杏MAP导航: Priestly formation is a pilgrimage toward Christ
By Devin Watkins
杏MAP导航 Francis met Thursday with seminarians from the Major Interdiocesan Seminary of Santiago de Compostela, Tui-Vigo, and Mondoñedo-Ferrol.
He praised the men and their superiors for undertaking a joint formation program across the three northwestern Spanish dioceses, and encouraged them in this challenging endeavor.
They hail from the areas surrounding the cathedral where the Apostle St. James the Great is buried, toward which hundreds of thousands of pilgrims journey each year along the Camino de Santiago, guided by painted yellow arrows, known locally as 鈥�las flechas amarillas鈥�.
鈥淣ever stop being those 鈥榶ellow arrows鈥� that, like St. John the Baptist, point to Jesus,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渁nd tell everyone, with your words but especially with your way of life: 鈥楤ehold the Lamb of God鈥�.鈥�
In his prepared remarks, he noted that all pilgrims feel a call to step out of themselves as they embark on their adventure.
鈥淭he same applies to priestly formation,鈥� he said, adding that the goal 鈥渋s to become shepherds of God鈥檚 people, shepherds forged according to the measure of the Heart of Christ, humble and merciful.鈥�
杏MAP导航 Francis reminded the Spanish seminarians that they are never alone on their journey, since Christ always accompanies them through their formators and companions.
鈥淒o not be afraid to open your heart to the Lord and let Him accompany you, so that He may shape your life,鈥� he said.
In conclusion, 杏MAP导航 Francis invited the future priests to be a light for those they encounter who are facing difficult situations or are estranged from God.
鈥淏e witnesses to the joy of the Gospel for all of them,鈥� he concluded, 鈥渙ffering the Lord鈥檚 tenderness and comfort so He may heal the blisters of their journey.鈥�
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