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One of the recent developments in the Church is its better understanding on the psychological dimension of the person. The Church thus aptly exhorts that a “wholistic” formation of future evangelizers is of vital importance (Pastores Dabo Vobis, no.2). This is to adapt in the world which demands a greater pastoral response in which priests and religious must be geared and prepared. Hence the Mission Society of the Philippines’ (MSP) priestly formation, responding to the signs of the times, fashions a total and integral program which helps seminarians to accept oneself and others (Handbook on Formation, ch.4) and be effective missionary in the future.

 

Thus, for years the MSP seminary integrates in its stage of formation the two-month intensive Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). The program addresses one of the facets of priestly missionary formation and ushers seminarians to have an inner harmony which involve spiritual and psychological aid. The CPE has three main purposes: care for the patient, training for the demands of the future ministry, and self-processing. The seminarians are helped by “describing, analyzing, evaluating and reflecting upon his actual pastoral relationships, human encounters and acts of ministry, in a process of group and personal supervision (Readings for Clinical Pastoral Education,p.7). Through CPE seminarians become more sensitive to the needs of others and effectively respond to the needs of the people whom they are serving in whatever situation they find themselves. 

 

This life long journey to one inmost self is tedious and could be tiring. It is however in the grace of God that a person grows (Philippians 4:13) and still joyful in proclaiming the Gospel to all. With him and through him a person strains forward from his woundedness to healing.