HUMAN FORMATION

The human formation is the basis and foundation of all other forms of formation in the seminary. "Indeed, the holiness of a priest is built upon it and depends, in large part, upon the authenticity and maturity of his humanity." (RFIS 63) Before a seminarian proceeds to his integral formation, he has to be in touch with his humanity. This anthropological dimension of human life has to be an important aspect of formation because everything that is human will be at the foundation of growth and formation. The Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis says: "Human formation, being the foundation of all priestly formation144, promotes the integral growth of the person and allows the integration of all its dimensions. Physically, this means an interest in health, nutrition, physical activity, and rest; psychologically it focuses on the constitution of a stable personality, characterised by emotional balance, self-control and a well integrated sexuality." (RFIS 94)

The seminarians of the Lorenzo Mission Institute develop a sound physical life as an integral part of seminary formation. The health and care of their bodies are tantamount to the care of their vocation because the care of the bodies is an anticipation to the care for the ministry they have to do in the future. There are 4 reasons for a sound body that a seminarian should be mindful of:

2) the Church promotes physical fitness- The Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis secures an encouragement and its reason for developing the physical life of the candidates for the priesthood. It is to make each seminarian feel the need for a wider engagement with one's relationship with oneself and his relationship with others. The physical life is not only a private's affair but should be a path towards a concern for other's wellbeing too. The Ratio says: "It would also be fitting for the Seminary to offer a complementary formation, which would take into account, for example, culture, art and sport, etc. Studies can take place either in the school of the Seminary itself, in some other Catholic school or elsewhere." (RFIS 22)

3) a balanced lifestyle- It is of paramount importance that every seminarian should develop a balanced lifestyle through proper physical exercise. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and the physical life is a requisite for a healthy personality and deeper spirituality. The Ratio says: "It would also be fitting for the Seminary to offer a complementary formation, which would take into account, for example, culture, art and sport, etc. Studies can take place either in the school of the Seminary itself, in some other Catholic school or elsewhere." (RFIS 63)

4) a deeper humanity- The physical life should not be taken for granted by any seminarian because it is a prelude towards human maturity, healthy relationships, and the love for one's own physical life. One's attention to his physical wellbeing is an indication for one's concern for a healthy human environment and human formation. It is the duty of formators to inspire and encourage each seminarian to develop a sound physical life because of its various ramifications. "He should work in cooperation with other competent persons (in psychology, sports, medicine, etc.), to establish a community environment conducive to the growth of the seminarians in human maturity." (RFIS 137)