From the Spiritual Director's Desk
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace and joy in the Lord! As the Spiritual Director of Holy Spirit Major Seminary, I am privileged to accompany our seminarians on their journey of spiritual formation and discernment.
The path to priesthood is fundamentally a spiritual journey—a response to Christ's call to "come, follow me." It is my sacred responsibility to help guide each seminarian as he discerns God's will and develops the spiritual foundation necessary for effective priestly ministry.
The Heart of Formation
Spiritual formation is not merely an aspect of seminary life; it is the very heart that gives life to all other dimensions of priestly preparation. Without a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, academic knowledge remains sterile, and pastoral skills lack the power to transform souls.
In our spiritual formation program, we emphasize four foundational pillars: prayer, sacramental life, spiritual direction, and apostolic service. Each seminarian is encouraged to develop a personal prayer life that will sustain him throughout his years of ministry.
Prayer as the Foundation
Prayer is the priest's lifeline to God. We begin each day with Morning Prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist, which forms the center of our community life. Through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Liturgy of the Hours, and personal meditation, our seminarians learn to find their strength in communion with Christ.
The Rosary holds a special place in our daily rhythm, as we entrust ourselves to the intercession of Our Lady, the Mother of Priests. Mary's "yes" to God serves as a model for every priestly vocation.
Sacramental Life
The sacraments are God's gifts of grace, and future priests must be men deeply formed by sacramental life. Regular celebration of the Eucharist, frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participation in the other sacraments help form our seminarians in holiness.
We place particular emphasis on preparing our men to be worthy celebrants of the sacred mysteries. The way a priest celebrates Mass speaks volumes about his faith and can inspire or discourage the faithful entrusted to his care.
Spiritual Direction
Each seminarian meets regularly with a spiritual director who helps him discern God's will, grow in virtue, and address the challenges that arise in formation. This one-on-one mentorship is crucial for healthy spiritual development and honest self-reflection.
Spiritual direction provides a safe space for seminarians to discuss their struggles, celebrate their growth, and receive guidance in their journey toward ordination. It is through this relationship that many of the most important insights and breakthroughs occur.
Apostolic Service
A priest is called to serve, not to be served. Our seminarians regularly participate in various apostolic works: visiting the sick, serving in parishes, working with youth, and engaging in works of mercy. These experiences help them develop pastoral hearts and practical ministry skills.
Challenges and Growth
The journey to priesthood is not without its challenges. Seminarians face questions about celibacy, struggles with personal weaknesses, and the normal difficulties of human growth. We approach these challenges with patience, understanding, and firm guidance rooted in Church teaching.
Each man's journey is unique, and we respect the individual pace of growth while maintaining high standards for priestly formation. Some may need additional time for maturation, while others may discover that God is calling them to a different vocation.
A Community of Support
Spiritual formation happens not in isolation but within a community of faith. Our seminarians support one another through prayer, friendship, and fraternal correction. They learn that priesthood, while requiring personal holiness, is never a solitary endeavor.
The seminary community includes not only seminarians and faculty but also staff, benefactors, and the many faithful who support priestly formation through their prayers and sacrifices.
Looking Toward Ordination
As seminarians progress through their formation, they are gradually configured more closely to Christ the High Priest. The minor orders of Lector and Acolyte, followed by the diaconate, mark important milestones in their spiritual journey.
Ordination to the priesthood is not an end but a beginning—the moment when a man is sacramentally configured to Christ in a unique way and sent forth to serve God's people. All of our formation aims toward preparing men for this sacred responsibility.
A Call to Prayer
I invite all who visit this page to join us in prayer for vocations to the priesthood. Our Church needs holy priests, and holy priests come from communities that pray for them, support them, and encourage young men to consider this beautiful calling.
Pray especially for our current seminarians, that they may grow in holiness and respond generously to whatever God asks of them. Pray also for their families, who make significant sacrifices to support their sons' discernment.
Final Thoughts
The privilege of accompanying men in their formation for priesthood is one of the greatest joys of my own priestly life. To witness young men grow in holiness, develop their gifts, and prepare to serve God's people is to see the Church's future taking shape.
If you are a young man considering a call to priesthood, I encourage you to speak with your pastor, spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and consider visiting our seminary. God's call often begins as a whisper, but it grows stronger as we open our hearts to His voice.
May Our Lord continue to bless our seminary, our seminarians, and all those who support the formation of future priests. Together, we participate in Christ's mission of salvation and help ensure that future generations will have holy priests to guide them closer to God.
