and doctrinal texts) need to accompany a priest throughout his whole life.

An adequate formation includes, all the same, also certain segments of science that do not directly pertain to theology, since natural sciences, literature and sociology function as a bridge to the modern world. For this reason, "Priests are urged to suitably and without interruption perfect their knowledge of divine things and human affairs and so prepare themselves to enter more opportunely into conversation with their contemporaries" (PO 19).

It is the task of bishops, as good pastors and fathers, to support the priests in their mission of continual formation, in a spirit of charity and kindness (cfr. Christus Dominus, N. 16). The Council encourages the bishops to support institutions and to hold meetings "in which priests might gather from time to time both for the performance of longer exercises and the renewal of their spiritual life and for the acquisition of deeper subjects, especially Sacred Scripture and theology, the more important social questions, and the new methods of pastoral activity" (CD, N. 16).

Priests should be encouraged to grow in their theological formation and to take advantage of libraries, official documents and the Internet. The Congregation for the Clergy, in the second chapter of the 1999 document entitled "The Priest in the Third Christian Millennium; Teacher of the Word, Minister of the Sacraments, and Leader of the Community," reiterated the meaning of formation and of ongoing formation for the priestly ministry. It is up to the bishop to know how to motivate his priests with words of admonishment and encouragement.