Theological Formation Must Produce Priests of Integrity, Says Professor

MYSORE, November 9, 2026: Priestly formation must go beyond academic excellence to cultivate sincerity, honesty and truthfulness in the lives of future priests, said Fr Henry Angel SAC, professor at Prabodhana, Mysore.

Addressing more than 100 participants at a symposium on the theme, “Formed by the Truth: Theological Formation for Sincere, Honest, and Truthful Priests,” he stressed that theological knowledge must translate into personal integrity and an authentic witness to Christ.

Drawing on the theological vision of St Bonaventure, Fr Angel said academic competence should not be confused with virtue. The purpose of theological education, he argued, is fulfilled when the truth studied in the classroom becomes the truth by which a seminarian lives. Knowledge must develop an “intelligence of the heart” that draws candidates closer to Christ, who is Truth itself.

Distinguishing between sincerity, honesty and truthfulness, he explained that sincerity involves being authentic before God and others, honesty governs conduct and relationships, while truthfulness requires both words and actions to reflect reality.

Warning against the growing concern with appearances and public perception, Fr Angel said priests could become more preoccupied with how they are seen than with aligning their lives with their vocation. He cautioned that even liturgy and charitable activities could become instruments of self-promotion rather than expressions of genuine worship and service.

He called for a transformation of deeply rooted worldly attitudes, urging future priests to ground their self-worth in their identity as children of God rather than in public recognition and applause. He also cautioned against reducing priesthood to the performance of religious duties.

“Doing priestly things is not the same as being a priest,” he said, emphasising that holiness cannot be manufactured through rigid formation systems but remains a gift of grace.

Fr Angel challenged formators to ensure that seminaries do not merely produce academically accomplished and articulate theologians but form priests whose lives reflect the truth they proclaim. Such formation, he said, must nurture an authentic interior life, rooted in conscience and expressed through transparent relationships and faithful service to God's people.

By Fr. Carlos Luis