The Transformative Power of Literature in Pastoral Formation
I had originally chosen to give this Letter a title referring to priestly formation. On further reflection, however, this subject also applies to the formation of all those engaged in pastoral work, indeed of all Christians. What I would like to address here is the value of reading novels and poems as part of one’s path to personal maturity.
Finding Solace and Growth Through Reading
Often during periods of boredom on holiday, in the heat and quiet of some deserted neighborhood, finding a good book to read can provide an oasis that keeps us from other choices that are less wholesome. Reading novels and poems, especially in moments of weariness, anger, disappointment, or failure can help us weather the storm until we find peace of mind. Time spent reading may well open up new interior spaces that help us to avoid becoming trapped by a few obsessive thoughts that can stand in the way of our personal growth. In the age before our present unremitting exposure to social media, mobile phones, and other devices, reading was a common experience, and those who went through it know what I mean. It is not something completely outdated.
The Transformative Experience of Reading
Unlike audio-visual media, where the product is more self-contained, a book demands greater personal engagement on the part of its reader. Readers, in some sense, rewrite a text, enlarging its scope through their imagination, creating a whole world by bringing into play their skills, their memory, their dreams, and their personal history, with all its drama and symbolism. A literary work is thus a living and ever-fruitful text, always capable of speaking in different ways and producing an original synthesis on the part of each of its readers. In our reading, we are enriched by what we receive from the author, allowing us in turn to grow inwardly, so that each new work we read will renew and expand our worldview.
The Importance of Literature in Priestly Formation
For this reason, it is crucial that seminaries devote time and attention to literature. Literature is not merely a form of entertainment or a minor art; it is an essential component of the education of future priests and their preparation for pastoral ministry. Literature grants privileged access to the heart of human culture and the heart of every individual. By engaging with literature, future priests can develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of human life and cultivate empathy, compassion, and a nuanced understanding of the human experience.
Seeing Through the Eyes of Others
Literature helps readers to see through the eyes of others, fostering empathy, compassion, and a broader perspective on the human condition. By immersing ourselves in the stories of others, we become more sensitive to the experiences of those around us and can connect more deeply with their struggles, joys, and hopes. Literature challenges us to reflect on our own experiences and biases, leading to greater humility, understanding, and solidarity with our fellow human beings.
The Spiritual Power of Literature
Ultimately, literature serves as a powerful tool for cultivating the hearts and minds of pastors and future pastors. It fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a deep engagement with the diversity and complexity of human experience. Literature invites us to listen to the voice of others, to encounter the mystery of existence, and to open ourselves to the transformative power of storytelling. By integrating literature into pastoral formation, we can develop a richer, more compassionate approach to ministry and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
