Ogólna charakterystyka adhortacji apostolskiej „Pastores dabo vobis” Jana Pawła II ‒ wprowadzenie

Abstract

The presented apostolic adhortation Pastores dabo vobis, announced on 25th March 1992, is the fruit of works of the episcopal synod dedicated to the formation of priests which took place from 30th September till 28th October 1990. The Author of the adhortation, Pope John Paul II, elaborated a synthesis of the subject discussed by the above mentioned synod. The document consists of six chapters preceded by an extensive introduction, and an invocative cocnlusion. Generally, the character of the adhortation is of a mainly pastoral kind. It has been directed to the bishops, priests and lay worshipers, so it is an intraecclesiastical document. The basic source the Author refers to is the synodal document “Propositiones”, worked out by particular language groups participating in the synod. The title of the document, taken from The Book of Jeremiah, seems to be especially appropriate. The verse Pastores dabo vobis (Jr 3, 15), as an utterance of God Himself, contains a deep message pointing out to the proper construction that should be put on every priest's vocation. Every such vocation carries the seal of the mystery of being chosen by God; thus, the status of the priesthood, marked with human weakness as it nearly always is, can never be depreciated in relation to this mystery. It is worth mentioning perhaps, that the present article was delivered as a lecture during the scientific symposium at The Higher Seminary of St. Paul’s Order in Cracow on 19th November 1992.