Claretian Formation

IV.Characteristics of the GPG Project

Besides the Claretian character of the GPF and the participatory dimension in its drafting, it may be helpful to underscore the following:

1. Denomination and Title

Among the various titles that could have been given to it (plan, guide, ratio, orientations, compendium, etc.), it seemed best to call it General Plan of Formation. In the first place, because this is what it has been called throughout the Congregation in recent years and because the last General Chapter approved it to be drafted as such.

And, in the second place, because the pedagogical guidelines for the formation of our missionaries are offered in a methodical and planned manner, that is, they are presented in a systematic, organic and gradual way and according to a process that follows well-defined formative stages. At the time of publication, looking even at the possibility of rendering a service to other Institutes, it was deemed fitting to give it the more generic title of Formation of Missionaries.777

2. Breadth

Its breadth has received special consideration. A middle term has been opted for. It seemed opportune to develop rather broadly the charismatic elements (which could have been somewhat simplified) of Claretian formation, in order to facilitate the formative mission of the communities. It was deemed that in the present situation of the Congregation, a sufficiently broad organic synthesis of formative principles and orientations might be more helpful in formation.

Besides, there was no intention to make the GPF a document that would exhaust all the points it deals with, particularly as regards vocation ministry and the various stages of formation. The references to original sources and the appendices allow for a broadening and deepening of contents.

3. Structure of the Approved and Published Text

The text approved and published by the General Government is the fifth draft of the GPF. It is the outcome of incorporating the observations and suggestions made by the Congregation to the fourth draft that was sent to Major Organisms and General Houses, as well as those that the General Government made to the text presented by the IFC.

It consists of an introduction, two parts and various appendices. The first part deals with the general aspects of Claretian formation that are common to all missionaries. The second goes through the various stages of initial and on-going formation. The appendices offer various tools that aid in understanding and applying it.

In its internal structure, the GPF takes into account the formative process as a continuous process of formation, from vocation ministry through on-going formation. It does not exhaust all the points it deals with. Often, for the sake of brevity, it refers to original sources that may be consulted in greater detail.

4. For the Entire Congregation

It is addressed to all of us who make up the Congregation, priests, deacons, students and brothers, and also to those who are called to form part of the same and are at the point of discernment and preparation. It considers, therefore, the Claretian in a continuous process of formation and in his priestly, diaconal or lay condition. However, it lays a special stress on vocational ministry and the initial formation of those called to missionary life in the Congregation.

The GPF aims at being a tool to challenge all Claretians, since all of us members of the Congregation are responsible, at our different levels, for the vocational ministry as well as for the initial and on-going formation. It aims to be a formative instrument valid for formators and for those in formation; a guide to orient and foster the drafting of Plans of Formation at other levels. All this is geared to guarantee a Claretian formation, which, in its missionary nature, must always be open to the signs of the times and attuned to the realities of the world and of the Church, both universal and particular.