Major Seminary Spiritual Fathers Discuss “Formation in the Digital Age”

Bangalore, 7 March 2024 (CCBI): Thirty-two spiritual fathers representing major seminaries from ten states across India convened for a three-day national workshop in Bangalore to deliberate on the challenges of spiritual formation in the digital age. Organized by the Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy, and Religious Commission of the CCBI, the workshop, inaugurated on 7 March 2024, will culminate on 9 March 2024.

The event was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation and National Director of Pontifical Mission Organizations. Fr. Pitchaimuthu emphasized the crucial role of spiritual fathers in guiding seminarians to discern their vocation to priesthood amidst the complexities of the digital era.

Presiding over the inaugural meeting was Rev. Dr. Richard Britto, President of the All India Rectors of Major Seminaries (ARMS) and Rector of St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary. In his address, Fr. Britto underscored the significance of spiritual fathers in shaping the formation of future priests within contemporary seminary contexts.

Msgr. James Culas delivered the keynote address, focusing on the context and challenges of priestly formation in the digital age. Rev. Dr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy, and Religious (VSCR), extended a warm welcome to the attendees, while Rev. Dr. Tobias Raimond Toppo, spiritual father of St. Alberts College in Ranchi, expressed gratitude in his vote of thanks.

The inaugural Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary-General of CCBI. In his homily, Fr. Alathara urged participants to cultivate three essential qualities: a deep-rooted faith, ongoing engagement with Church teachings, and proficiency in counselling, listening, mentoring, and empathy.

The three-day national seminar, spearheaded by Rev. Dr. Jackson of Dharmapuri diocese, covers a range of pertinent topics, including the Digital World as a Contemporary 'Areopagus,' Evolving Images of Priesthood and Their Implications in Formation, Understanding the Psyche of Generation Z, Spiritual Accompaniment of Social Hermits, and Contemporary Tools and Resources for Spiritual Direction. 

Fr. Joye James S.J., Director of Santhigram in Ernakulam, will facilitate discussions on adolescent accompaniment skills, mentoring, and teamwork in the spiritual formation of seminarians.

By Catholic Connect Reporter