The New Ratio Fundamentalis (2016), the Rite of Priestly Ordination, and the Formation of Priestly Identity
There is no doubt that the times are changing and that the times have changed. As the value systems of society changes, so do the value systems of those who are in it. Incidentally, those who are to become priests are also products of society. If the value system of society is “changing” does the value system of the priesthood change too? This question of balance between the “urge of society” and the “identity of the priesthood” has been addressed clearly in the New Ratio Fundamentalis (2016) which urges that the basis for evaluation of seminarians for the ministry of Presbyter is that they acquire what it calls, “Priestly Identity”. This is nothing new, because a look at the present Rite of Ordination which goes back to the Apostolic Tradition, ca. 300AD, shows that the acquisition of this “Priestly identity” is taken for granted. Given that there is no other time, more than ever, that the acquisition of this “Priestly identity” is to be sought than ours, this paper seeks to sting us to consciousness in this regard.
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