Videoconference – Congregation for the Clergy, September 29^th 2005

Preaching and the formation of seminarists (CIC 256)

P. Paolo Scarafoni, L.C.

Rector of the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University

CCL 256 “Students are to be instructed diligently in those things which in a particular manner pertain to the sacred ministry, especially in catechetical and homiletic skills”

The first element in formation for catechistic and homiletic preaching consists in a solid overall formation; hence spiritual formation, especially through unity with God and prayer, reading and frequent meditation on the Gospel and the Holy Scriptures, the formation of Christian virtues – above all humility and charity; in a solid intellectual formation regards to the contents of the Christian faith and morals taught by the Magisterium and by Tradition. People expect competent and confident answers. This basic training contributes to the formation of mature men, in the likeness of Christ, with a well-structured, serious and creative mind, with a heart and will filled with ardour for the redemption of souls and a disposition inclined to constant commitment and work.

The second element concerns specific training the field of preaching. It is important that during the years there should be specific training in verbal communication for catechesis, holy preaching and liturgical homilies.

Aspects of this specific training consist in:

First of all knowledge of humankind to whom our message is addressed; real knowledge that perceives the mentality, ideals, cultural and working context, the interests, the positive and negative characteristics of children, adolescents, the young, adults and the elderly. An acquisition of mental openness so as to be capable of being on the same wavelength as our interlocutors.

Secondly the control of techniques for presenting contents and the message; especially those techniques used by Jesus Christ in his preaching, applying them with simplicity in a homogeneous and appropriate manner to both the listeners and the contents. One can observe that in the Gospels Christ uses parables, stories, examples and comparisons, testimonies and models, allusions to facts and people, irony and a sense of humour. Moderation in the use of these techniques is very important so as not to create the opposite effect by distracting people’s attention from the message.

Thirdly, the structuring of the contents to be resented in a coherent and tidy manner, without improvisation or illogical changes. This involves acquiring the habit to devote time to prepare sermons.

Fourthly, the acquisition of the preacher’s and the communicator’s specific skills. These can be achieved through a great deal of practice.

a) Self-confidence: in the doctrine presented and the inner feelings of freedom and belief when speaking. The profound roots of self-confidence lie in living peacefully, as an expression of God’s will, the real circumstances of one’s life, even when difficult; all this results in a testimony of kindness, patience, humility and a capability to listen perceived by those listening.

b) Balance: in the quantity and quality of contents; in the pedagogy that respects the tempo and the spiritual stages of souls; in exercising compassion that “A bruised reed he will not break, a smouldering wick he will not quench” (Mt 12,20), although always respecting the truth.

c) Evangelical passion: in the passion to announce and move souls, and at times to shake them vigorously, as Christ did, so as to return them to the truth. One should not however use old-fashioned theatrical styles. Passion is expressed with the strength and clarity of contents, and by using convincing and precise words.

d) The heart: preaching is born within the heart (inside oneself, arising from persuasions that have a profound inner echo); it reflects the heart (speaking of Christ, the Path, the Truth and the Life, unconditionally loved); it reaches the hearts (speaking attuned to what one cares about: the truth, love and happiness).

Good preachers are those who are great researchers, who prepare their homilies or speeches making an effort and using their passion to improve, with industriousness and insistency; those who wish to be creative and not simply repeat good ideas they have heard elsewhere, hence totally involved in the words they speak; those who organise themselves correctly to be ready in time and with devotion.