The Influence of Integral Psycho - Spiritual Formation On Vocation Discernment with Reference To the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) In South Africa
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Date
2017-05
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
This dissertation looked at the Influence of the integral psycho-spiritual formation on vocation
discernment with reference to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) in South Africa. The
study was prompted by an observation of the researcher that the current Pallottine formative approach
needed a review in order to facilitate genuine vocation discernment of candidates. Over the past few
years, the problem was manifested through the behavior of some candidates who after being asked to
discontinue with their formation show lack of understanding that consecrated life is an unmerited gift
from God. Again, through candidates who showed inconsistency in discernment about their vocation to
consecrated life. The work reviewed literature of other writers in connection with formation and
vocation discernment. The study adopted a mixed method of research design, which was both
qualitative and quantitative in nature. The sample size of the study included the 26 candidates in the
Pallottine formation house in South Africa, 3 priests who are serving as formators, the 6 priests who
have served as formators in the past years, and 5 other Pallottine priests and brothers. The research
instruments used, were questionnaires with close-ended questions to obtain quantitative data, and openended
questions to obtain qualitative data. The findings of the study showed that the human –
Psychological dimension of candidates was less attended to, as compared to the Spiritual dimension in
the formation of candidates. This created a formative environment that was less favorable for vocation
discernment. Although the respondents indicated that candidates were able to discern their vocation, it
was however revealed that sometimes the decisions that they made were inconsistent with their call to
consecrated life. The study also established that formators needed to acquire more formative skills,
since lack of skilled formators contributes to creating an unfavorable atmosphere for vocation
discernment. In conclusion, the research established that programmes that enhance humanpsychological
growth of candidates be re-introduced in the formation system and further, formation of
formators needed to be considered as an area of urgency.
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Keywords
Integral Psycho, Spiritual Formation, Vocation Discernment, Society, Catholic Apostolate, Pallottines, South Africa