Psychology and Sociology Replace Presumptions
In his bi-weekly lecture focusing on the works of Vatican II, Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon cited the developments at the Second Vatican Council which had a profound effect on how the Church trains and develops its priests.
The 1965 instruction from Vatican II cited the need to implement psychological and sociological elements to priestly formation. St John Paul II issued the 1992 document, ?I will Give You Shepherds? which lead to profound changes.
The Bishop said the Vatican Council had come to the realization that the culture had changed and what once was, was no longer, in the cases of men entering the priesthood?.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDyLsPtP7gk[/youtube]
Bishop Lennon said it became more than apparent to the Holy Father, that things had changed particularly in young men?s family and social situations growing up?
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTBJ9mcCQ3s[/youtube]
St. John Paul II as Pope set this goal for priests: to achieve Pastoral Charity which all priests need to practice as Christ did.
When asked about the Church?s sexual abuse scandal, the Bishop said many of those accused entered the seminary in high school or undergraduate college, compared to the later vocations of today?
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfQxi8PIFdA[/youtube]
Bishop Lennon?s next lecture in the Vatican II series is scheduled for St. John Cathedral after the Noon Mass on Thursday May 15th.
