The Course responds to the need for further qualification of all those who already work in formation, and for this reason intends to offer an incentive for reflecting on the formation of vocations and for doing serious work on themselves, with the aim of an authentic spiritual and pedagogical renewal. The initial and seminary formation process will therefore be reviewed, adapting them to the request of the Apostolic Exhortations Vita Consecrata and Pastores Dabo Vobis and the recent Documents and Guidelines. The aim is to offer comprehensive formation to those who are involved in this field.
The course is mainly aimed at those responsible for the initial formation of consecrated vocations and diocesan seminaries; those responsible for ongoing formation courses; community animators; and members of provincial, diocesan or international vocation animation teams.
The specific goals are:
– pedagogically preparing formators of consecrated and diocesan life;
– reflecting on the accompaniment of vocations;
– gaining self-knowledge for authentic spiritual and pedagogical renewal;
– reviewing the process of initial and seminary formation in the light of the new documents;
– developing a process of ongoing formation and pedagogical suitability for those who are already formators who wish to update their preparation.
Various dimensions will be touched upon and explored in the course: spiritual, biblical/theological, anthropological, ecclesial/charismatic and pedagogical/experiential dimensions.
And at the level of teaching methodology, the formation course will use a well-developed programme to skilfully alternate systematic lessons, seminars, round tables, study and research groups; visits to Institutions, parishes and centres of interest related to the course and significant experiences; times organised for personal, spiritual, psychological and community prayer renewal; a week spent together. And all this from the point of view of a unified and continuous linking of the content, openness to interdisciplinarity and attention to the pedagogical and methodological aspects of vocational formation - linked with the theological, spiritual, anthropological and pedagogical content of vocational identity and becoming.
The course will be offered in Italian and requires regular attendance from Monday to Friday in the morning hours (8:45 am –1:00 pm). However, some afternoon seminars are also planned.
Applications for registration must be made by the competent superior and must reach the course management as quickly as possible,given the limited number of places available.
For more information, visit the UPS website.
