The post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Pastores dabo vobis, after having highlighted the necessity of priests to the existence and mission of the Church, affirms the consequent task regarding their formation: “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.” (PDV, n.2). This task is according to the Pontiff, the responsibility of the whole Church in her various aspects and of each and every of her members. Among others, are also “groups which promote vocations, whose members make an important contribution by prayer and sufferings offered up for priestly and religious vocations, as well as by moral and material support.” (PDV, n.41) Regarding the latter category, by the grace of God, the Church does not lack a huge number of faithful who contribute their prayer and material resources for the formation of candidates to the priesthood and to religious life.
Among these groups, is the CARF Foundation, whose members contribute generously to the training of seminarians, religious and priests at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome and at the Faculties of Ecclesiastical Studies of the University of Navarra, Pamplona. They also particularly help in sponsoring the completion of the intellectual, human and spiritual formation of seminarians in our college, Sedes Sapientiae and the college Bidasoa (Pamplona, Spain). The awesome spirit of these benefactors is summarized in these words of one of them, Margarita. She says: “If there were no priests, there would be no Church. Let no vocation be lost for lack of resources!” We were privileged once again to receive the Spanish members of this foundation in our college on the 21st of October. Their visit is normally a moment of joy and appreciation for our seminarians who benefit directly from their generosity and goodwill. Among the highlights of the visit are: the celebration of the Holy Mass in Spanish language presided by the rector, don Javier Canosa, a moment of interaction, greetings and photoshoots on the terrace of the college, lunch and finally an interesting moment of testimonies by some seminarians.