SECULARISATION and the sexual revolution have left few roles open to men today other than gigolo, bully and hitman, as demonstrated and glamourised in the James Bond series of books and movies.
There is a need for men to recover a priestly, paternal and protective role in human society.
Once, seminaries fulfilled a role not only in preparing men for the priesthood but in forming a literate and devout male laity from those who did not proceed to the priesthood, and many of these have played an important part in the Church and the community.
This suggests that there is need for an institution which can provide an opportunity for religious and personal formation to those men who do not intend to enter the priesthood or the religious life, but who wish to be the men God made them to be in human society.
Religious formation in such an institution should be founded on prayer and focused on the Eucharist.
The Liturgy of the Hours and the Dominican Rosary should be an essential part of daily religious practice in this institution.
Doctrinal formation should be based on the scriptures, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the background texts on which the Catechism is based, and include an introduction to the great thinkers of the Catholic Church.
Courses should be at least 12 months in length and would be ideal for a gap year between secondary school and tertiary studies or training. Provision could be made for shorter refresher courses.
It would provide time for men to reflect on where they are going and to choose a direction in life.
A similar institution could be established for women.
FRANK MINES
Nicholls, ACT
