What constitutes canonical formation for priestly ordination?

• A. A program of spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral training conducted in seminaries, under diocesan oversight, prior to ordination.
• B. A program of liturgical skills only.
• C. Self-study with no oversight.
• D. Short weekend course after ordination.

Answer: (A)

Canonical formation for priestly ordination is a comprehensive program that blends spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral training, carried out in a seminary under the oversight of the diocesan authority, before ordination. This approach ensures the candidate develops a solid inner life through disciplined prayer and spiritual direction, gains solid doctrine and philosophical/theological grounding, and acquires practical pastoral skills through supervised ministry and formation in human maturity. It isn’t limited to liturgical skills, isn’t something done by self-study without oversight, and it doesn’t occur as a brief course after ordination. The pre-ordination, diocesan-supervised formation guarantees readiness across the full range of duties a priest will undertake.