In an interview reported by you (January 16-31, 2018), the former rector of a major seminary says; “My method is to let people slowly learn the values, and by that even if only 20% or 30% change happens, that’s a real change, better than pretending to achieve 80% change.” To some readers this expectation might be disappointing. To me, who has been on the staff of the same seminary for thirty-two years, it is quite optimistic. The actual turnover is not so high. This situation is very disturbing.

The students of this seminary “represent a great diversity, plurality in culture, regions, ethnicity and race.” This is so because they are sent from different part of India. I presume they represent the “better” candidates their superiors have. We need to bear in mind that neither priestly ordination nor Episcopal consecration brings about an ontological change in people. We remain caught up in our weaknesses and vices. As a result, the people of God are burdened with pastors who have not really changed.

Hence if the actual turnover in our seminaries is not even 20%, two very serious questions need to be honestly faced. First, are our bishops and provincials really serious about the quality of the students they accept for priestly studies? I personally believe it is time to discontinue the present system of seminary formation.

Subhash Anand, St. Paul’s School, Bhupalpura