The following excerpts from Part III of As Christ Loved the Church, a pastoral letter by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., serve as the blueprint for priestly formation at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. All quotes are from Pope John Paul II's encyclical letter, Pastores Dabo Vobis, unless otherwise noted.
Forming Tomorrow's Priests
The great Eastern Father, Gregory Nazianzus, wrote, "We must begin by purifying ourselves; we must be instructed to be able to instruct, become light to illuminate, draw close to God to bring him close to others, be sanctified to sanctify, lead by the hand and counsel prudently." John Paul II has echoed Nazianzus' insight in his conceptual division of priestly formation into four main areas of focus. (Pastores Dabo Vobis, Chapter 5)
