Seminary education and formation: the challenges and some ideas about future developments

Abstract

The institution of the seminary was established by the sixteenth century Council of Trent. Seminaries were charged with the formation of men for the priesthood. The character of seminary education was largely unchanged until the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). This article observes and comments upon the changes and developments over the past 50 years. The author reflects on his own experience. A recently published document of the Holy See insists on the necessity for priestly formation within a seminary community. This author argues in support of the seminary but also recognises the challenges facing those responsible for seminary formation.