Training of Priests a top Priority : Pope Benedict XVI

May 10, 2012: In his Discourse to students of the Pontifical Spanish College of St. Joseph of Rome, on Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI said that the specific training of priests is always a top priority of the Church. Having been sent to Rome to further their studies the seminarians ought to think in a priestly way, not so much for their personal benefit, but the service of the holy people of God and that the pastors need to be delivered, to the beautiful service of the sanctification of the faithful with utmost preparation and competence, he said.

He asked them to remember that the priest renews his life and his ministry to draw strength from the contemplation of God's word and intense dialogue with the Lord. He asked them to be aware that they cannot bring Christ to their brothers or find them in the poor and the sick, if not discovered in fervent and constant prayer. It is necessary to promote a personal relationship with the Lord who proclaims, celebrates and communicates. Here is the foundation of priestly spirituality, sign up to become transparent and a living testimony of the Good Shepherd, he told them.

Citing the example of the life and teaching of John of Avila he encouraged them to live by the virtues and the example of St. John of Avila, and to exercise their priestly ministry with the same zeal that characterized him, with his own austere life, and with the same filial affection he had to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests.