La formazione dei candidati al diaconato permanente secondo le disposizioni della "Ratio fundamentalis institutionis diaconorum permanentium"

Abstract

The Church holds the view that one of her primary tasks is to ensure that candidates for the diaconate receive an adequate formation that corresponds to the spirit of the age. The rapidly evolving conditions in which the permanent diaconate finds itself, including cultural and social transformation, the advancement of ecclesial and secular sciences or the development of diaconal and Christian life at different stages require that a deacon should receive solid formation. The document Ratio fundamentalis institutionis diaconorum permanentium, published by the Congregation for Catholic Education on 22 February 1998, presents the formation of candidates for the permanent diaconate as a process that comprises various stages and dimensions. The programme of formation – excluding the preparatory period – is required to last at least three years for both young and mature candidates. The former must undertake their formation in national or diocesan centres of formation established for this very purpose; in exceptional cases, they may participate in distance learning courses by using various means of communication. In the case of the mature candidates, whether they be married or celibate, the Ratio fundamentalis envisions a programme of formation that would be decided by the Episcopal Conference. The models of formation for mature candidates must take into account their familial and professional commitments. Candidates who belong to Institutes of Consecrated Life or Societies of Apostolic Life are required to undergo formation in accord with the directives of the Ratio of their own Institute or Society, if applicable. They may also avail themselves of the programme that is available in their diocese of residence. The document of the Congregation underlines the fact that the entire ecclesial body ought to be involved in and responsible for the formation of deacons, namely: bishops, major superiors, directors of formation, tutors, spiritual directors, parish priests, professors, members of the community of formators for the permanent diaconate and members of the candidates’ communities of origin. Given that formation is, at the same time, self-formation, the diaconal candidate himself is a necessary and irreplaceable agent in his own formation who – being aware of his own identity and the goal to which he aspires – must achieve that goal through appropriate means and methods.