This Program is unique in its rootedness in the teaching of St Benedict and the monastic tradition. It is composed of:
LECTURES on a range of topics related to the monastic tradition and formation today.
GROUP REFLECTION and discussion to share experience, insight and expertise.
EXCURSIONS and visits to monasteries and historic Christian sites.
COMMUNITY LIVING with those from different countries and cultural backgrounds, with a regular framework of prayer.
Contents vary from year to year, but the following is an indication of the topics covered over the three months:
The Monastic Dynamic of Christian Discipleship; Earthing Benedict: Reading Benedict’s Rule in the Land of Benedict; The Art of Winning Souls: Pastoral Care of Novices;
Holy Week: The Paschal Dimension of the Monastic Life; The Call to Be Human: Issues in Vocational Discernment; The Challange of Living Friendship and Celibacy in Community; Sources of the Monastic Tradition: Basil the Great; John Cassian; the Rule of the Master; Desert Elders; Augustine of Hippo; Monastic History: From Benedict to the Present Day; Lectio Divina & The Psalms; Helping Novices to Pray; The Witness of Community; Conversion; Monastic Commitment; Spiritual Accompaniment in The Monastic Context.
I highly recommend this Program because of the lived experience of the teachers and the sharing of their wisdom enriched me. It has broadened my understanding of the monastic life. The experiencce filled the gaps in my own formation, leads to personal renewal and gives me more confidence to take up the task as a formator. Sr Rakkini Anthoniappan, INDIA, [MFP 2010]
Monastic Formators' Programme
Rome and Assisi
The Executive
Introducting...
The MFP is an intenseive Programme that requires serious study and focus during the three months. The aim of the Program is threefold:
Participant's Experience
I would not hesitate to highly recommend the MFP to men and women preparing to assume the role of formators as a profound and essential experience. The quality of content and wisdom shared out of “lived” experience by masters of the monastic tradition moved and inspired me, giving me confidence for the task ahead. The experience filled up gaps in my own formation and offered valuable tools and methods for communicating the tradition. The Program leads to personal renewal, offers valued interaction with a diverse group of monastics and a unique experience of community life and lifelong friendships. Don’t miss it!
Sr Colleen Leonard, sgs,
Victoria, AUSTRALIA, [MFP 2003]
Character of the Program
Aims of the Program
ACADEMIC: to provide a deeper appreciation of the monastic tradition and its values.
PEDAGOGICAL: to reflect on how we communicate this tradition love and enthusiasm.
PASTORAL: to deal with questions of discernment and human and spiritual development.
Program Contents
