Reform in Church Priesthood and Youth Ministry Practices: Reflection on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation

Reflection based on paragraph 244 of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit” or “Christ Lives”.

C. Rubini Chinnapa9 CTC, Vatican News

Apostolic Exhortation

An Apostolic Exhortation is an epistle in the various series of official epistles published by the Pope in the Catholic Church. The Apostolic Exhortations are next in line to the Cyclic Epistles at the top of their chain of importance.

Chapter Seven

The seventh chapter deals with youth ministry. In the introduction, explaining that youth ministry has two main accompanying methods – reaching and growing – the Pope points to the possibilities of a “popular” youth ministry that can lead to the realization that each person is a stone to build a ‘house’ and to the loving convictions of always being missionaries. Papa wants to change.

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Reflection based on paragraph 243 of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit” or “Christ Lives”.

244. In the Synod, many pointed out the lack of qualified persons dedicated to the mission. Belief in the theological and pastoral value of listening leads us to rethink and modernize the methods that priestly ministry usually exercises and to review its priorities. The Synod also recognized the need to train men and women dedicated to accompanying the youth. Within communities, listening to the call of the Holy Spirit may also receive institutional recognition as a form of ecclesiastical service.

Acknowledgment of Hearing Siddhi: A Call for Reform in Church Priesthood and Youth Retreat Practices

In the apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis “Christ lives”, the urgent call to revive the ministry of following and helping young people within the Church is very clear. Statements made at the Synod for Young People acknowledging the paucity of persons technically qualified to follow them reveal a critical aspect of contemporary pastoral challenges. Central to this call is to acknowledge the theological and pastoral importance of listening. This calls for a deep study and reevaluation of traditional methods of priestly ministry and a rethinking of the priorities to be placed on priestly discipline. Furthermore, the need to effectively prepare monks and laity, regardless of gender, to follow young people underlines a significant change in ecclesiastical practices. Today’s reflection aims to explore the implications of this exhortation and to emphasize the transformative potential inherent in acknowledging the importance of listening within the church.

Rethinking Priestly Ministry: The Priority of Companionship

The synod’s discerning reflections on the lack of qualified individuals to mentor young people shed light on the fundamental inconsistency found in contemporary priestly ministry. While the sacramental aspects are indispensable, so is the call to accompany individuals on their spiritual journeys. This prompts a re-evaluation of hierarchical structures and priorities within the church. The Church must give the same amount of emphasis to the pastoral care of young people as it does to sacramental training in priestly training. This shift calls for a comprehensive review of seminary formation programs, combining theological education with strong training in the art of ministry. Moreover, clergy need ongoing formation and support to foster a culture that values ​​listening as an important pastoral skill. By prioritizing fellowship with young people, the Church can respond authentically to the existential needs of the faithful and foster deep spiritual growth and fellowship within the community.

A collaborative approach that empowers devotees and lay people

The Synod’s recognition of the need to train consecrated persons and lay people underscores the necessity for cooperation of ministries in the contemporary Church. Chasing young people invites active participation of the entire church community beyond the assigned boundaries of the priesthood. The Church equips both the consecrated and the laity with the necessary professional training to help the youth and develop the ability to accompany them in different contexts. This requires developing comprehensive formation programs that address each individual’s unique needs and personalities to perfection. Moreover, fostering a gender-neutral holistic approach breaks down entrenched barriers within the church and promotes a more balanced and participatory church environment. Utilizing the collaborative potential of consecrated persons and the laity will enrich the Church’s capacity for holistic pastoral care and underline the importance of the evangelical imperative of inclusion and solidarity.

Institutional recognition of the Siddhi of Shravana: Cultivating the Shravana Sabha

The synod’s proposal that listening is a siddhi and should be institutionally recognized represents a radical departure from traditional ecclesiastical models. By emphasizing the intrinsic value of listening and affirming its necessity within the structure of the Church, the Synod acknowledges the transformative power of attentive presence and empathic engagement. The Church is calling for the formalization, affirmation and institutional recognition of the vital role of listening in the ministry of supporting young people within the Church’s mission, providing a framework for fostering and spreading this siddhi. This includes implementing structures and support systems that facilitate the recognition and development of the gift of listening within the community. Furthermore, the institutional recognition of listening implies a commitment to fostering a culture of meeting and dialogue within the Church. In it the voices of the marginalized and the weak find resonance and validation. Acknowledging sravana siddhi as a form of ecclesiastical service will stimulate the prophetic call to bear witness to God’s love and mercy in the world, and will usher in a new dawn of renewal and revival within the church.

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation underscores the urgent need for reform in priestly ministry and the need to foster a culture of following young people within the Church. Acknowledging the shortage of technically qualified ministers in the youth formation process also highlights the importance of rethinking routine practices in priestly ministry. By prioritizing the training of monks and laity to reach out to the youth, empowering lay leaders, and institutionally recognizing the virtue of listening, the Church can effectively respond to the needs of the faithful, especially the youth, in today’s world. The importance of sravana siddhi is not just a suggestion, but a call to action—a call to partner with one another in faith, compassion, and understanding.

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2024-02-29 10:42:31