The place of spiritual discernment of private revelations in the current formation program of Redemptorists in the Vice-Province of Nigeria

Abstract

Priests and Religious minister to people with different spiritual concerns, including the spiritual discernment of private revelations (dreams, visions, apparitions, locutions, and prophetic messages). The initial formation of Priests and Religious is to prepare them to effectively deal with the pastoral concerns of the laity. This study sought to find out if spiritual discernment of private revelations has a place in the current formation program of Redemptorists in the Vice-Province of Nigeria. The study adopted exploratory research design. Indepth interview Guide was used for data collection. Using purposive method, 16 Redemptorist formators were selected for the study. By way of thematic analysis, data was transcribed, organized into themes, and coded. Findings reveal that through freedom of expression, development of reasoning capacity, the study of Biblical Theology and Exposure through pastoral work, candidates are being trained towards spiritual discernment of private revelations. However, this is not enough, considering the fact that issues concerning private revelations are met with rationalization and suspicion, which creates fear among candidates in terms of discussing private revelations. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing the formation program for spiritual discernment of private revelations.