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The basis of all priestly formation
The human formation programme at Oscott is
based on Pastores Dabo Vobis 43-44, which sees human formation
as the basis of all priestly formation. The priest is called
to be a living image of Jesus Christ and so should try to
"reflect in himself, as far as is possible, the human
perfection which shines forth in the incarnate Son of God"
(PDV 43). In order that his sacred mission be as humanly credible
and acceptable as possible, the student is invited to mould
his human personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge,
not an obstacle, for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ.
Thus, the aim of human formation at Oscott
is to help a person relate well to others: to be open, affable,
hospitable, sincere, prudent and discrete, generous and ready
to serve, capable of clear and brotherly relationships. This
growth towards affective maturity includes an education for
sexuality and an appreciation of the virtue of chastity by
which a man becomes "capable of respecting and fostering
the 'nuptial meaning' of the body" (PDV 44). Consequently,
human formation implies developing true serene friendships
in which the student learns to bring to human relationships
a strong, lively and personal love for Jesus Christ. The community
life of the seminary itself encourages this by fostering that
essential training in freedom and self-responsibility by which
we learn to master ourselves, to become more maturely open
to others, and to resist, fight and defeat selfishness and
individualism.
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