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Handout #165 |
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The training of clergy: progressive demands |
| Vincent de Paul gave future priests training in a retreat
lasting eleven days. Little by little the demands became greater.
Seminaries were founded. Here are some decrees issued by the archbishops
of Lyons.1657 A.D.: We decree that those desirous of being promoted to
holy orders shall come to this city for sufficient time to be instructed
in Monsignor's seminary and to stay there the number of days it has
pleased him to ordain for each order, namely: twelve days for the
subcollate, ten days for the diaconate and fifteen days for the
priesthood.
1663: Foundation of the Seminary of St Irenaeus of Lyons We have created a seminary to serve to instruct the clergy of our diocese, to train in the piety and competence required by the dignity and importance or so holy a calling those who aspire to this profession, and to perfect those who are already engaged in it, by retreat, spiritual conversations, lectures and exhortations. . . Finally, it is to be a holy school in which one can learn virtue, the practice of the sacraments and ceremonies of the church, and all that is required of persons who wish to employ themselves in the sanctification of the people ... 1694: No one shall be admitted to the sub-diaconate who has not spent six months in one of our seminaries in Lyons: three months before presenting himself for the diaconate and three months also before receiving the order of priesthood ... |
