Coronavirus Dent on the Formation Program

Abstract

Every sphere and facet of life has been hit ha~d by the fierce Covid-19 pandemic. The formation of priests and religious is not spared. The smooth running of the programs of both initial and ongoing formation has been disrupted in a big way. Seminaries have been closed and various formation activities cancelled or postponed. Also the suspension of the usual celebration of Holy Mass, confessions and pastoral activities has impacted negatively on the formation programme. The formation programme is an essential tool because its implementation aims at the holistic formation of an individual. If certain elements of the programme are affected, then the end product is also compromised. This write up focuses on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the initial stage of formation, specifically the novitiate stage.