QUEST FOR SYNERGY BETWEEN SEMINARY FORMATION AND CONTEMPORARY PRIESTLY PASTORAL PRACTICE: A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The formation of candidates for the ministerial priesthood and pastoral ministry is very vital to the life and mission of the church. Priests are trained and formed in the course of lengthy period of initial formation in the seminary and ongoing formation outside the seminary in priestly life and ministry. Despite extensive training, a disconnect exists between seminary formation and priestly pastoral practice. This paper explores the root causes of this disconnect, seeking synergy between seminary formation and priestly pastoral practice. Using qualitative research methods, findings indicate a significant relationship between seminary formation and priestly pastoral practice in Nigeria. Causes of the disconnect include inadequate seminary formation stages, lack of collaboration, and influence of Pentecostalism. Recommendations include adhering strictly to the directives of the 2016 Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis and integrating pastoral theological studies into seminary formation.