THE PLACE AND ROLE OF THE FAMILY IN THE FORMATION AND MISSION OF PRIESTS AND CONSECRATED PERSONS

Abstract

The family, which is the first cell of Society and the first school of humanization or civilization, occupies the most important and indispensable place in the formation and mission of priests and consecrated persons. This its place informs its role which is the proper up-bringing of children, that is, the holistic physical, spiritual, psychological, moral, social, and cultural formation of these children from whom will emerge priests and consecrated persons. An environment imbued with love of God and human beings which constitutes a community of persons is necessary for such holistic formation. Families have to teach their children both spiritual and moral virtues that will help them become real human beings capable of living responsibly in this post-modern age. It is the responsibility of families to give their children an education commensurate with their religious belief in such a way that when the children grow up, they will not depart from it. They will take special care to nurture vocations to priesthood and religious life whenever they see their sign in their children. Parents have to live exemplary lives in accordance with the Gospel values so as to inspire the desire for spiritual things in their children. Families have the duty of supporting priests and consecrated persons with prayers, material and moral encouragement both while they are in formation, and even more while on mission. By so doing, they will be fulfilling their role as agents of evangelization.