They must find ways "to get by" Father Augustine Anwuchie from Nigeria said on July 19.

He was speaking during the latest of a series of digital meetings with theologians and other experts in Africa.

The meetings aim to deepen understanding of the Synod on Synodality 2023 synthesis report.

Better formation needed

Anwuchie said he wants institutions forming future priests to encourage better communication. He decried the "lack of authenticity" in priestly formation in Africa.

"I saw ‘survival mentality' where seminarians, because of how formation is structured, adopt ways to survive around their formators — how to survive around bishops, around Christians and in Christian communities.

"I have been a vice-rector at a seminary and I saw a lack of openness. You see lack of authenticity."

Copying everything that is done in Europe is unnecessary, he said. There are aspects formators in Africa can borrow from other places though.

These include encouraging openness, communication and authenticity with seminarians. Priests who are not formed "to be authentic" find relating to other Christians difficult.

"Instead of becoming men, we continue to live as boys and this is not helping in our pastoral work."

Many major seminaries in Africa neglect aspects of human formation and the expansion of emotional intelligence, he said.

Seminarians are taught what they "ought to do" and how they "ought to behave". They then become reactive to situations, which continues when they become priests, he said.

Crises between clergy and laity in most African parishes stem from having "emotional intelligence" overlooked during their formation.

Connecting with the synod

During the online meeting participants concentrated on the theme "The Revision of Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis in a Missionary Synodal Perspective".

In this they were guided by the December 2015 document of the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy translated as "The Gift of the Priestly Vocation".

Structuring their discussions around present-day seminary formation in Africa, participants considered what does and does not work according to their experiences in different parts of Africa.

Priests overwhelmed

Ugandan-born Sister Dominica Dipio told the online meeting there is a disconnect between seminaries and the life of priests in parishes and communities.

Dipio - a consultor of the Pontifical Council for Culture and university professor - is concerned that many priests do not continue with formation.

It should be ongoing, meeting participants agreed.

Dipio told the online meeting that most priests she meets are overwhelmed and quickly burn out.

"They hardly have time to engage in their own formation, which is supposed to be ongoing" she said.

"I have met priests in retreats who have for years not had the experience of retreat.

"The involvement in mission takes all their time and burns them out" Dipio said.

She wants bishops to allow priests "to reconnect with God as the centre".

Cape Town's Cardinal Stephen Brislin reminded participants that ongoing priestly formation is a matter each episcopal see and religious order is responsible for.

Seminarians should be involved in the joys and struggles of ordinary people, he said.

Source

• CNA

But hidden in the synod participants' 40-page synthesis are some surprising gems that could lead to significant reform in the church.

The hidden gems

The first is a new stress on lay involvement.

Compared with other Christian churches, the Catholic Church is very hierarchical. This synod, especially the conversations at roundtables, was structured so that lay voices, including women and young people, were heard and respected.

"Synod path called by the Holy Father is to involve all the baptized," the report notes. "We ardently desire this to happen and want to commit ourselves to making it possible."

Secondly, the synod promotes "Conversation in the Spirit."

The term refers to a practice that "enables authentic listening in order to discern what the Spirit is saying to the Churches," the report explains.

It adds that "‘conversation' expresses more than mere dialogue: it interweaves thought and feeling, creating a shared vital space."

Third, the report acknowledges disagreements and uncertainties.

In the past, the hierarchy tended to cover them up, presenting a united front to the faithful and the world.

But on its first page the synod's report acknowledges "The multiplicity of interventions and the plurality of positions voiced in the Assembly,".

It admits "that it is not easy to listen to different ideas, without immediately giving in to the temptation to counter the views expressed."

In each following chapter, any disagreements and uncertainties are listed under "matters for consideration" that "require deepening our understanding pastorally, theologically, and canonically."

The report also acknowledges its divides.

"The Church too is affected by polarisation and distrust in vital matters such as liturgical life and moral, social and theological reflection," it reads.

"We need to recognise the causes of each through dialogue and undertake courageous processes of revitalising communion and processes of reconciliation to overcome them."

Fourth, the report addresses the concerns of women.

"Women cry out for justice in societies still marked by sexual violence, economic inequality and the tendency to treat them as objects," it says.

"Women are scarred by trafficking, forced migration and war. Pastoral accompaniment and vigorous advocacy for women should go hand in hand."

The church must "avoid repeating the mistake of talking about women as an issue or a problem.

Instead, we desire to promote a Church in which men and women dialogue together, in order to understand more deeply the horizon of God's project, that sees them together as protagonists, without subordination, exclusion and competition."

The synod concluded that in the church "It is urgent to ensure that women can participate in decision-making processes and assume roles of responsibility in pastoral care and ministry."

Fifth, it did not forget the poor, "who do not have the things they need to lead a dignified life."

Instead it insists on their dignity, cautioning the church to avoid "viewing those living in poverty in terms of ‘them' and ‘us,' as ‘objects' of the Church's charity.

Putting those who experience poverty at the center and learning from them is something the Church must do more and more."

Sixth, it charges the church with combating racism and xenophobia, saying it must take action against "a world where the number of migrants and refugees is increasing while the willingness to welcome them is decreasing and where the foreigner is viewed with increasing suspicion."

In addition, "Systems within the Church that create or maintain racial injustice need to be identified and addressed. Processes for healing and reconciliation should be created, with the help of those harmed, to eradicate the sin of racism."

Seventh, abuse in the church must be dealt with.

It suggests that the church explore the possibility of setting up a juridical body separate from the bishop to handle accusations of clerical abuse, saying, "It is necessary to develop further structures dedicated to the prevention of abuse."

Eighth, the synod participants called for reforming priestly formation.

"Formation should not create an artificial environment separate from the ordinary life of the faithful," the report said.

It called for "a thorough review of formation programmes, with particular attention to how we can foster the contribution of women and families to them."

It recommended joint formation programmes for "the entire People of God (laity, consecrated and ordained ministers)."

It also called on episcopal conferences to "create a culture of lifelong formation and learning."

Ninth, the synod called for a regular review of how bishops, priests and deacons carry out their ministry in their diocese.

This would include "regular review of the bishop's performance, with reference to the style of his authority, the economic administration of the diocese's assets, and the functioning of participatory bodies, and safeguarding against all possible kinds of abuse."

Tenth, the report took on liturgical language.

It says the texts used in Catholic rites should be "more accessible to the faithful and more embodied in the diversity of cultures."

It later suggested that liturgy and church documents must be "more attentive to the use of language that takes into equal consideration both men and women, and also includes a range of words, images and narratives that draw more widely on women's experience."

Eleventh, it raised the possibility of offering Communion to non-Catholics, or what it called "Eucharistic hospitality (Communicatio in sacris)."

Saying it was a pastoral issue as much as an ecclesial or theological one, the report noted that such hospitality was "of particular importance to inter-church couples."

Twelfth, the report took aim at what it means to be a deacon in the church.

As it is, the deaconate is largely seen as a steppingstone to priesthood.

The report questions the emphasis on deacons' liturgical ministry rather than "service to those living in poverty and who are needy in the community.

Therefore, we recommend assessing how the diaconal ministry has been implemented since Vatican II."

Thirteenth, the reform of the Roman Curia must continue.

The synod affirmed Pope Francis' statement in the Apostolic Constitution "Praedicate evangelium," released in March of 2022, that "the Roman Curia does not stand between the Pope and the Bishops, rather it places itself at the service of both in ways that are proper to the nature of each."

The synod called for "a more attentive listening to the voices of local churches" by the Curia, especially during periodic visits of bishops to Rome.

These should be occasions for "open and mutual exchange that fosters communion and a true exercise of collegiality and synodality."

The synod also asked for a careful evaluation of "whether it is opportune to ordain the prelates of the Roman Curia as bishops," implicitly suggesting that laypeople might hold top Vatican positions.

Fourteenth, the report said canon law needs updating.

"A wider revision of the Code of Canon Law," it reads, "is called for at this time" to emphasise the synodality of the church at all levels.

For example, it suggests, pastoral councils should be mandatory in parishes and dioceses. It also held up for imitation a recent plenary council of Australia.

Lastly, the synod wants to promote small Christian communities, "who live the closeness of the day-to-day, around the Word of God and the Eucharist" and by their nature foster a synodal style.

"We are called to enhance their potential," the synod's members said.

You will not find these gems written about in the media, but if we let the media tell us what to see in the synod, we might miss important opportunities for church reform.

• First published in Religion News Service
• Thomas J. Reese, a Jesuit priest, is a Senior Analyst at RNS. Previously he was a columnist at the National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) at America magazine.

The Society of Mary has agreed to relinquish co-ownership and governance of Good Shepherd College (GSC).

In a letter to the staff of the merging institutions, establishment board chair Sir Brian Roche said the Provincial Council of the Society of Mary informed the New Zealand bishops that "the society would prefer to withdraw from its current commitments to co-ownership and governance of Good Shepherd College, but retain its commitment to teaching".

The society also confirmed that it supports the bishops' plan to merge GSC with The Catholic Institute (TCI).

The bishops remain fully committed to forming seminarians in New Zealand, with face-to-face delivery of the theology degree and Ratio Studiorum requirements as a vital element of their formation," Sir Brian wrote.

"They [bishops] are also committed to a qualified workforce in New Zealand's Catholic schools, to assure the quality of both Catholic special character and religious education."

GSC acting principal Fr Merv Duffy gave an assurance that the needs of the new students will be met even with the merger.

"NZQA has been very clear that all students embarking on an award must have a pathway to completion. So, the interests of the students will be carefully looked after," he told NZ Catholic.

Duffy noted there is a good intake of new students this semester, with 20 out of 59 studying at GSC for the first time.

He also said that more than half of the students (30 of 59) are studying by distance rather than on-campus.

Seminarian numbers are down with only three new diocesan seminarians studying at the college and no current seminarians from the Society of Mary studying there.

Source

• nzcatholic
• Image: gsc.ac.nz

Stella, who is the prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, believes if the laity were more involved in priestly formation, the crisis facing the church would not be so grave.

In his view, clericalism has led to "a distorted view of authority" that has contributed to the Church's problems of sexual abuse and the abuse of power and conscience.

"Even the work of the dicastery attests that many situations in the lives of priests — generated by loneliness, tiredness and misunderstandings — would not have degenerated or would have been addressed in time if there had been listening, accompaniment and sharing by bishops and the entire Christian community," Stella says.

Addressing the problem of abuse does not depend "solely on the hierarchy and priests," Stella notes.

"On the contrary, precisely clericalism and often the reduction of the church to an elite class has generated an anomalous way of understanding authority that has devalued baptismal grace and, not infrequently, has contributed to forms of abuse, especially on a person's conscience," he says.

Source

• National Catholic Reporter
• Crux Now
• Image: Crux Now

Many have already relocated from enclosed suburban retreats into city centres.

So far seminarians from the dioceses of Lille, Orleans, Nantes, Lyon, Rennes and Paris have relocated.

The change in living arrangements responds to Pope Francis's wish for trainee priests to live less isolated lives.

The 13 seminarians in Lille will move later this year, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich says.

Two of the priests who teach will live with them. Two others will live a short walk away in a second house.

Ulrich says a document called Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis [the Gift of Priestly Vocation] is mainly responsible for the changes. It sets out the guidelines for priestly formation.

The Vatican's Congregation for the Clergy updated Fundamentalis in 2016.

It calls for "a true human, spiritual and pastoral maturity of priests," Ulrich says.

Seminarians say they are pleased with the new living arrangements.

"Rue Princesse [our new home] offers us the challenge of a more evangelical life," Maxime Labesse says. He is a third-year seminarian for the Archdiocese of Reims.

"This community life presages how we will be called to live as priests," Lille seminarian Maxence Dubois says.

He hopes to form an even more fraternal community in the new seminary.

The change offers opportunities to bring theological, philosophical and spiritual formation together with pastoral experience.

Some French seminaries had already long established themselves in local communities before the recent changes to Fundamentalis were made.

Parisian seminaries, for example, began moving closer to the people in 1984.

Today there are eight houses attached to a parish in Paris, where several seminarians and two priests live.

In September 2010, Lyon's Saint-Irénée provincial seminary left a building in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon to settle next to the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica.

"Ratio Fundamentalis makes things happen and forces us to rethink our pedagogy, with fewer lectures and more teamwork," Eudist Father Laurent Tournier says. He has been the rector of the Orleans seminary for the past six months.

Although many changes are taking place, the original seminary buildings are still in use. In Lille, for instance, the original seminary building will continue to be a place of formation and to house diocesan services.

"There is no question of abandoning this building, even if reorganizations are under consideration" Ulrich says.

Source

• La Croix
• Image: Séminaire provincial de Lyon saint Irénée

Recently returned from Palestine, Br Mark has been a De La Salle Brother for 35 years. He has been engaged in teaching ministry in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

NZCBC President, Bishop Patrick Dunn, said that "Br Mark brings to this position his extensive international experience as an educator and formator, together with a great humility and dedication to the wellbeing of others.

"We are delighted he is available to take up this important formation ministry."

Br Mark's time in the Middle East included taking on the responsibility for training the Bethlehem University student ambassadors, responsibility for engaging in dialogue with the many pilgrim groups that come to the University, and for teacher formation in the De La Salle schools in Jaffa, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Amman.

The rector of Holy Cross Seminary, Father Brendan Ward, added, "with his experience in human resources and relations management, Br Mark brings a depth of knowledge and skill to the role that will greatly benefit the seminarians and staff formation team."

In his new full-time role from January 2018, Br Mark will oversee the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of practical pastoral experience while students are in the seminary and out on pastoral placement during their formation for priesthood.

On his appointment, Br Mark said, "I want to thank the New Zealand Bishops for their support and affirmation as I take on this important role. I'm looking forward to this opportunity at Holy Cross, working with the students and the impact they will have on the landscape of ministry in New Zealand."

Holy Cross Seminary (HCS) is the national seminary for the education and formation of diocesan priests for the Catholic Church in New Zealand

The De La Salle congregation was founded 330 years ago. There are now over 4,000 De La Salle brothers worldwide working alongside 70,000 other Lasallian educators in 80 countries.

Their work is centred on meeting the educational and welfare needs of young people, especially the poor.

Source

• Supplied; Amanda Gregan New Zealand Catholic Bishop's Conference
• Image: fdmcfoundation.com

He made the comment in an interview in L'Osservatore Romano about a new version of the Vatican's document on priestly formation, "The Gift of Priestly Vocation / Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis", which was released last Wednesday.

"To be a good priest, in addition to having passed all the exams, a demonstrated human, spiritual and pastoral maturation is necessary," he said.

In the interview Stella identified 3 key words, humanity spirituality and discernment

Humanity
He said he could not sufficiently insist upon the need that seminarians be accompanied through a growth process which will, in the end, help them become "persons who are humanly balanced, serene and stable."

"Only in this way will it be possible to have priests with friendly traits, who are authentic, loyal, interiorly free, affectively stable, capable of weaving together peaceful interpersonal relationships and living the evangelical counsels without rigidity, hypocrisy or loopholes."

Spirituality
Stella insisted that the priest is not "a man of action, a leader, religious organiser, or a functionary of the sacred."

"Instead he is a disciple passionately in love with the Lord, whose life and whose ministry are founded on this intimate relationship with God and upon his configuration to Christ the Good Shepherd."

He said it is only by cultivating his spiritual life with discipline and expressly dedicated time that the "old sacral and bureaucratic views of ministry can be surpassed."

"So that we may have priests passionately motivated by the Gospel, capable of 'feeling with the Church' and being, like Jesus, compassionate and merciful 'Samaritans.'"

Discernment
Stella said he is noticing a lack of discernment in the formation of priests.

"We are risking, in fact, becoming accustomed to 'black and white' and to that which is legal," he said. " We are quite closed, by and large, to discernment"

"One thing is clear, today in a certain quantity of seminaries, a rigidity has been re- established which is not related to situational discernment."

The issue of homosexuality and the priesthood.
The media coverage to what The Gift of Priestly Vocation have generally confined their coverage to what the document says about homosexuality.

In many case they have collapsed a nuanced approach to bald statement that homosexuals cannot become priests.

The Gift of the Priestly Vocation quotes from the Congregation for Catholic Education's 2005 instruction on the matter, in saying that "the Church … cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called ‘gay culture.'"

It distinguishes such cases from those in which homosexual tendencies "were only the expression of a transitory problem" and states that "it must be remembered that, in a relationship of sincere dialogue and mutual trust, the seminarian is obliged to reveal to his formators … doubts or difficulties he should have in this regard."

In 2005 Timothy Dolan, former rector of the North American College in Rome and now the Archbishop of New York told Catholic News Service that a gay man who exhibits none of the criteria opposed by the Vatican document and feels he may have a priestly vocation "shouldn't be discouraged" from becoming a seminarian.

Since the 2005 many seminaries and programmes of formation in religious orders have interpreted its language to exclude only candidates incapable of celibacy or deeply committed to gay-rights activism, as opposed to a blanket ban on all gay candidates.

The document appears to provide a sound basis for this interpretation:

"The candidate to the ordained ministry, therefore, must reach affective maturity. Such maturity will allow him to relate correctly to both men and women, developing in him a true sense of spiritual fatherhood towards the Church community that will be entrusted to him"

Just as the 2005 document was approved by Benedict XVI, the one released this week was approved by Pope Francis.

However, in neither case were the documents signed by the Pope, but by the heads of the Vatican department behind it.

Source

• clerus.va
• ncregister.com
• cruxnow.com
• Image: media.npr.org

Duffy is appointed for a brief period while a review of the structure of the College is undertaken. During this review the College will continue to operate as usual.

Currently a lecturer in systematic theology and dean of studies at Good Shepherd College, Duffy holds a license and doctorate in systematic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University.

From Christchurch, Duffy joined the Society of Mary and was ordained in 1985.

While studying for priesthood he also completed a degree in Mathematics at Victoria University of Wellington.

After ordination he taught Mathematics, Computing and Religious Education at secondary level, and was one of the group of teachers involved in the writing of textbooks for the 'Understanding Faith' religious education syllabus.

A member of the expert panels for the writing of Unit Standards and Assessment materials for Religious Education, for three years Duffy was employed by the Qualifications Authority as the National Moderator for Religious Education.

Gratitude for Msgr Brendan Daly's leadership

The trust board expressed its gratitude to the outgoing principal Msgr Brendan Daly, for his outstanding contribution in leading the development and growth of the College.

"Msgr Daly's foundational work at the College began when he joined in 2001 as a lecturer in canon law and as principal from 2002.

"Msgr Daly is a priest of the Christchurch diocese and a respected canon lawyer, and the college has benefited greatly from his astute leadership and depth of expertise. Msgr Daly will continue to lecture at the College."

Good Shepherd College -Te Hepara Pai was established by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference and by the New Zealand Province of the Society of Mary in 2001.

The College exists to provide theological education in the Roman Catholic tradition and has a special focus on the formation of candidates for ordained priesthood in the Catholic Church.

It is open to all students who wish to study theology in the Roman Catholic tradition and welcomes students of all faiths, including those who have no specific religious affiliation.

Source

• Supplied
• gsc.ac.nz
• gsc.ac.nz
• Image: Supplied

"Decisions Catholics make in their everyday lives are rarely ethically clear-cut, but rather exist on a spectrum between good and evil," the pope said.

"We need to form future priests not to general and abstract ideas, which are clear and distinct, but to [the] keen discernment of spirits so that they can help people in their concrete life," he said.

In a private dialogue with Jesuits in Poland during his trip there, Francis asked his confreres to particularly work with seminarians to help them learn "the wisdom of discernment."

A transcript of the dialogue was released for the first time last week by the Italian Jesuit magazine Civiltà Cattolica.

"Some priestly formation programmes run the risk of educating in the light of overly clear and distinct ideas, and therefore to act within limits and criteria that are rigidly defined ... and that set aside concrete situations," said Francis.

"The seminarians, when they become priests, find themselves in difficulty in accompanying the life of so many young people and adults," he continued.

"We need to truly understand this: in life not all is black on white or white on black. No! The shades of grey prevail in life. We must them teach to discern in this grey area."

In his apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of psychological formation and affective maturity for seminarians:

"Seminarians should receive a more extensive interdisciplinary, and not merely doctrinal, formation in the areas of engagement and marriage.

"Their training does not always allow them to explore their own psychological and affective background and experiences. Some come from troubled families, with absent parents and a lack of emotional stability."

"There is a need to ensure that the formation process can enable them to attain the maturity and psychological balance needed for their future ministry. …" (para 203)

The pope met with the Polish Jesuits in a private setting, as he often visits with members of his religious order on trips abroad.

The Vatican did not release a transcript of the meeting, but Civiltà Cattolica says it is publishing the dialogue now with Francis' consent.

Source

• ncronline.org
• Image: cruxnow.com

On Wednesday archbishop Anthony Sablan canonically erected the new St. John Paul the Great Archdiocesan Seminary of Guam.

The ceremony took place after a Mass which was celebrated in the parish church of San Isidro in Malojloj.

Attached to the church is the former Carmelite Monastery, which will now become the seminary.

This new seminary is intended to generate more priests coming from local vocations.

There are presently five seminarians.

Students will take their philosophical and theological studies at Blessed Diego Luis De San Vitores Catholic Theological Institute for Oceania located in Yona.

Source

• Umatuna.org
• Image: Umatuna.org

The homestead was owned by the society for 67 years and for 64 of those it was the house of formation for novice priests and brothers.

The house was sold in 1990 but the society kept the farm.

The house and farm were run as separate enterprises, though the farm provided food and income to run the house.

Fr Craig Larkin, a former novice master, says at a conservative estimate an average of 10 trainee priests a year attended Highden over the 64 years.

He said the numbers peaked from the mid-1960s to the 1970s then began to drop off.

The novitiate year now takes place in a multi-cultural community in the Philippines.

At present there is one New Zealander there.

Source

• CountryWide
• Image:farm1.nzstatic.com

He was farewelled at the seminary this week.

"I'm sad to be leaving at this stage in the year but owing to health reasons I feel that it's best for the Seminary and for me that I return to Australia for medical treatment. I would liked to have completed my term which was due to finish at the end of the year," says Monsignor Jeffrey.

"We are grateful to Monsignor Jeffrey for his work at the Seminary over the last three years," says Archbishop John Dew, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

"He came to us from the Diocese of Sandhurst, Australia, at a time when he was due to retire."

"Instead he responded willingly to our request to come to New Zealand as Rector of Holy Cross Seminary."

"During his time here, he has embraced the culture and the Church here and has contributed greatly to the Seminary."

"Monsignor Jeffrey's experience and passion for priesthood has contributed greatly to his work at the Seminary," said Dew.

"He brought his many years of experience as both a staff member and rector of two seminaries, and his involvement in Catholic education."

"He also has great enthusiasm for the new evangelisation, and having worked in a number of parishes. He has a proven knowledge of pastoral ministry."

"While we're sad to see him leave early before the anticipated end of his term later this year, we understand that the need to prioritise his health and well-being."

Reflecting on his time here Jeffrey says he has enjoyed New Zealand "I'd like to thank all of the staff at the Seminary for their work and support of me and my role."

"I'd also like to thank all of the Seminarians who have passed through the Seminary during this time. I wish them all the very best in their discernment and development of their vocation. They will remain in my prayers as I return to Australia," he says.

Monsignor Jeffrey was ordained at Sacred Heart Cathedral in his home town of Bendigo in 1963 and worked as Assistant Priest at parishes in Beechworth, Cohuna, Heathcote and Shepparton.

He then spent twelve years at Corpus Christi Provincial Seminary in Australia as a member of staff (1972 - 1977) and Rector (1978 - 1984). In 1985 he was appointed a staff member of the Pacific Regional Seminary in Fiji and became Rector in 1989, a position he held until 1993.

In 1994 Jeffrey became Parish Priest at St John's Catholic Parish in Euroa before joining St Brendan's in 1995.

In addition to seminary and parish-based roles, Monsignor Jeffrey has been Chairman of the Sandhurst School Education Board since its inception 15 years ago; Director of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria for 12 years, and Chairman of a Diocesan Ecumenical Commission for 14 years.

He was named Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul in January 2000.

Source

• catholic.org.nz
• Image: Supplied NZCBC

Fr Brendan Ward is a priest of the Dunedin Diocese and has been ministering in parishes since his ordination in 1995.

"Parish ministry, along with his work in the forestry industry prior to entering the seminary, and his study, including a Masters in the Psychology of Religion, will greatly assist him in this next role," says Archbishop Dew President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

Fr Ward comes from a large Invercargill family.

After leaving school he went to Canterbury University where he completed a Bachelor of Forestry and then worked for some years in the forestry industry in Rotorua and later in Bougainville.

From 1986 to 1988 Fr Ward played cricket as a semi professional.

He studied for the priesthood at the seminary in Mosgiel and was ordained by Bishop Leonard Boyle at St Mary's Basilica in Invercargill at the end of 1995.

In addition to parish ministry, Fr Ward, more recently studied for a Masters at Heythrop College (the Jesuit College) in London.

He is currently parish priest of Queenstown.

Fr Ward will take over from Monsignor Peter Jeffrey whose term ends at the conclusion of this year.

Archbishop Dew says this year will give Fr Ward the time to prepare, and "I along with my brother bishops offer our ongoing support."

"I'm pleased to be taking on this new role next year and I will be spending this time researching and preparing to begin. I can see that under the leadership of Monsignor Peter Jeffery and the staff that the Seminary is in good heart" said Fr Ward.

"I'm grateful to all those who have formed, supported and encouraged me in my own priestly vocation and I hope that I too can make a valuable contribution to the vocation of many others in this role." he said.

Source

• Supplied NZCBC
• Image: Supplied NZCBC

"What we have in common is the Pacific, the ocean. I think it is great that we can share a little bit of the vision and future of the seminaries in the area," said Fr. Pius Sammut OCD, itinerant catechist responsible for the Neo-Catechumenal Way for the Pacific. He stated, "It is an enriching experience to see what is happening in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Australia, and other areas, to see the rectors come together sharing their ideas and knowledge on how to run the seminary, identify common problems and views, and be in communion with many priests, rectors, and formators who serve the Church and the seminaries."

In the course of the meeting the seminary rectors had several sessions on topics relating to priestly formation; new evangelisation, multi-cultural and anthropological issues, moral and faith formation challenges.

The principal speaker was Fr. Denis Vincent Twomey SVD, Emeritus Professor of Moral Theology at St. Patrick's College in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

On Thursday, the seminary rectors concelebrated a special Eucharist with the Most. Rev. Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM, Cap. D.D., at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica.

Source

• Umatuna.org
• Image: Umatuna.org