This book advocates the need to move away from an overly intellectual or rigid approach to priestly and religious formation. Instead, it focuses on a more holistic outlook that nurtures the human, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions. This book is indeed not just for the clergy; it is rather a call to action for all members of the Church to help shape the future of priestly and religious formation and ministry.
Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão
Archbishop of Goa and Daman
President, Conference of Catholic Bishops of India
This book offers formators rich material to slow down, read reflectively, and rethink old paradigms while exploring new strategies. It reminds them that they are not the saviours of the world—they simply need to do their best and allow the Holy Spirit to work through them.
Rev. Dr. Roland Coelho, SJ
Rector, Papal Seminary, Pune
This book offers a thought-provoking exploration of how formation can be reimagined in response to evolving ecclesial and societal realities. With deep theological insight and pastoral sensitivity, it challenges traditional paradigms while envisioning a future rooted in authenticity and mission.
Sr. M. Nirmalini A.C.
President – Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI)
Contents
Foreword
Prologue
Message
Preface
1. Rethinking Priestly and Religious Formation: For a Post-Institutionalized Era
Augustine Mulloor, OCD
2. Redefining Priestly-Religious Formation: Adapting Prophetic-Mystical Dimensions for Christo- Centric, Human-Oriented and Missionary Formation
Raj Irudaya, SJ
3. Beyond Institutional Authority: Developing Leadership and Community Engagement for a De-Centralised Church
T. Xavier Terrence
4. From Tradition to Transformation: Re-Constructing Biblical Foundations for Priestly and Religious Formation in a Post-Institutional Ecclesia
Jamesy Vakayil, CTC
5. Priesthood and Integral Formation
Rajkumar Joseph, SJ
6. Become the Bearers of Christ’s Joy: Pope Francis’ Vision of Priestly Formation for Today
Thomas Karimundackal, SJ
7. Reimaging Religious Education: Integrating Contemporary Spirituality with Traditional Doctrines
Margaret Juli, SSAM
8. De-Forming and Renewing the Religious Formation for a Post-Institutional Era
Benedicta, CTC
9. Being a Formator in the Post-Institutional Era: Challenges and Responsibilities
Nivedita, MSA
10. Religious Formation in the Post-Institutional Era
Stella Baltazar, FMM
11. Unlocking True Growth: The Power of Emotional Maturity and Personality Development in Religious Formation
Lissy Jose, SSpS
12. The Ubiquitous AI Revolution and the Future Identity of Religious Leaders
Kuruvilla Pandikattu, SJ
Contributors
Sr. Jamesy Vakayil, a member of the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites, holds a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) from Kristujyoti College, Bengaluru, and two Master of Theology (MTh) degrees in Biblical Theology and Spiritual Theology from St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru. She earned her Doctorate in Systematic Theology from Jnana Deepa, Pontifical Athenaeum, Pune, and completed a Diploma in Pastoral Counseling & Religious Formation at NVSC, Pune. Sr. Jamesy has served as a formator in her Congregation and is a visiting faculty member at Kristujyoti College and Vidhyadeep College, Bengaluru. Currently, she serves as the Coordinator of Academics and Treasurer at Institute Mater Dei, Goa, while continuing as a teaching staff member.
Fr. Thomas Karimundackal is a professor of the Old Testament and Biblical Exegesis at the Faculty of Theology, Jnana Deepa (JD), Pontifical Athenaeum of Philosophy and Theology, Pune. He is the editor of Jnanadeepa: Pune Journal of Religious Studies, AUC: Asian Journal of Religious Studies, Christ College Pune Research Series (CCPRS), and founder and editor of Wisdom Research Series (WRS). He has authored/edited 15 books and published several research articles in national and international journals and periodicals. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (SSL) from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome; a Doctorate in Old Testament Exegesis (PhD) from the University of Innsbruck, Austria; a Masters in Chemistry (MSc) from Bharathidasan University, Trichy and a Masters in Counselling Psychology (MSc) from Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
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