Formation for the Apostolate 160Throughout their entire course of formation, all students—clerics and religious brothers alike—are to prepare themselves diligently for ministries and apostolic works proper to the Congregation, and they should gradually enter into them under the guidance of directors and others who are experienced in apostolic activity. In addition to the formation that is common to all, each student, insofar as possible, should be prepared in a special way to undertake apostolic activity in some definite field of pastoral work, science, or the arts. Therefore, from the very beginning of formation, the students’ natural inclinations and special gifts should be carefully ascertained so that they may be prudently developed and suitably employed for the greater glory of God and the good of their neighbor. OT 19-21; PC 18; CM 130 Qualified Formators 161Although formation is perfected principally by the action of God and the cooperation of the member himself with His grace, the assistance of the educators is still of great importance. Hence, the Congregation should never hesitate to designate and prepare the best men for preserving and perfecting its organism. Those members are to be chosen for the function of formators and teachers who excel not only in understanding the students and in having diverse experiences of people and things, but also in prudence and piety. Indeed, the educators, together with their studentmembers, should strive to grow in holiness and knowledge; they should show them understanding and confidence, so that by the example of their own lives they may inspire in them zeal for perfection and learning, joy in their vocation, and also, in those things which pertain to God, a willingness for undertaking even difficult tasks. (D 100-104) OT 5; PC 18; J 23 October 1910 Phases of Formation 162 The process of formation should already be initiated with the candidate’s first contacts with the Congregation. It is accomplished, however, in a proper sense, Constitutions—Part V 134
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