Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 371

In the Visitation to the Seminaries, the following elements were exam-

ined: theological doctrine on the priesthood, seminary governance, questions

regarding the admission of candidates to the seminary and assessment of

them prior to ordination, the process of formation (human, spiritual, intel-

lectual and pastoral), and possible ways of assisting recently ordained priests.

Particular attention was given to the admission of candidates and to pro-

grammes of spiritual and human formation aimed at enabling seminarians to

live priestly celibacy faithfully and joyfully. The Visitation to the Seminaries

gave priority to issues involving the protection of minors.

In this regard, the Holy See has made the following observations:

1) The Visitation was able to establish that there are dedicated formators

in Irish seminaries, committed to the work of priestly training. The seminar-

ians themselves were generally praised for their human and spiritual qualities

and for their motivation and commitment to the Church and her mission.

Studies are taken seriously, and attention is given to human and spiritual

formation.

2) Each seminary has clear child protection norms in place and the

Irish seminaries are committed to educating future priests with a broad

understanding of all that is involved in the protection of minors within

the Church.

3) For the further improvement of the seminaries, it has been proposed,

wherever necessary:

a. to ensure that the formation provided is rooted in authentic

priestly identity, offering a more systematic preparation for a life of

priestly celibacy by maintaining a proper equilibrium between human,

spiritual and ecclesial dimensions;

b. to reinforce structures of Episcopal governance over the seminaries;

c. to introduce more consistent admission criteria - this would

involve the seminary, in consultation with the Dioceses, examining and

deciding admissibility of candidates;

d. to show greater concern for the intellectual formation of seminar-

ians, ensuring that it is in full conformity with the Church's Magisterium;

e. to include in the academic programme in-depth formation on

matters of child protection, with increased pastoral attention to victims of

sexual abuse and their families;