This past August, something amazing unfolded at Mater Dolorosa, the Passionist Retreat Center in the foothills of Sierra Madre. We gathered all 20 of our seminarians, along with the Seminary Formators and myself, for a three-day convocation. This retreat, held from August 5th to 7th, marked a significant milestone for our seminary community. Together, we delved into the heart of what it means to live as a diocesan priest, a shepherd molded in the image of Christ.
Guided by the leadership of Very Rev. Dr. Javier Gonzalez, Rector of Serra House, and supported by all the formators, the retreat centered on the Spirituality of a Diocesan Priest. It was not just a time for prayer and reflection, though that was certainly a foundation. It was a time to share, to grow, and to deepen our collective understanding of what it means to shepherd with the heart of Christ.
The theme of the convocation, inspired by Pastores Dabo Vobis, was clear: seminarians are being prepared to be “shepherds in the image of Christ.” This pastoral dimension, as Fr. Javier explained, is understood in the light of pastoral charity. We, as priests, are called to embody Christ’s compassion, generosity, love for all—especially the poor—and zeal for the Kingdom of God. It is a high calling, one that demands a holistic approach, where our seminarians not only prepare intellectually but are also deeply formed in the experience of the Church as communion, mystery, and mission.
Pastoral Charity in Action
Fr. Javier’s message resonated with all of us. There is a sacred responsibility in this journey of formation—a responsibility not just to our personal growth but to the people we will one day serve. To become a priest is to enter into a life of pastoral charity, to become a shepherd who mirrors the public ministry of Christ. The retreat was a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace that calling more fully.
Throughout the three days, we experienced a profound sense of fraternity. We prayed together, worshiped together, and spent time in joyful community. During our community nights, laughter and shared stories echoed through the halls. It was, as Fr. Javier described it, a Christlike experience. It reminded us that priesthood is not just about what we do, but about who we are in relation to one another and to the people we will serve.
As we look ahead to this new formation year, there is a sense of hope and excitement. We pray for blessings and graces, and we trust that the Holy Trinity is the author and driving force behind everything we do. The retreat set a spiritual tone for the year ahead, and I am confident that the seeds planted during those three days will bear fruit in the months to come.
The Spiritual, Intellectual, and Human Dimensions of Formation
The convocation was enriched by the insights of several key formators who shared their reflections on different aspects of priestly formation. Msgr. Anthony Eze, the spiritual formator, spoke about the importance of the spiritual dimension. He reminded us that seminarians are called to live in intimate and unceasing union with God the Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit. This formation, as Msgr. Eze emphasized, is achieved through prayer, liturgy, and the sacraments.
Fr. Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku, the academic dean and intellectual formator, focused on the “why” and “how” of intellectual formation. He explained that seminarians must be equipped with the truth of our Catholic faith, grounded in the person of Jesus Christ. Intellectual formation, Fr. Benedict said, is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about developing a critical mindset that goes beyond the fleeting glories of this world. It is about learning to communicate the mystery of God with clarity and compassion.
Emma Mejico and Magdalena Cantu Romo, who work in human formation and counseling, shared their reflections on the human dimension of formation. Their goal is to help seminarians develop a maturity of consciousness and self-awareness, along with a balanced approach to psychological and emotional health. As they presented during the retreat, this holistic human formation is crucial for future priests to lead with the heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Looking to the Future
As we move into this new year of formation, my hope is that the model introduced by Fr. Javier will be successfully implemented. His passion for formation, grounded in the needs of our seminarians and the needs of our Church, is truly inspiring. I believe in the wisdom of this approach and am confident that it will bear great fruit for the future of our Diocese.
The retreat was a moment of great hope and joy for all of us. As I spoke with the seminarians, I sensed their openness and curiosity, their desire to be formed into the priests God is calling them to be. The sense of community and shared mission was profoundly displayed.
In my own talk, I emphasized the importance of communal life. We are called to live in healthy fraternity with one another, to support and challenge each other as we grow into the likeness of Christ. This convocation was just the beginning. I look forward to the journey ahead, knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us, guiding us as we form future priests for the glory of God and the salvation of His people.
The road ahead is long, but it is filled with grace. And for that, I give thanks.
Fr. Hau Vu is Director of Vocations in the Diocese of San Bernardino.