Group photo of the participants in the 20th international seminary formators' course.

August 6, 2010. Rome, Italy. From June 25 to July 30, the 20th international seminary formators’ course was held in Leggiuno, Italy. About 80 priests participated, including rectors, spiritual directors, and other diocesan seminary formators. They came from 29 countries and 54 dioceses. This course, offered by the Sacerdos Institute of the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum College, aims to offer an opportunity of formation and updating for those entrusted with the preparation of tomorrow’s priests.

The course was directed by Fr Jesús Villagrasa, LC, who also preached the spiritual exercises at the beginning of the program. Talks were given by Legionary Fathers Roberto Gonzalez (priestly identity), Anthony Bannon (spiritual formation), Michael Ryan (human formation), Paolo Scarafoni (pastoral and liturgical formation), Nivardo Quezada (seminary discipline and atmosphere), Owen Kearns (vocational ministry), Jesus Villagrasa (intellectual formation and the team of formators), and Gonzalo Miranda (fundamental principles of priestly formation).

A 3-day thematic seminar was

	The priests in the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians in the city of Turin, Italy.

also offered on how psychology can support the formation of candidates to the priesthood. This course was given by Bishop Tony Anatrella, a psychoanalyst and specialist in social psychiatry, and a consultant of the Pontifical Councils for the Family and for Health.

Aside from the academic activities, various times were set aside for personal and community prayer, as well as cultural and religious visits to places of interest in the area.

Testimonies of some participants

“We are returning to our diocese really enriched by the quality content and methods we received in this course, but also by the atmosphere of intense ecclesial communion and profound interiorization in prayer that we have breathed during these weeks.” (Fr Cesare, rector of the diocesan seminary of Messina, Italy)

“What helped me most in the course was to discover the pastoral importance of study and of all priestly formation. It is the mission that gives meaning to all of this great effort.” (Fr Peter, rector of a regional major seminary in Zimbabwe)

“The international course for seminary formators was a deeply providential and worthwhile experience of spiritual renewal, intellectual enrichment, and physical reinvigoration. It reaffirmed my commitment to continue being a channel for the gift of healing and the fullness of Christ for those whom He has called to follow him as his priests. I pray that, as I return to our local Church and to our seminary community, it may be a blessing through my holiness and zeal in the exercise of my priestly ministry.” (Fr Andy P., rector of the St Augustine seminary in Mindoro, Philippines)

The international seminary formators’ course is held every summer in northern Italy and has the financial support of many Regnum Christi members who offer bishops scholarships so that priests from their dioceses can participate.

For more information, visit the Sacerdos Institute web site at www.sacerdos.org/english.