By celebrating Seminary Day, “we place under the guidance of the Holy Spirit those who are called to respond to the Lord,” says a statement from the country’s bishops.
Photo: Cathopic/esimrothlc.
Venezuela – Caracas (June 6, 2022, 6:00 PM, Gaudium Press) On the occasion of the Solemnity of Pentecost and the Day of the Seminarian in Venezuela, the Episcopal Commission for the Clergy, Seminaries, Vocations and Permanent Diaconate published a message.
In the text, the Bishops of the country greet the seminarians and assure them of their prayers. The seminary formators are recognized and thanked for their work, within their priestly ministry, in the preparation of future priests.
Pentecost Sunday and Seminary Day
In the missive, the prelates recall that some years ago they made Pentecost Sunday be celebrated on the same day as Seminary Day. “The Consoler Spirit descended upon the Apostolic College to thus confirm the apostles in the mission of announcing the Gospel of salvation.”
The Venezuelan Bishops add that by commemorating Seminary Day, “we place under the guidance of the Holy Spirit those who are called to respond to the Lord, so that they may have his strength and persevere in faithfulness.
Configuring themselves to Christ, the High and Eternal Priest
Finally, the commission asked the ecclesial communities to pray and support the seminarians continuously. To the seminarians, it urged them to open their minds and hearts so that during their formation process they learn to “configure themselves to Christ, the High and Eternal Priest.”
“During your time of formation in the seminary, you must have your hearts open so that it may be the Spirit who models in you the image of the High Priest. In fact, ‘the Holy Spirit, who will be sent by the Father in my name, will be the one who will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you’… We implore Mary for her maternal protection and may God the Father accompany you,” they conclude. (EPC)
Compiled by Zephania Gangl
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