Pallottine Symposium Calls for Greater Lay Participation in Priestly Formation

Mysore, Nov 9, 2026: The role of the laity in priestly formation and the need to bridge the gap between seminary education and parish life were highlighted during a presentation at the Pallottine Platinum Jubilee Symposium on priestly formation.

Dr. Jennifer Fernandes, Coordinator of the PATHDEEP Programme for Children at the Jesuit Human Development Centre, Anand, Gujarat, drew on a survey of Catholic laity across India to present the perspectives of the faithful on priestly formation. She emphasised that while the laity value priests’ intellectual and sacramental foundations, they also expect them to be equipped to respond to the emotional, social and pastoral realities of everyday parish life.

She observed that when people meet a newly ordained priest, "they encounter not only what he has learned, but also who he has become". Quoting a lay respondent, she added, "The Church needs priests who are not only good preachers but also good pastors".

Fernandes structured her presentation around the theological concepts of orthodoxy, orthopathy and orthopraxy, represented by the Head, Heart and Hands. She stressed that sound doctrinal knowledge remains essential but must be accompanied by pastoral charity and practical competence.

Listening, she noted, is one of the primary ways in which the laity assess a priest's pastoral effectiveness. She called for a shift away from clerical models in which the laity are expected merely to "pray, pay and obey", towards an understanding of authority rooted in service and accompaniment.

To strengthen the connection between seminary formation and parish realities, Fernandes proposed four pathways: public theology to engage with social realities, positive psychology to develop emotional resilience, Gospel Sharing in Basic Ecclesial Communities to foster communal discernment, and active partnership with the laity.

Emphasising the reciprocal relationship between priests and the communities they serve, she said, "A priest serves the community, but the community also helps form the priest".

Fernandes underlined that seminaries and parishes should not function as isolated spaces in the formation of priests. She said the laity do not seek to diminish the sacred identity of the priesthood but wish to accompany priests in their ministry.

She expressed the hope of preparing a shepherd "whose knowledge becomes wisdom, whose prayer becomes presence, whose authority becomes service, and whose life points others towards Christ".

By Fr. Carlos Luis, SAC