MERCY IN THE DYNAMICS OF RELIGIOUS AND PRIESTLY FORMATION

Abstract

This article conveys the understanding of mercy and formation and how the two can relate in discerning the suitability of a candidate for admission into religious profession or/and priestly ordination.  We emphasized that in the collaborative venture that formation is, the Church or religious community, the formator and the candidate must all cooperate with the grace of God in ensuring that no dimension of formation as outlined in Pastores Dabo Vobis is neglected.  At the heart of the account of the dynamics of formation offered is the understanding of formation as conversion by way of internalization of Gospel values.  Using Kelman’s study of attitudinal change and the Christian idea of conversion, we explained how formation is meant to bring about a conformity to Christ in the candidate.  With some citation from Dives in Misericordia and Misericordia Vultus, we then used Akinwale’s explanation of the inseparability of justice and mercy to explain that formation is, at the same time, a work of mercy and a work of justice.  It is about the good of the candidate and the good of the people of God whom the candidate will serve.         This article was originally presented as Paper during the Year of Mercy to  the  Formators Association of Nigeria; it is  of relevance especially to those involved with  formation.