Seminary Rector Questions Priestly Formation: “Are We Forming Shepherds or CEOs?”

MYSORE, November 6, 2026: Dr Francis Scaria, Rector of Khrist Premalaya Seminary, Ashta, has called for a fundamental review of priestly formation, warning that seminaries risk producing academically qualified and administratively competent priests without adequately nurturing their spiritual maturity and pastoral commitment.

Speaking at a symposium in Mysore on November 6, organised as part of the Pallottines’ Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Dr Scaria said priestly formation must focus on developing shepherds who are spiritually grounded, sensitive to human suffering and committed to servant leadership.

The symposium, titled “Bridging Formation and Ministry: Critical Challenges and Concerns in the Last Phase of Priestly Formation Today,” examined the gaps between seminary training and the realities of contemporary pastoral ministry.

Drawing on the biblical image of the Good Shepherd in Jeremiah 3:15, Dr Scaria described the priest as one called to serve God and humanity, configured to Christ and attentive to the suffering of people.

“Knowledge of God without love of God is Satanic,” he said, expressing concern that present formation systems often prioritise intellectual development over spiritual and human growth. “It trains the intellect rather than the heart,” he observed.

Identifying ten major shortcomings in the existing formation system, he questioned the growing secularisation of seminary life, saying that academic qualifications were sometimes pursued at the expense of spiritual depth. “Theology has replaced revelation; we gain degrees but lose purity of heart,” he said.

He also raised concerns about recruitment practices, including promises of comfortable living and competition between dioceses to attract candidates, which he described as “sheep-stealing”.

Pointing to inequalities in digital access, he noted that seminarians from rural backgrounds often struggle to keep pace with their urban counterparts despite belonging to Generation Z. He also questioned evaluation systems that focus on academic performance and discipline without adequately assessing a candidate's spiritual maturity and identification with Christ.

Another major concern, he said, was the disconnect between seminary formation and the demands of actual pastoral ministry. Seminaries, he observed, were preparing candidates for an “imaginary priesthood”, while some priests increasingly functioned like corporate executives and administrators.

He also cited the isolation of seminaries from society, the shortage of exemplary formators, excessive clerical control over responsibilities that could be entrusted to laypeople and educational ministries that primarily benefit the elite.

Calling for changes, Dr Scaria advocated transparent recruitment, deeper discernment and greater emphasis on human, emotional and spiritual formation. He urged seminaries to prepare candidates to respond to changing social realities rather than remain confined to institutional structures.

Referring to Pope Leo XIV's warning against remaining prisoners of a self-centred perspective, he stressed the importance of developing openness, spiritual sensitivity and a missionary outlook.

He also called for the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence in formation, alongside greater participation of laypeople, women religious and families in accompanying seminarians. Pastoral exposure among the poor and prisoners, he said, should become an integral part of formation.

He further recommended a comprehensive evaluation system that assesses the whole person, involving not only seminary formators but also parish priests and lay leaders who interact with candidates during pastoral assignments.

Quoting Pope Francis, “We are not trained for the mission, but in the mission,” Dr Scaria said priestly formation should not be considered complete when a seminarian leaves the institution.

Authentic formation, he emphasised, continues and deepens through engagement with people and the practical challenges of pastoral ministry.

By Fr. Carlos Luis, SAC