Nuncio exhorts Indian priests to be honest

(February 25, 2011) Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio has said that seminary formation should promote authentic human development, including a right view of sexuality. “Healthy sexual development together with academic and spiritual growth in the seminary will give us mature priests,” the archbishop said. He was speaking at a national meeting in New Delhi on psycho-sexual integration in priestly formation. Eighty two priests, one from each diocese of India and three bishops took part in the February 23-25 programme. Regretting the recent priests’ sex abuse scandals that have harmed the Church, the Nuncio pointed out that the programme’s aim was to form committed and integrated priests who are comfortable with themselves and their celibate life. Stressing that a healthy relationship requires honesty, love and respect, Archbishop Penacchio urged priests to confide to their bishops and spiritual directors about the problems they face.