Missionary Formation of Candidates to Priestly and Religious Life in Nigeria: A Psycho-Theological Model of Formation

Résumé

The growing number of Nigerian priests and religious who undertake mission ad extra is an cloquent sign of the growth of the seed sown by the early missionaries. The new generation of missionaries record huge successes in their mission. Nevertheless, the issue of quality formation has remained a great challenge over the years. In view of this, formators have not ceased to improve themselves through formators’ courses and on-going formation programs. More qualified and trained personnel are now available. Many intellectuals and spiritual masters are made directors of formation. They plan and implement the programme based on the teachings of the Church bearing in mind the different cultural contexts and signs of the time. Formators have applied different models in their formative programme ranging from the institutional model to the integrative model of formation. As a result, many have gained more confidence in their missionary works and recorded more positive outcomes. Despite this fact, there are still some deficiencies in pastoral strategies that manifest pronouncedly in relational difficulties and narcissistic tendencies (sexual abuse/harassments, embezzlement, power puzzle, dysfunctional relationships etc.). These could suggest a shallow relationship with God and certain limitations in relational skills,