Camillians Philippines

Formation Ministry

A lifelong process of spiritual, human, and ministerial growth

The Formation Ministry guides religious through a lifelong process of spiritual, human, and ministerial growth, continuing beyond perpetual profession. Permanent formation encompasses all aspects of the individual as a person and religious, aiming for constant renewal of life and action.

Permanent Formation

Permanent formation addresses different stages of religious life:

Early Profession (first 5 years)

Religious experience joys and challenges as they integrate fully into ministry.

Middle Age

A period of satisfaction but also potential hidden dangers; balancing experience with sustained enthusiasm.

Old Age and Approaching Death

Opportunities for growth alongside moments of discouragement and spiritual reflection.

Permanent formation is most effective when systematic and integrated across:

The Order's program
Province-level initiatives
Local communities
Individual religious formation plans

Young Camillian Religious Program (YCR)

Formation support for religious in the first five years after perpetual profession

The first five years after perpetual profession are crucial for balancing ministry and personal religious life. Young religious may risk burnout if integration is not guided properly.

Program Overview

Formation continues systematically throughout the first five years
Supervised by the Secretariat on Formation
YCR advisers coordinate and guide the formation process
Local superiors serve as companions, encouraging participation and understanding in the community

Activities

A. Spirituality

01Attend recollections and retreats organized by the group or Province
02Participate in conferences, seminars, and group sharing on vowed life and Camillian spirituality
03Human growth and development sessions
04Regular visits to confessor and spiritual director

B. Fraternal Life

01Structured occasions for formal/informal sharing
02Scheduled meetings, light moments, and recreation
03Deliberate community visitations
04Celebrations of significant dates (birthdays, anniversaries)
05Sharing information and minutes with members and other communities
06Awareness of other communities' challenges and concrete acts of charity

C. Effective Ministry

01Forums or small groups on moral/social issues affecting the sick and poor
02Guided immersion with marginalized populations
03Attendance at technical/professional healthcare trainings
04Opportunities for direct contact with the sick, even if primary apostolate is elsewhere
05Support for Primary Health Care Program and JPIC Desk
06Awareness of social conditions and integration in local Church communities

On-going Formation of the Sick and Elderly

Religious who are sick or elderly continue formation to:

Strengthen faith and renew meaning of religious consecration
Create supportive, brotherly community with material and emotional support
Integrate life experiences into a committed religious life

Religious are considered elderly at age 65.

Specialized Formation

Addresses the gap between formation in houses and ministry competency:

Designed for religious with at least three years of ministerial experience
Leads to relevant academic or professional preparation for effective ministry

Objectives

01Equip religious with knowledge and skills for more effective ministry
02Build the Province's capacity in exercising various ministries

Key Notes

Specialized formation contributes to spiritual, cultural, psychological, and social development
Each religious is encouraged to pursue continuous personal and professional growth, even outside formal programs
Prepares religious for total dedication to Christ's mission in the modern context

Discerning a Vocation?

If you feel called to serve the sick and suffering as a Camillian, we invite you to explore your vocation with us.

Learn About Vocation Contact Us