The Challenges of Priestly Formation Question: How can the challenges of priestly realities be controlled within formation? Answer: Over the years there have been numerous documents approved by the USCCB for priestly formation in the … [Read more...]
Caregivers of the Soul
November 25, 2022 by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS
In the first dwelling of her spiritual classic, The Interior Castle, Teresa of Avila cautions us: “We know we have souls. However, we seldom consider the precious things that can be found in this soul, or who dwells within it, or its high v … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – January 2020
January 18, 2020 by Book Reviews
The Catholic Gentleman: Living Authentic Manhood Today By Sam Guzman. Reviewed by Austin Barnes. (skip to review) Still Amidst the Storm: A Family Man’s Search for Peace in an Anxious World By Conor Gallagher. Reviewed by Seth G … [Read more...]
Real Celibacy Is an Invitation from Divine Beauty
February 12, 2019 by Deacon James Keating
The personal call of Christ to follow him in a life of chaste celibacy brings a seminarian into a suffering that involves his whole person. Seminary formation serves such a man by assisting him to integrate chastity within his body. Such … [Read more...]
Questions Answered
September 27, 2017 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Question: Can you explain to me just what is referred to as the “dark night of the soul” in the mystical life? Should all Christians experience these? Answer: The question of the dark night of the soul is central to any description of th … [Read more...]
Disciple-Making with Mercenary Love
“Gold, Silver, Precious Stones"? Or “Wood, Hay, or Straw"?
September 9, 2017 by R. Thomas Richard, PhD
What is needed in these times to ignite a “new evangelization” that will return zeal and vigor to our Catholic parishes and dioceses? We certainly are in need of personal and ecclesial renewal that is faithful to our Lord, and to His call to … [Read more...]
Catholic Men, the Spiritual Life, and Our Growth in Holiness-Perfection
Living Faith as Conversion, Knowledge, and Joy According to the Thought of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
November 16, 2015 by Dr. Mark S. Latkovic
A Catholic Christian spiritual life has often been described in terms of “ways,” “stages,” “degrees,” and “conversions.”[1. See, e.g., among many books on the topic, Fr. John J. Pasquini, Light, Happiness and Peace: Journeying Through Tradit … [Read more...]
Taking Up the Cross Daily by Praying with Our Senses
On the Role of Mortification in the Christian Life
August 30, 2015 by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow, Ph.D.
The term “mortification” has become increasingly less common in contemporary discussions of the spiritual life. One might say it is now nearly absent from such discussions. We hear about someone being “mortified” when they are humiliated, or … [Read more...]
The Forgotten Vice in Seminary Formation
July 27, 2015 by Fr. James Mason
We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. —C. S. Lewis from The Abolition of Man. (This article originally appeared in the May 2006 print e … [Read more...]
Sexuality and Spirituality
An Attempt at Integration for Sexual and Spiritual Health
May 12, 2015 by Patrick F. Cioni
Abstract: This paper attempts to show the relationship between sexuality and spirituality, and ways to attain profound union between husbands and wives. Incorporating spirituality with sexual behavior enhances the capacity for satisfaction … [Read more...]
Laying the Foundation for Forming Disciples in Our Parishes
January 29, 2015 by Fr. Matthew J. Albright
A recent mailing of the Franciscan University of Steubenville declares, “The age of casual Catholicism is over. The age of heroic Catholicism has begun.”[1. Fr. Terrence Henry, TOR, Franciscan University of Steubenville. ] Men and women sta … [Read more...]
The Heart of the Matter
August 17, 2012 by Bishop Edward M. Rice
In Pastores Dabo Vobis, Blessed John Paul II offered to those charged with seminary formation the framework by which to form men for the priesthood, namely, the four pillars of priestly formation: spiritual, intellectual, apostolic and … [Read more...]
In Processu
Seeking holiness by living in intimate and unceasing union with the Trinity
April 19, 2012 by Kathleen A. Kanavy, MA
Spiritual formation...should be conducted in such a way that the students may learn to livein intimate and unceasing union with God the Father through his Son Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit. Those who are to take on the likeness of Christ … [Read more...]
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