THE PROCESS OF SCREENING, SELECTION AND ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES FOR RELIGIOUS LIFE AND THE PRIESTHOOD

Abstract

Whereas, in certain parts of the world, vocation directors travel up and down all year and are happy to find a few candidates who show interest in exploring religious or priestly life, vocation directors in Nigeria do not seem to have to ‘dig too deep’ to find candidates. This essay shares the author’s years of experience in the formation of candidates especially the process of discernment of vocations and admission into consecrated life in Nigeria. It uses what is now known as the ‘Iperu model’ to describe a process of interviewing candidates which would be of benefit not only to trained formators and superiors, but also to people coming into the formation ministry for the first time. The author concludes that it is important to put into practice a prudent selection process that will foster both the individual candidate’s growth and the good of the Church.