Urbański, Stanisław (Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne Adalbertinum, 2017)
The priest’s permanent spiritual formation is supposed to lead him to a mystic unification. That is why the article ascertains that the mystic unification achieved by the presbyter is a source of his sainthood and his pastoral love, and betrothed love for the Church. It signifies the presbyter’s sainthood process, consisting in the development of supernatural virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit. It also represents the undertaking of the spiritual struggle against the flaws, effects of the original sin. At the same time, an active and passive cleansing occurs in the process. The whole process has to mirror Jesus’ attitudes and deeds as Servant, follow his example in the attitude, development of love, and humble service towards every human being. Thus, the priest’s permanent formation is a source and driving force of pastoral service. It should be noted that the process of the priest’s mystic sainthood is not presented in seminaries, instead an ascetic model is propagated.
