I
was happy to learn that the Vatican has recently released a document, "On
the use of psychology in the seminary." It's about time that something of
this sort be officially recommended by Church authorities.
Of
course, the immediate context of the document is the clerical sexual scandals
that oppressed the Church in many parts of the world a few years ago and continue
to haunt us today.
But
it actually possesses a very objective importance, regardless of circumstances,
and a universal coverage that should be highlighted, especially at these times.
In
it, the crucial help that psychology as a science can give to seminarians and,
I must say, to everybody else is traced. Insofar as seminarians are concerned,
the document says that recourse to experts in the psychological sciences can:
"…allow
a more sure evaluation of the candidate's psychic state; it can help evaluate
his human dispositions for responding to the divine call; and it can provide some
extra assistance for the candidate's human growth."
So
you see, psychology is not only for handling mental problems and illnesses, already
a tremendous task. It also contributes to human growth, which should always be
stimulated by every legitimate means available!
By
now, everyone should be convinced that our life always has a psychological dimension.
Every virtue or vice has psychological effects and triggers some psychological
dynamics. We should try our best to know them.
We
don't talk about it only when there are problems. We always have to take it into
consideration in all our dealings with people. That at least would denote a growth
in our sensitivity to others.
Thus,
in the seminary some psychological profiling has to be done of every candidate
to the priesthood, noting each one's strengths and weaknesses in this aspect,
his good and bad potentials, etc. And a close monitoring of this portrait, given
its dynamic nature, should be made.
I
frankly believe that not only the use of psychology should be promoted but also
some serious effort be made to mainstream the skill and expertise on the part
of seminary formators and others similarly situated in this vital field of knowledge.
We
have to drastically rehabilitate the image of psychology in the minds not only
of the Church officials but also of everybody else. We cannot deny that psychology
is still treated like a leper in the community or the house fool everyone tries
to hide. We have to get out of that antiquated mindset.
At
the rate we are developing with all the complicating and insanity-tending elements
around, there's no way but for psychology to be duly acknowledged, its need appreciated
and its use spread far and wide.
Again,
insofar as its use is relevant to seminary formation, the document lists down
several factors that undermine the psychological health of seminarians and those
asking admission.
"Those
who today ask admittance to the seminary," it says, "reflect, in a more
or less accentuated way, the unease of an emerging mentality characterized by
consumerism, instability in family and social relationships, moral relativism,
erroneous visions of sexuality…."
Just
a few months ago, I noted that Pope Benedict said something that today's youth
are a "fragile generation," and I could not agree with him more. My
everyday experience and contact with people more than abundantly validate this
observation.
There
are many people with clearly psychological wounds, some very deep and grave, springing
even from their own family environment, not to mention, the usual problem areas:
pressures from work, social relations, politics, business, showbiz, etc.
I
am no psychologist but that does not prevent me from recognizing obvious irregularities
in the mental, affective and sexual aspects of many people. These concerns have
to be given more effective attention.
Of
course, the use of psychology should not replace the spiritual and supernatural
means that are always indispensable in the formation of seminarians as well as
of everybody else.
It
should be the constant accompaniment of these spiritual means, a tool to express
and fathom the spiritual developments, since these always have some psychological
manifestations. Naturally, it should also be an instrument to enhance the seminarians'
personalities and temperaments.
Thus,
a sound psychology should be learned, since there are many schools of thought
in this regard, and not all are good.
**********
Fr. Roy Cimagala
is the Chaplain of Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE) in Talamban,
Cebu City. You can email him at:Email: roycimagala@boholchronicle.com | 
