Reflection on Theology of Pastoral

2. Critical Observation

"Ecclesia semper reformanda" (The Church is always developing itself), is an adage that illustrates the importance of seeing developments and changes both inside and outside the Church. The above sentence truly shows the new face and direction of the Church in the future. The Catholic Church, which was once known to be very "rigid" and "fixed", can slowly but surely adjust to the times without losing its identity. In its history, before the Second Vatican Council, the Church had determined that: "Extra ecclesia nulla salus" (outside the Church there is no salvation). This adage was interpreted as the Church closing its doors to inputs or suggestions and even to teachings of faith from other religions. The Church today has a tendency to assume that the only true religion "only" exists within the Catholic Church.

Outside of that, nothing! However, in the course of its development, the Church has courageously and even humbly developed its understanding of others. An adage that was only echoed after the Second Vatican Council. The adage "extra ecclesia salus est" (outside the Church there is also salvation) has placed the Church's attitude clearly towards other religions. The Church that was once exclusivist has now become inclusive. With full awareness and the Church itself has opened itself and directed itself to arrive at dialog with fellow human beings. Dialogue is a process and a continuous effort to recognize and acknowledge the truth and holiness in other religions. Although the direction of the Church seems to be outward, the focus on strengthening and developing the Church from within is not neglected. In this context, pastoral care can be a powerful tool and method.

Pastoral does not have a concept that can be seen clearly but has a real impact on the people. Pastoral is truly a bridge between dogmatic teachings and concrete reality on the ground. It is not present to counter the dogmatic teachings of the Church, but rather to contextualize these teachings in the praxis of daily life. A common and permanent understanding of pastoral care itself needs to be sought together. As Msgr. Brunero Gherardini stated that the Second Vatican Council suggested that the development of pastoral studies in formation institutions should be pursued, this needs to be taken seriously. The urge to always develop ourselves from the position of the Church is actually a step forward for the renewal of the Church. The movement in the Church universally also has a special impact on the formation houses for prospective priests and of course on the MSC Congregation. I see that this development is happening in the MSC (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus), Indonesian Province.

As a member of the MSC congregation, I see how the direction of movement and the focus of the congregation's great mission, namely: Proclaiming the Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the whole world, to everyone without recognizing the boundaries of difference. By not closing our eyes and guided by the results of the Second Vatican Council, we also tried to develop the pastoral dimension in the ministry. This can be validated as it is evident in the aspects of formation of a religious candidate for the MSC priesthood. In the formation system at the MSC Indonesia House of Scholasticate, the pastoral aspect is placed and becomes one of the 12 aspects of formation that can support the preparation of a prospective priest before ordination. The pastoral aspect is placed not only through words or just mentioned, but it is clearly written in the Scholastic Directory Book. The College Directory is a set of basic provisions that provide direction, guidance and direction for the implementation of the formation process in the College, in order to ultimately achieve the goals as formulated in the Vision of Formation.

The pastoral apostolate in the context of the participation and involvement of the congregation in the mission of the local Church to build true brotherhood, directs pastoral formation to pay attention to: Tradition of the congregation, Development of the local Church, Development of participatory categorical pastoral skills, Openness and partnership, Signs of the times and their changes, Preference and involvement for and with people in distress (preferential option for the poor).

It should be recognized that all of the above concepts and expectations are indeed very clear, as well as expected to be implemented. However, we must also humbly recognize the reality that there is still a "gap" between these extraordinary expectations and the reality on the ground. It is true that some missions are already well underway and that needs to be appreciated. However, the ways or methods to develop pastoral care must always be updated continuously. Renewed to keep up with the times. Of course, once again, the intended renewal does not necessarily lead us to "excuse" the teachings of faith and Holy Tradition in the Church and in the Tradition of the Order.

I see and hear that often in the practice, for example in a parish, there is a tendency for a pastor to be first and center. This is often referred to as a "pastors centric" phenomenon. Everything must be based on the pastor (all parish affairs). It is true that the parish priest is the head of a parish and is responsible for the pastoral care of the parish, but that does not make him the expert on everything. He is with the people he shepherds. So, he must also humbly listen to and involve as many people as possible in the development of the parish. Now, this is what I mean by the big gap between implementing the mission of the Congregation and the Church in the world and the fact that there is still a tendency in every priest to be the center of all "pastoral" activities. In fact, the mindset, feeling pattern, and action pattern should have undergone a change like the Church which courageously in humility developed itself. The tendency to stay in one's own comfort can be an obstacle to realizing the mission of salvation in the midst of the world.  Finally, pastoral development should always be a process. We do not have to demand results now. But we need to develop it slowly but surely based on values that are appropriate to the context.

3. Recommendation

The purpose of formation in pastoral or apostolic life is to develop knowledge, attitude and pastoral skills. In the context of the MSC Congregation, pastoral development needs to be based on a spirituality of the Heart that allows us to dare to fight for and witness to true Christian brotherhood, the ability to work together with MSC partners, and the ability to read the signs of the times. Thus, some recommendations can be offered for pastoral development among the people:

1. Every member of the MSC needs to develop in himself the spirit to serve others as a "shepherd" in his good and true testimony of life. In this context, the values of fraternity are displayed.