In John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation, Pastores Dabo Vobis, we learn about the four pillars of priestly formation (and, many would agree, for lay ministry formation):
— Human Formation
— Spiritual Formation
— Intellectual Formation
— Pastoral Formation
While the last 3 are pretty commonly understood and provided for ministry professionals, the first one is a bit more difficult to understand: what is human formation, and how do we receive and grow in it?
What is human formation?
Human formation is the foundation for all other modes of formation. It is to become a reflection of Christ: to model “the human perfection which shines forth in the incarnate Son of God and which is reflected with particular liveliness in his attitudes toward others as we see narrated in the Gospels.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 43).
John Paul II goes on to say that ministers are bridges to Christ in even the most foundational ways, through their personalities:
“In order that his ministry may be humanly as credible and acceptable as possible, it is important that the priest should mold his human personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of humanity.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 43)
How do we grow in human formation?
There are 3 common threads in the exhortation:
1. By becoming wholly ourselves
This means, first and foremost, that we know ourselves: we recognize both our strengths and our weaknesses, and in both, glorify God.
We glorify God in our strengths when we use them to build up the Church. By working in our strengths, we are able to quickly maximize our potential in the unique giftedness we have.
But we also glorify God in our weaknesses! We do this when we allow others to see our shortcomings, seek forgiveness for the ways we have harmed others, and humbly return to the heart of the Father for mercy.
2. By belonging in a community and giving ourselves to others
Gaudium et Spes says succinctly that “Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.” We are made for each other, and we are most authentically ourselves when we give ourselves away.
No parish is perfect, but every parish is a place where the Gospel is incarnated through the lived experience of its people. In the messiness of our lives, in learning to live and worship together, we are invited to create a space of belonging, a home to encounter Christ in the breaking of the bread and also in the face of our neighbor.
This is modeled most clearly in Christ’s actions at the Last Supper: “do this in memory of me.” In the Eucharist, we receive the gift of our Lord — body, blood, soul, and divinity — and in receiving the Eucharist, we become who we receive.
3. By developing virtue and a healthy human personality
Every saint’s life is uniquely different from every other. Our personalities — even our flaws and idiosyncrasies — make us human. As we read in St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Christ does not despise human nature. He takes it upon himself, becoming one of us, obedient even to death. Our human nature is glorified.
So, how does your personality already glorify God, and align with Christ’s witness? In what ways do you need to continue to grow in virtue?
Next Steps in Human Formation
So, what about you? Where are you on your human formation journey? Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
— Can you identify your strengths and weaknesses?
— Where do you belong in community (and how is your community challenging you to grow)?
— Which virtue do you need this week?
We aren’t meant to walk alone. Find a friend, mentor, or coach who can accompany you. If you’re a minister looking to grow in human formation, consider joining our next Paschal Disciples in Ministry cohort, or getting some 1:1 coaching. Wherever you find yourself, if you need a mindset shift, I would love to help!
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