Beyond Clones
Simone Riva - The goal of the seminary is clear: “to form missionary disciples in love with the Master, shepherds with the smell of the sheep, living among them to serve them and bring them the mercy of God” (Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, no. 3).
This presupposes a number of criteria that are impossible to compromise when conferring ordination. However, the seminary should not seek to form clones that all think the same way and have the same tastes and inclinations. The grace of the sacrament takes root in everything that enriches each person's unique personality, a personality that must be respected to bear fruit in different ways, reflecting the diversity that the People of God themselves need.
Pope Francis put it this way on January 25 during his meeting with the rectors of France's major and propaedeutic seminaries. The phrase, “The seminary, however, should not seek to form clones,” caused some astonishment because, in fact, it is the first time we have heard such an explicit call from a pope regarding priestly formation. It had often been thought of as a model into which candidates were expected to fit—a prototype to which they had to conform. As a result, the uniqueness and originality of each person were often seen as problems to be contained, rather than as a “variety that the People of God need.”
The Pope touched on a point that is a valuable reminder for any educational endeavor. Is there still anyone who is not afraid of man? And of real man, as he is? Is anyone still willing to be inspired by the path another is taking? We live in an interesting yet confusing time in history. Regarding the priesthood, for example, on the one hand, there are complaints about the shortage of priests. On the other hand, there is a certain impatience toward them, as if they have become obstacles to projects that aim to function without them.
This situation prompts us to reflect on the reasons why one chooses a different path, does not conform to collective thinking, and does not abandon the desire to embrace a vocation.
Benedict XVI defined it as “to walk in the footsteps of Christ.” Vocation eludes any organizational plan or human project, which is perhaps why it paradoxically begins to disturb. It is the visible sign, in human flesh, of the irruption of Mystery into reality. Every vocation, every calling, every “yes” is a revolution—the revolution of the hundredfold. Benedict XVI expressed this concept in a passage from his homily at the Mass marking the beginning of his pontificate on April 24, 2005:
“He who lets Christ enter his life loses nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great… He takes nothing away and gives everything. Those who give themselves to Him receive a hundredfold in return.”
God is not afraid of man—of any man. That is why He does not need clones, does not make photocopies, but rather creates originals made in His image and likeness. And among us? Is there anyone who is not afraid of vocation? Who is not afraid of the uniqueness of each person? Who rejoices in the discoveries of others? Or must we submit to worldly mechanisms that favor the power of those who can seize it?
On this feast of light that we celebrate today, there is a sign we cannot overlook:
“Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘Behold, he is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” (Luke 2:33-35)
The power Christ has chosen for himself is that of the unveiling of hearts: before him, and with ourselves, we cannot cheat. This remains the ultimate safeguard against any risk of cloning.
The author has not revised the text and its translations.
