Application of positive psychology to human formation of priests and religious: the active program of positive personal development (APPRO)

Pope John Paul II, in the Apostolic Exhortation on the Formation of Priests in the Circumstances of the Present Day, indicated that: “The formation of future priests, both diocesan and religious, and lifelong assiduous care for their personal sanctification in the ministry and for the constant updating of their pastoral commitment, is considered by the Church one of the most demanding and important tasks for the future of the evangelization of humanity”1. At the beginning of this reflection on Priestly formation, several fundamental questions must be posed: Is there a real need? Is there room for new programs? If the response is affirmative, can positive psychology introduce a noteworthy and useful approach? For example, Guindon has called for a more systematic approach, “In contemporary practice, the human dimension of formation is not ignored, but neither does it seem that it is carried out in a conscious and systematic way”2. Meanwhile, Dyrek in Formacja ludzka do kapłaństwa [Human formation for the Priesthood], states that there is a strong indication for a comprehensive elaboration of programs in human formation3. The need for programs is also demonstrated by official documents of the Church4.