Integrating Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Training into the Curriculum of Priestly Formation: A Study of the Enugu Catholic Diocese

Aneke, Marcellinus N. (2025) Integrating Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Training into the Curriculum of Priestly Formation: A Study of the Enugu Catholic Diocese. In: Educational Foundations Faculty of Education. CIDJAP PRESS NIG. LTD, pp. 1-39. ISBN 978-978-777-666-7

Text Fr Ben Achi Festschrifts Integrating Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Training into the Curriculum of Priestly Formation (1).pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

The formation of Catholic priests has undergone significant transformation throughout the history of the Church, shaped by theological, social, and ecclesiastical developments. From its early beginnings, the Church has recognized the necessity of preparing candidates for the priesthood not only in doctrine and liturgy but also in personal holiness and pastoral care. In the early centuries of Christianity, there was no formal system for priestly training. Instead, candidates for ordination were typically mentored by bishops or experienced clergy through a form of apprenticeship, learning by observing and participating in ministry (Lehmann, 2010). The emphasis was placed on spiritual maturity and moral integrity, often measured through community recognition and ecclesiastical endorsement. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) marked a turning point in the institutionalization of priestly formation. In response to abuses and lack of uniformity in clerical education, the Council mandated the establishment of seminaries in every diocese, emphasizing systematic training in philosophy, theology, Latin, and Church doctrine (O’Malley, 2000). This initiative sought to produce educated, disciplined, and doctrinally sound clergy, thereby enhancing the integrity and influence of the Catholic priesthood. In the 20th century, the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) brought renewed focus to priestly formation, emphasizing pastoral orientation, cultural sensitivity, and holistic human development. The Council's decree, Optatam Totius (1965), called for a more comprehensive and context-sensitive approach to formation, encouraging seminaries to integrate spiritual, academic, pastoral, and human dimensions (Vatican Council II, 1965). Building on this, Pope John Paul II's apostolic exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis (1992) further outlined the four essential pillars of priestly formation: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. The document emphasized the need for personal development, deep prayer life, intellectual rigor, and practical pastoral experience (John Paul II, 1992).

Item Type:	Book Section
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2361 Curriculum
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts > Faculty of Law > Faculty of Management and Social Sciences > Faculty of Education
Depositing User:	mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2025 11:57
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2025 11:57
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5227

Actions (login required)

View Item