Cardinal Czerny encourages Senegalese seminarians in priestly formation
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ - Dakar, Senegal
Cardinal Michael Czerny visited the François Marie Paul Liberman Major seminary in Sébikotane, Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday, accompanied by Archbishop Michael Banach, the Apostolic Nuncio to Senegal, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, and Mauritania.
The interim Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is in the West African country for the 9th World Water Forum taking place from 21 – 26 March. The Forum provides the opportunity for participants from the water community and other aspects of society to dialogue and coordinate efforts to respond to global water-related challenges.
A grand welcome met the Cardinal upon his arrival at the Seminary, with seminarians lined up in the courtyard of the compound.
The Rector, Fr. Augustin Sagna received Cardinal Czerny, and led him on a tour of the Seminary premises.
Integral development in formation
The Cardinal then met with the formation staff and the 60-odd seminarians in formation for the priesthood.
In his address, he highlighted the importance of integral human development in formation, insisting that no one develops on their own and that development should involve everyone.
He also stressed the need for evangelization, not only of people but also of the means of communication, particularly social media.
The Cardinal then invited seminarians to a greater participation in the synodal path, as the Church continues towards the Synod of Bishops in 2023.
Reflecting on the World Water Forum, Cardinal Czerny called upon the seminarians to do their part to contribute to the protection and conservation of water and other resources, in keeping with the teachings of Pope Francis in Laudato si'.
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