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XVIII International Course for Seminary Staff

XVIII International Course for Seminary Staff: Integral Formation of the Catholic Priest

June 25 - July 30, 2008 Leggiuno, Varese, Italy

Optional Ignatian Spiritual Exercises begin June 26, 2008.

Based on John Paul II’s pivotal apostolic exhortation Pastores dabo vobis, this unique program gathers bishops, rectors, spiritual directors and other seminary formators from across the five continents to systematically analyze the different elements in the selection and formation of seminarians for the Catholic priesthood. Sample themes include vocational promotion and discernment criteria, the seminarian’s human maturity, education in ecclesial communion, intellectual development and academic formation, prayer and identification with Christ, psychology’s role in the formation process, the formation team.

This summer a special workshop will focus on “The Liturgy, Source of Life”. Along with conferences, the methodology include workshops and case analyses.

The well-equipped center is located within walking distance of beautiful Lago Maggiore in northern Italy. Cost is $2,395

Academic Program

Program Synopsis
• The importance of vocational ministry
• Promoting vocations
• Discernment criteria
• The call to the priesthood as a call within the Church
• The seminary as an ecclesial educational community
• The ministry of priestly formators
• Principles of the formation process
• The seminarian´s human maturity
• Prayer and identification with Christ
• Cultivating pastoral charity
• Intellectual development and academic formation
• Education as a means of ecclesial communion
• Psychology´s role in the formation process
• The formation program
• The formation team
• The balance between freedom and discipline

Workshop Theme (3 days)
• The Liturgy, Source of Life

Case Analysis
• Daily sessions
• Different cases are presented by one of the course participants followed by group discussion

Professors

• Thomas Williams, LC (USA)
• Roberto González, LC (Mexico)
• Gonzalo Miranda, LC (Spain)
• Michael Ryan, LC (Ireland)
• Francisco Mateos, LC (Spain)
• Owen Kearns, LC (Ireland)
• Pedro Barrajón, LC (Spain)
• William Brock, LC (USA)
• Paolo Scarafoni, LC (Italy)

Professors are selected for their extensive theoretical and practical experience in forming seminarians

Diploma
• Upon completion of the course, the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum will award course participants with a diploma
• Full participation is required to receive the diploma

General Information

Participation is open to:
• Bishops
• Rectors and vice-rectors
• Spiritual directors
• Other seminary formators

Enrollment deadline
All documents must arrive to our offices before March 15, 2008.

Languages
Simultaneous translation provided in English, Italian, Spanish and French.

Cost
• 1800 euros (US$2,395), paid no later than upon arrival.
• Payment includes registration, room and board, material provided by the professors
• A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Proof of financial needs to be received before March 15, 2008.

Required Documentation
• Completed enrolment form
• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of recommendation from one’s Ordinary
• Recently taken photograph

Calendar
• June 25: Arrival (Spiritual exercises)
• June 26 - July 2: Spiritual exercises (optional)
• July 3: Arrival (Course)
• July 4 - July 29: Academic Activities
• July 30: Conclusion of course, departure

Testimonies

I liked the efficacious methodology of the course, that generated not only a corresponding response to the content ably given, but also inspired and invited the participants to expand a holistic view by their whole-hearted participation. Group work, case studies, personal witness, time for questions, were all parts of the language used to serenade the message. It was encouraging and comforting to see where we are along the path of holiness and it gave us the certitude that we are born for Him, his Gospel and his Church. The Eucharistic Benediction did what nothing else can as God worked in our souls. You are giving precious pearls…
Fr. Antony S. Kirupakaran, Rector, Little Flower Minor Seminary, Tamilnadu, India

I enjoyed relating with people from different countries and cultures, all with the same objective. The language of all the formators points to a common goal: the formation of the priest, the priestly heart, another Christ. I enjoyed the testimony, joy, service, and posture of the Legionaries of Christ that have been with us. I enjoyed the atmosphere of intense faith, the course and the complementary activities that enriched it, and the consciousness that we are one, universal, and apostolic Church, the same in the whole world.
Fr Julio Castañeda, Rector, St Joseph Major Seminary, Zipaquirá, Colombia

Travel Directions

From Milan-Malpensa airport:
Take the shuttle bus to the Gallarate train station. Take the Laveno-Luino train and get off at the Sangiano stop. (Note: the train station at Sangiano is the sixth stop from Gallarate and is rather small. Make sure to count the station stops carefully.) Upon arriving at Sangiano, give us call at 0332 647200 and we will pick you up.

By car:
From Milan, take highway A8 north and get off at the “Sesto Calende” exit. Follow route SS-629 towards Laveno. Make a right turn at the sign for Leggiuno.

Domus Pacis et Vitae Retreat House
Via Trento 29
Leggiuno, Varese,
Italia

Information and enrollment
Rev. Fr. Carlos García de Alvear, L.C.
Center for Seminary Formators
Via Aurelia, 677
00165 Rome, Italy

Tel. (39) 06 66 49 91
Fax. (39) 06 664 99 372

E-mail: cfs@arcol.org