In April, Saint Luke Institute and Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Seminary and School of Theology cosponsored the fourth biennial Conference on Human Formation, Practical Models for Celibacy Formation. Saint Meinrad was a beautiful location for learning and prayer as over 100 religious and diocesan vocation directors, novice masters, rectors, formators, spiritual directors, and others explored best practices and new strategies for screening and forming men and women for a life of celibate chastity in the Church.
Participants included men and women in formation and vocations work from religious congregations, dioceses and seminaries across the United States and Canada. Workshops ranged from “Vowing Chastity: Readiness and Capacity for Fruitful Celibate Living,” by Sr. Mary Pat Garvin, RSM, Ph.D., “Theological Reflection on the Celibate Life: An Experiential Approach,” by Br. John Mark Falkenhain, OSB, Ph.D., “Assessing Affective Maturity,” by Sr. Jane Becker, OSB, Ph.D., and “Addressing Celibate Chastity in Spiritual Direction,” by Rev. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D..
It was a pleasure to gather again in person with those we serve, to listen to their stories, their challenges, and future needs as they shape the next generation of priests and men and women religious serving the Church.
It was one of the best conferences I have been a part of in a long time. EVERYTHING about it was super.
Conference participant