Code_of_Canon_Law

Can. 243 In addition, each seminary is to have its own rule, approved by the diocesan Bishop or,
in the case of an inter-diocesan seminary, by the Bishops concerned. In this, the norms of the
Charter of Priestly Formation are to be adapted to the particular circumstances and developed in
greater detail, especially on points of discipline affecting the daily life of the students and the
good order of the entire seminary.
Can. 244 The spiritual formation and the doctrinal instruction of the students in a seminary are to
be harmoniously blended. They are to be so planned that the students, each according to his
talents, simultaneously develop the requisite human maturity and acquire the spirit of the Gospel
and a close relationship with Christ.
Can. 245 §1 Through their spiritual formation students are to be fitted for the fruitful exercise of
the pastoral ministry, and are to be inculcated with a sense of mission. They are to learn that a
ministry which is always exercised with lively faith and charity contributes effectively to their
personal sanctification. They are to learn to cultivate those virtues which are highly valued in
human relationships, in such a way that they can arrive at an appropriate harmony between
human and supernatural values.
§2 Students are to be so trained that, filled with love for Christ’s Church, they are linked to the
Roman Pontiff, the successor of Peter, in humble and filial charity, to their own Bishop as his
faithful co-workers and to their brethren in friendly cooperation. Through the common life in the
seminary, and by developing relationships of friendship and of association with others, they are
to be prepared for the fraternal unity of the diocesan presbyterium, in whose service of the
Church they will share.
Can. 246 §1 The celebration of the Eucharist is to be the centre of the whole life of the seminary,
so that the students, participating in the very charity of Christ, may daily draw strength of soul
for their apostolic labour and for their spiritual life particularly from this richest of sources.
§2 They are to be formed in the celebration of the liturgy of the hours, by which the ministers of
God, in the name of the Church, intercede with Him for all the people entrusted to them, and
indeed for the whole world.
§3 Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, including the rosary, mental prayer and other exercises
of piety are to be fostered, so that the students may acquire the spirit of prayer and be
strengthened in their vocation.
§4 The students are to become accustomed to approach the sacrament of penance frequently. It is
recommended that each should have a director of his spiritual life, freely chosen, to whom he can
trustfully reveal his conscience.
§5 Each year the students are to make a spiritual retreat.
Can. 247 §1 By appropriate instruction they are to be prepared to observe celibacy and to learn
to hold it in honour as a special gift of God.