The priests’ sex abuse crisis in the Church calls attention to the value of a well-rounded and “human” seminary formation program, a former seminarian spiritual director says. Monsignor Elmer Abacahin, former spiritual formator of San Jose de Mindanao Seminary (SJMS) in Cagayan de Oro archdiocese maintains that such scandals in the Philippines and abroad show seminaries need to “integrate” intellectual, spiritual, psycho-social and pastoral aspects of their formation program, UCA News reports.
“Recent sex scandals being raised up to the [Pope] is a wakeup call for formators to confront and address the question of celibacy and sexuality,” said Monsignor Abacahin.
He currently serves as executive secretary of the Office on Basic Ecclesial Communities of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Manila.
From his 10 years’ experience as spiritual formator of college-level seminarians, Monsignor Abacahin noted the value of “interactive” learning. He suggests human sexuality be tackled more “seriously” than just as an academic subject.
Spiritual directors and counselors must also “openly discuss” sexuality issues with aspiring priests on a private level, he said.
The CBCP in 2006 published its Updated Philippine Program of Priestly Formation (UPPPF) developed in consultation with seminary formators and approved by the Vatican.
Subjects on contemporary issues such as globalization, technology, pro-life concerns, cultural heritage and interreligious dialogue have been included.
It also stresses formation as a “continuum” that extends beyond ordination.
Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Seminaries told UCA News the program seeks to respond to the present local context of the Church, and address “pastoral priorities” determined after a national Church plenary council.
Father Abacahin’s former seminary introduced a year-long community exposure program for seminarians who have graduated from college and plan to proceed to study theology, the final stage of studies before ordination.
SJMS vocation director Father Raul Ricacho said the program was conceptualized last year as a response to the need of seminarians to reach out to the grassroots before taking up the post-collegiate course.