Spiritual Direction as A Tool of Nurturing and Discerning Vocations to Priesthood in The Catholic Diocese of Malindi, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2020-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
Many young men and women are often confused when it comes to choosing their vocations and careers. This study explored the use of spiritual direction as a tool of discerning and nurturing vocations to priesthood within the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to investigate how spiritual direction is a means of discerning and nurturing vocations to priesthood; exploring the meaning of spiritual direction and discernment; identifying challenges in vocational discernment in the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, and to suggest appropriate strategies for addressing issues and challenges related to discernment and nurturing vocations to priesthood. The study was anchored and guided by Rulla’s theory of psycho-social dynamics of Christian vocation.The research adopted a mixed method research design, which was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. The target population was: 10 priests from across the diocese, 10 religious nuns from across the parishes, 10 parents, 12 seminarians, the vocation team (5), 20 Catholic male students (form IV) from different secondary schools in the diocese, and 40 Catholic male youth ranging between 18-25years from various parishes. The sample size was 107. The study used stratified sampling procedure to get the required data for the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interview guide. The data collected were coded and analysed using Microsoft Excel Programme with tables, charts, and figures generated in Microsoft Word Programme. Some of the elements measured took into consideration the parishes of the respondents, age, gender, and academic levels. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics which included frequencies, percentages, and deviation means. The qualitative data was analyzed using themes based on the research objectives and presented in form of narratives using figures and tables. The study found that spiritual direction plays a crucial role in facilitating discernment, nurturing, fostering growth and guiding candidates to embrace the vocation to priesthood as confirmed by the majority of the respondents. However, the study noted that spiritual direction is not utilized fully in the discernment and nurturing of vocations to priesthood in the CDM. It was noted in the research that spiritual direction is not widely practised among the youth. The study concludes that spiritual direction should be popularised among the youth and that there should be good collaboration between the Pastoral agents and parents in helping the youth discern and nurture their vocations. The study recommended the necessity of adequate training of the vocation team in the Diocese on vocational discernment and accompaniment and enhancing spiritual direction skills in both the directors and directees.
Description
Keywords
Spiritual Direction, Tool of Nurturing, Vocations to Priesthood