The Catholic Church defines priestly formation as a comprehensive journey of transformation that renews the heart and mind of an individual, preparing him to "discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect" (cf. Rom 12:2) 1. This formation is understood as a singular "journey of discipleship" that begins at Baptism, is perfected through other sacraments of Christian Initiation, and continues throughout the priest's entire life 2.

Dimensions of Priestly Formation

Priestly formation is an integral process that encompasses four interconnected dimensions:

• Human Dimension The human dimension is considered the "necessary and dynamic foundation" of all priestly life 3, 4. It promotes the integral growth of the person, including physical health, psychological stability (emotional balance, self-control, integrated sexuality), and moral development leading to a well-formed conscience 3. This dimension aims to cultivate virtues such as humility, courage, common sense, magnanimity, right judgment, discretion, tolerance, and honesty 3. The goal is to form mature and well-balanced human beings, capable of healthy interpersonal relationships and psychologically equipped for the demands of priestly life and work 5.
• Spiritual Dimension This dimension helps to shape the quality of priestly ministry and is an extremely important element of a priest's education 3, 4. It involves cultivating a deep spiritual life, fostering an intimate relationship with the Lord, and promoting fraternal communion 1. The spiritual dimension aims to conform the seminarian's heart to the image of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who was moved by human suffering and came to serve rather than be served 3. It also helps seminarians recognize and correct "spiritual worldliness" such as narcissism, authoritarianism, and careerism, fostering instead simplicity, sobriety, and authentic dialogue 1.
• Intellectual Dimension Intellectual formation aims to provide seminarians with a solid competence in philosophy and theology, along with a general educational preparation 3. This enables them to proclaim the Gospel message credibly, engage in fruitful dialogue with the contemporary world, and uphold the truth of faith by the light of reason 3. It involves diligent study of philosophical and theological sciences, canon law, social sciences, and history, helping priests to listen profoundly to the Word and to the ecclesial community, and to read the signs of the times 3.
• Pastoral Dimension This dimension enables responsible and fruitful ecclesial service 3. It prepares seminarians to gather and preside over the People of God as leaders who support and promote the cooperation of all the faithful 3. The entire process of formation aims to prepare seminarians to "enter into communion with the charity of Christ the Good Shepherd" 3.

Importance of Priestly Formation

The Church emphasizes the importance of priestly formation for several reasons:

• Configuration to Christ The ultimate aim of priestly formation is the preparation of seminarians to be sacramentally configured to Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom and Good Shepherd 4, enabling the priest to act in persona Christi Capitis (in the person of Christ the Head) and in the name of the Church 5, 6.
• Integral Growth Formation is a journey of transformation that renews the heart and mind, helping the future priest become a "man of discernment" capable of choosing and acting according to God's will 1. It involves integrating talents and gifts with limits and frailties, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, leading to gradual and harmonious maturity 1.
• Service to the People of God Priestly formation prepares men to serve the Church and the world, dedicating themselves to work with the Holy Spirit 1. It is a path to sanctify oneself and others, always having a specific portion of the People of God as its point of reference 2.
• Ongoing Discipleship Formation is not limited to the seminary years but is a lifelong journey of permanent discipleship, drawing one closer to Christ and allowing for continuous conformity to Him 2, 7. Initial and ongoing formation are seen as two aspects of the same reality: the path of the disciple priest, in love with his Lord and steadfastly following Him 2, 7.
• Community Context Priestly formation takes place within an atmosphere of community, encouraging attitudes proper and valuable for the life and ministry of a priest 3. The vocation is discovered and accepted within a community and formed in the seminary, which is an educating community 2.

The Church views priestly formation as a serious and patient journey, respecting the conscience of the individual, so that those called may "shine among the People of God" 2.