Better self-understanding, a deep prayer life and the support of fellow priests are essential to living out a celibate commitment, Pakistani priests declared during a recent formation course.
Forty-two Religious and diocesan priests ordained less than six years participated in the Jan. 22-26 program at Pastoral Institute Multan, 640 kilometers south of Islamabad.
The Clergy Commission of the Catholic Bishops´ Conference of Pakistan has organized the ongoing formation course for newer priests each year for a decade. The priests choose the topic.
Filipino Monsignor Jose Bernardo of Bahay Pari (priests´ house), part of San Carlos Formation Complex in Manila, was the main resource person.
While dealing with theological and psychological aspects of priestly celibacy, the four-day program focused on practical aspects and struggles involved in living out the celibate commitment.
The priests reaffirmed their dedication to a chaste and celibate life with other Kingdom values. The closing liturgy, prepared by priests of Hyderabad diocese in southern Pakistan, was led by Bishop Joseph Coutts of Hyderabad.
The 1997 course will be directed by Father Augustine Soares of Karachi, the Clergy Commission secretary.
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