The Seminary Rector - Forming Priests in Nazareth by Gregory J. Schlesselmann

Author:Gregory J. Schlesselmann [Schlesselmann, Gregory J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780984379262
Publisher: The Institute for Priestly Formation
Published: 2013-10-08T00:00:00+00:00

LOYAL BROTHERHOOD

Loyal brotherhood designates, first of all, the fraternal relationship of those who, in some significant way, share in a common bond: those who belong to the same family or group; those who share in the same mission; and those who have in common a unique experience and pathway in life. In the spiritual sense of the term, brotherhood indicates a certain friendship that is freely entered into and in which the brothers experience common adventures. This fraternity reveals the truth of the equal standing of the brothers and the intrinsic need that we all have for others to accompany us in our pilgrimage of life. It is also instinctive that brothers are called to be loyal to one another, steadfast in the commitment of shared values, even in the face of opposition and strife. A brother holds fast to the relationship with his brother and recognizes the common quest before us all: to do the will of the Father (cf. Mt 12:46-49).

Jesus defined brotherhood once and for all by this intentionality and elevated the human notion of brotherhood to the supernatural level of divine grace. In the brotherhood of Jesus, there is a shared freedom in the loving obedience to the Father's plan. This common fidelity to God is at the core of any authentic fraternity and is more precious than simple blood ties or societal ties of other types. Brothers commit themselves, one to the other, and are generous in self-sacrifice and the work of discipline. Working and struggling with others leads naturally and spontaneously to a greater simplicity of life and a willingness to undergo hardships for the sake of the common good. Implicit here is the willingness as well to engage zealously in the exploration of the common adventure or mission and to face all obstacles together with courage. Indeed, the spiritual warfare in which brothers in Christ must fight calls out of them an even deeper bond of friendship since brothers will instinctively band together to face danger.

It ought to be added here that brothers, while equal, also recognize the legitimacy of one of their number exercising a leadership role, in the guise of primus inter pares. This leadership of one of the brothers for the sake of all is deeply ingrained in our ways of being with one another, and multiple examples of it fill daily life (captains of sports teams, leaders of scout troops, platoon sergeants, rectors of seminaries, etc.). The acceptance of the legitimacy of primus inter pares is due to the recognition of a greater ability or a specific mandate given by higher authority. At the same time, it is seen as always rooted in the brotherhood shared among all and is understood as being of service to all.

All of these elements are found in the various fraternal relationships of a rector of a seminary, whether they be with his family, fellow Catholics in general, or those who collaborate with him in the mission of priestly formation, be they laity or priests.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.