Integrating John Paul II's writings and teaching on priestly spirituality: An ongoing spiritual formation for diocesan priests of Long-Xuyen in Vietnam

• Main Author: Tran, Van Toan Joseph
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2005
• Subjects: Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/126
• Institution: De La Salle University

The findings from John Paul IIs writings and teachings on priestly spirituality for a program of the ongoing spiritual formation of the priests of the diocese of Long-Xuyen in Vietnam show that, the ongoing formation of the diocesan priest, is one of continuing integration. This integration is summarized into three aspects: 1) Human-Christian-priestly identity as a man of communion(who am I?), 2) the threefold ministry of a pastor for the sake of mission (what do I do?), and 3) the way of life in pastoral charity (how do I live?). For this research, two main methods are used. The first is Lonergans transcendental method used for interpreting John Paul IIs documents on priesthood. This was taken from Method of Theology: understand, judge and state. From these findings, in order to permanently internalize the diocesan priest, Ridicks transformational method consisting of three steps: training, teaching and transforming, is applied in the program. In these methods, the emphasis is on transcendental experience as an essential factor for human-Christian-priestly growth. This growth is the pilgrimage for transcendental experiences, and religious practices are indispensable. Since this pilgrimage is meant for ones whole life, synchronic ongoing spiritual formation with the five aspects of priestly vocation is fundamental. Because life goes through different periods, diachronical formation with six opportunities is necessary. And because this program must also continue its journey in, with, and for the Universal Church, it needs recommendations for further studies. Finally, this study is a cooperation with the Holy Spirit so that Gods promise I will give you shepherds after my heart, shepherds in Christ, the Good Shepherd of the Church and of the World, may be realized in the particular Church of Long-Xuyen.