In forming a new generation of missionaries, fewer in number and multicultural, we carry forward the Columban story to meet the missionary challenges of the future.
Formation is an adventure leading to faith-filled commitment. We accompany our students so that they may discern their call and we may mutually experience the Risen One’s presence: “They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32)
Columban formation is designed to help the student in a process of ongoing discernment and giving oneself over to the will of God while making oneself available for service to God’s Kingdom. The nature and content of initial formation are dictated by our missionary apostolate. Its basic objective is to help the candidate to:
Deepen his faith in God and in the call to mission;
Live his commitment to Christ, the Church and the Society;
Grow in his celibate love for all; especially the poor and oppressed;
Witness by his life to the Gospel values he proclaims;
Acquire the professional knowledge and skills necessary for cross- cultural mission and ministerial priesthood;
Develop his ability to listen and to learn from the people with whom he works.
During his formation each student is assisted by:
- A spiritual director who helps him grow in faith, to understand and integrate his emotions, to recognize God working in his life, to become a man motivated by faith, hope and love;
- A pastoral supervisor who guides him in the development of missionary skills and the capacity to communicate effectively;
- A personal supervisor who reflects with him on his overall personal growth and development and his integration of academic studies.
The stages of initial formation leading up to ordination and full membership in the Society include: Philosophy, Spiritual Year, Theology, First Mission Assignment (FMA), Deaconate, Aggregation and Priestly Ordination.