89. Enucleation of the orientation

The numerous and diversified reflections expressed by the missionaries regarding basic formation are a sign of a deep preoccupation for this vital sector of the life of the Institute. If on the one hand we are not questioning the totality of our formation program (Ratio Formationis), on the other hand there is great concern about some particular aspects: interculturality, composition of the student body within our seminaries, exodus of many temporary professed members, choice and preparation of formators and their excessive avvicendamento.

The Consulta of 2002 took note of the revision of the Ratio Formationis, which has since been approved by the General Government. The Consulta underlined the importance of studying the possibility of a missionary experience for all the theology students prior to perpetual profession, as well as the necessity to assure our continued praxis of an adequate accompaniment of the young missionaries at the beginning of their active missionary life.

90. Aspects which motivate the orientation

1. Despite the fact that the objectives of the Ratio Formationis are clear, and the method and means to achieve them are adequate, nevertheless not all students manifest enthusiasm, availability and missionary zeal, according to the spirit of the Founder and in accord with the present demands of mission. A certain number of temporary professed members give up and leave the community before perpetual profession

2. Many confreres think that the formative project ought to include also a prolonged time of work in a mission field or in a service to the Institute, before perpetual profession, to offer the students a more concrete and personal challenge by being confronted with the demands as well as the beauty of our vocation. But it is equally true that other confreres have expressed doubts about this proposal especially because it is so difficult to guarantee the availability of a community of confreres who will be willing and able to adequately accompany the young people.

3. The vocation and formation for a consecrated life and priestly ministry, at least for some students, do not seem to satisfy their aspirations and offer them sufficient security and preparation to face future tasks. They feel unprepared and feel that they need for further academic studies in the field of theology and human sciences. Several young missionaries who did not have the chance to acquire a licentiate during their basic formation, as soon as they arrive in a mission field, or shortly after their arrival, ask the General or Regional Governments to allow them to register in a university for higher studies.

4. Interculturality, a value to be proposed to the future Consolata missionaries and a great formative opportunity, should be accompanied very carefully. In this regard, the General Chapter reaffirms that the time before novitiate remains the appropriate time to come to know especially the human aspects of the young person, his cultural identity and his real motivations.

5. In these past few years, the mobility and avvicendamento of the missionaries in charge of formation, have been frequent.

6. There are young men who desire very sincerely to become members of the Institute and consecrate themselves to mission, and formators who are very willing to accompany them.


91. Practical proposals

1. The Chapter establishes for all temporary professed members, as part of the formative curriculum, an obligatory year that is to be given in service to the Institute, and is to be carried out at the end of basic theology. It is to take place within the same Region where the theological seminary is, and the same formator of the seminary is the one who is to follow the students in their formation during this period.

The regions which have a theological seminary ought to begin to identify and prepare the local communities which will be involved in this year of missionary service of the temporary professed members.

2. The Chapter confirms the decision and orientation of the XGC which states that “the praxis of requesting all theological students to acquire a degree equivalent to a master’s in theology should be upheld wherever this can be done.” (XGC 92). The studies for this degree should be undertaken after the year of missionary service. In the course of the next six year period, the General Government should study and facilitate a common praxis in all our theological centers. The Institute will consider the possibility of higher studies, leading to specialized diplomas, licentiates and doctorates, only after a consistent and positive missionary apostolate, and according to the real necessities of the Institute and of the Regions.

3. For the introduction to missionary work the Ratio Formationis should be followed according to numbers 134 and 135.

4. Special attention should be given to the preparation of formators by the Institute in keeping with the program of specialization begun in the past. Given the importance of the pre-novitiate time, the General Government, in communication with the regions, must be involved in the selection and preparation of the formators appointed to that stage of formation. (cf. XGC 92).

5. The regional superiors should do all that is possible so that the formation communities of our seminaries be made up of missionaries who are well identified in their missionary vocation, and who become directly, or indirectly involved in the formation process.

6. The General and the Regional Governments should study:
a) the numerical composition of the students in our theological seminaries, so that they might be as multicultural as possible,
b) the nearness of the seminaries to the people and to the missionaries of the area,
c) whether or not there is opportunity for other forms of participation in preparation for the mission.

7. Despite some difficulties, the Chapter confirms the value of internationality of our seminaries. This will allow for a good education to interculturality, which is a necessary condition for being a missionary.