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Priests to take lessons from Hinduism, other Indian traditions
Kochi, Oct 10 (PTI): To prepare its future priests meet modern day
challenges, the Catholic church in Kerala has decided to draw lessons
from Hinduism and ancient Indian culture and traditions.
The Syro Malabar church will soon be delving into ancient texts in
Hinduism and Indian philosophy and traditions to draw lessons on its
four 'ashramas' and the Gurukul system of learning to train its
priests.
The Church has decided to take lessons on the four ashramas--
Grihasthashramam, Brahmacharyam, Vanaprastam and Sanyasam, Father Paul
Thelakat, Church spokesman told PTI.
''Training of priests is a major concern of the church. It is only
fitting for the church to draw lessons from ancient Indian philosophy
and tradition and provide for local adoption and formation for
priestly ministry'', he said.
A document promulgated by the Syro Malabar synod of Bishops and signed
by Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil, titled 'Charter
for Priestly formation in the Syro Malabar church' has been brought
out, which stipulates how priests are to be trained in the church.
Today, the priest is also called upon to be involved in various fields
of activity, including socio-economic development, as part of his
pastoral care.
Seminaries shall as far as possible try to give an integral training
which will make future priests respond to these tasks as well without
neglecting the primary ones, he said.
The charter is a 'Normative guide', an inspiration for the attainment
of this objective, he added.
