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Purpose

The Institute for Formators aims to prepare formators and leaders in the Church, both religious and priests who learn to integrate the spiritual and psychological dimensions in the apostolic and educational activities entrusted to them. Undergoing the journey of personal self-transformation, they are trained to journey with others desirous of helping others to do the same.

Scope

Those who complete the course successfully are equipped to serve with deep commitment and radical self-giving as Spiritual Directors in Seminaries, as vocational formators, and as educators.

Outcome

For the last forty years the Institute sought to respond to the invitation of the Second Vatican Council to make adequate use of “not only of theological principles, but also of the secular sciences, especially of psychology and sociology” (Gaudium et Spes, n. 62). In so doing, it offers a vision of the human person mindful of Christian values and vocation and serves as a solid foundation for helping others to grow in their vocation.

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1982

Established

40

Yrs of Experience

940

Graduated

100

Religious Congregations/Dioceses Participated
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Welcome to the Institute for Formators!

Institute for Formators is committed to the cause of forming Formators and Leaders. The Church documents underline: “those who are marked out to become formators need a specific preparation and generous dedication to this important task”. (The Gift of the priestly vocation, 2016, 49; see also Directives Concerning the Preparation of Seminary Educators, 4 November 1993; Pastores Dabo Vobis, 1992, 66). The Institute for Formators aims at forming the formation personnel for priestly and religious training institutions. Before a person enters the noble service of formation, the person must have undergone a process of self-formation. Self-knowledge is the most difficult knowledge, however, only a person who knows about oneself at a deeper level can understand and guide others effectively. This self-knowledge and self-formation are a gradual process. The program we offer consists of three consecutive years of theoretical and practical formation. The input sessions are only during summer (April and May). The unique aspect of this course is the weekly individual accompaniment sessions by one of the faculty members for three consecutive years. Following an interdisciplinary approach (Anthropological, Spiritual, Psychological) the Institute facilitates the goal of self-transformation of the individual.

services

The Founding Inspiration

The IFF came into existence in 1982. The original idea of founding came from a group of major superiors who had gathered for a seminar on “religious vocation and formation”, in Bangalore in 1980 conducted by two renowned experts Fr. Luigi Rulla, S.J., and Sr. Joice Ridick, S.C.C, from the Institute of Psychology, Gregorian University, Rome. They along with Fr. Imoda S.J. have done an extensive research study on candidates for religious life and priesthood, on the phenomenon of Christian vocation from a psycho-social-spiritual perspective. This is one of 14 centres for formators run by former students of the Institute of psychology, referred to as ‘summer school’.

services

The Outcome

The outcome of the seminar for the major superiors in 1980 was the realization of the systematic training program for the formation personnel. This challenging task was taken up by some of the graduates of the Institute of Psychology, Rome, and after a prolonged period of reflection, deliberation, and planning, the execution of a training program was initiated under the name of the Institute for Formators. Over the years the IFF is well recognised for its valuable service in training - for the most part in formation or leadership roles.



services

The Growth

From its humble beginnings, the Institute for Formators has grown quickly. During the past 40 years around 1000 persons belonging to more than 100 Religious Congregations, Secular Institutes and Dioceses have graduated from the Institute for Formators. The Institute with the dedicated and committed services of over 80 graduates from Gregorian university, residing in different parts of India continues to serve the Indian Church. It has also gained its recognition and credibility in the Church through the effective and committed service of its alumni who today are spread thought out the world shouldering key responsibilities in their congregations and dioceses.

An Institute without Buildings

The Institute for Formators is functioning without a building of its own. At its inception, the summer program was conducted at Fatima Retreat House, Mangalore. Then for a short period, it was hosted at Maria Bhavan, Bangalore.

An Institute without Permanent Place

Currently, the summer program is housed at St Peter's Pontifical Seminary, No. 61, 8th Cross, Malleswaram West Post, Bangalore. Thus, the summer program is ensured to run smoothly in rented houses.

The Summer School

One of the unforgettable experiences of the Institute for Formators is the Summer School where trainees belonging to three batches, men, and women, from all over India and abroad with diverse cultures, languages, temperaments, charisms, etc., come together in fellowship for a common purpose. There is an excellent spirit of teamwork, cooperation, and adjustment among the participants, which become formative, thanks to which the program goes on very smoothly for seven weeks.

Spiritual Moments

A mention must be made of the richness of spiritual moments, which is an important dimension for personal transformation and integration. The community gathers for the regular moments of prayer which are well prepared and led by the students. These prayer moments are made as meaningful encounters with the Lord through the well-prepared Morning Prayer, Eucharistic Celebration, Evening Prayer, Weekly Holy Hour, daily Rosary, Sacrament of Reconciliation, etc.

Formative Value

The attendance at all these activities is almost cent per cent. There is also an atmosphere of serious study individually and in groups throughout the seven weeks. And of course, there are moments of recreation and relaxation with daily outdoor games, birthday celebrations, common recreations, group-wise get-togethers, outings, etc. All these activities and experiences do have a formative value for the trainees.

  • Administrative Staff, Teaching Staff and Guides

It is encouraging to note that nearly 80 priests and religious men and women from India have graduated from the prestigious Institute of Psychology, Gregorian University, Rome. They are spread all over India and abroad rendering service mostly in the ministry of formation and leadership. The Institute for Formators from its inception has been a joint venture of these graduates, some of whom offer their services as lecturers for various courses for three batches of trainees during the Summer School. Many of them avail their services as Guides for Vocational Growth Sessions (VGS) throughout the year for the trainees of the Institute. The Administration work as Director, Secretary, and Librarian is done by the Teaching Staff.

It must be said to the credit of both the staff members and guides, that their availability to the Institute for Formators is a mere voluntary service. All of them have their usual responsible commitments as formators or leaders in their respective dioceses and congregations. It is indeed their labour of love that has helped the Institute to render this valuable service to the Church in India and abroad all these 40 years.

History

The Programme

The duration of the program is THREE YEARS and it has both theoretical and practical aspects.

I. Theoretical Formation

At the Theoretical level, the course runs through three Summers, seven weeks each year. This intensive program takes place from mid-April to the end of May for three consecutive summers. For this reason, it is known also as SUMMER SCHOOL. It offers systematic courses that give scientific knowledge and understanding of the human person in the context of Christian vocation and formation. The psycho-social-spiritual dynamics of human development and growth are the focus of all the seminars.

II. Practical Formation

The topmost priority given in the training is the personal accompaniment of the trainee, which is the most important and valuable experience for the trainees. At the practical level, it is their own intense inward journey through the Vocational Growth Sessions (VGS) in the form of Psychotherapy for three full years, with one or two sessions per week accompanied by one of the trained Psychologists, from the Institute of Psychology, Rome. VGS is an approach that seeks to integrate Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Spiritual Direction. The process is aimed at heightening the consciousness and sensitivity of the trainee to the various movements within him/her leading to greater acceptance and efficacy in one’s relationships and apostolate. Besides the VGS, the trainee would have to undergo Group Therapy, practice Counselling Skills, and five Personality Assessments for priests / religious or those who are in formation with in-depth interviews and the administration of psychological tests. Besides these practicals, the trainees have to do written assignments or examinations for the courses covered during the Summer School. The entire program of three years of Summer School concludes with an eight-day directed retreat.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

  • Introduction to theories of personality – a critical overview
  • Anthropology of Christian Vocation: Psycho-Spiritual Foundations
  • Human Development: critical periods, limitations, potentialities
  • Abnormal Psychology, Psychopathology, Personality Disorders, etc.
  • Assessment of Personality
  • Family/Group Dynamics
  • Religious Life: Discernment of Spirits; Spiritual Direction
  • Safeguarding Minors and Vulnerable People
  • Helps for Vocational Growth
  • Leadership
  • Counselling skills
  • Positive Psychology
  • Awareness Meditative Relaxation (AMR)
  • Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
  • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT
  • Mysticism
  • Directed Retreat

These courses are spread over three years. They are generally evaluated through written assignments or examinations. The Institute is mainly staffed by trained formators from the Institute of Psychology, Gregorian University, Rome, who volunteer their services for the theoretical and practical aspects of the training.

METHOD FOLLOWED

  • The method followed is insight-oriented with study, reflection, listening, sharing, and practical sessions
  • The personal Vocational Growth Sessions (VGS) take place once a week (sometimes twice). The trainee is responsible to find a guide out of the regular staff members whose names and addresses are given on request.
  • The summer school is residential and requires regular attendance
  • The method of teaching is mostly interactive seminars, coupled with lectures and discussions
  • Each trainee is personally guided in studies and practical work
  • The selection of the trainee will be made through an appropriate evaluation by one of the staff members
  • Since the trainees prepare themselves for a very delicate task and activity, the institute reserves itself the right to decide about the admission of the person and during the training period, whether a particular person should continue in the program

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

  • Age: 25-40 years
  • Graduate-level (or equivalent) studies
  • Background of basic formation in Theology
  • Those who would be engaged in the service of formation or those already engaged in the field of formation
  • Proficiency in the English language
  • Personality evaluation through in-depth interview and testing before admission
  • Readiness to undergo personal Vocational Growth Sessions (VGS) for 3 years with one of the staff of the Institute
  • A written assurance from the major superior concerned that the trainee will not be pulled out or transferred in between the course without the consent of the Director of the Institute
  • A Recommendation Letter from a person who knows the trainee for a considerable time must accompany the Application for Admission
  • Along with the Application for Admission, the trainee has to provide an autobiographical sketch of three to five pages in length, typewritten, describing the past life, present interests and future plans. Certificates of graduation or post-graduation level of education must also be provided along with the application for admission.

The Institute of Formators has been able to render this quality service in the training of formation personnel thanks to the spirit of collaboration from Bishops and Major Superiors of Religious Congregations of Men and Women and Secular Institutes. It is due to their appreciation, encouragement, and support that we have been able to train nearly a thousand priests and religious and members of Secular Institutes from more than a hundred congregations and several dioceses over the past forty years.

  • For moulding effective and integrated formators and leaders in the church
  • Conducted during summer for three consecutive years
  • 20-25 new students are admitted every year
  • About 80 professors from the field of Psychology offer:
    • Personal guidance and in-put
    • In-depth personal formation

The Institute for Formators periodically organizes Refresher Programs for its graduates who are actively engaged in various ministries. This way we do get feedback as to how the training imparted by the Institute has been helpful in its mission. In the light of this feedback, we have been able to introduce new courses or adopt new methods in our curriculum. The Institute also organizes in-service programs for the staff, both those who are engaged in teaching during the Summer School as well as those who offer assistance in the Vocational Growth Sessions as guides.

Fututre Plans - Read More...

Future Plans

The Institute for Formators has successfully reached the Ruby Jubilee of its foundation in 2022. As we look forward to the Golden Years of its growth, we desire to offer additional help to the formators in the following areas:

Family Counselling

The family being the most fundamental unit of society and of the Church, given the impact of post-modernism and globalization, the traditional values and structures are fast crumbling. Families face a lot of tensions. Hence the need for trained personnel to offer pastoral guidance to couples, parents and children.




Youth Guidance

India has almost 50% of the population in the age group youth. They are often victims of the negative effects of modern media, pornography, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, etc. This is an area where the church needs to venture into on a massive scale to prepare responsible and committed citizens as leaders for the country and the Church.



Guidance for Sexual Integration

There is a growing incidence of sexual abuse. The youth of today are indiscriminately exposed and addicted to the internet. In the absence of proper guidance, the youth develop a free attitude towards sex, premarital sexual relationship, homosexuality, marriage, etc. Given the sexual revolution that the modern world is facing, today’s formators need to be well informed and equipped to deal with problems related to sexual exploitation and abuse.

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A NEW INITIATIVE BY THE INSTITUTE FOR FORMATORS

Safeguarding the Minors and Vulnerable Adults

(An online Diploma Program in collaboration with the Institute of Anthropology (IADC), Gregorian University, Rome)

The IFF is happy to initiate an e-learning program on Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable People in collaboration with the Institute of Anthropology, Gregorian University, Rome (https://iadc.unigre.it/). This is to train the formators and leaders and spread knowledge and skills on safeguarding in India, thus serving as a visible sign of the Indian Church's commitment to a just and safer Church and the world. The growing awareness about the reality of sexual abuses and boundary violations in every sector of society makes it necessary the training of formators and leaders. For years and to some extent even today the pain and wounds of abuse are gripped in silence due to its delicate nature. However, we cannot deny the silent cry and wounds of the victims who live among us and who need healing to function as effective consecrated men and women. In line with the Objectives of Formation, the staff desires that it is opportune to offer and train its past and present students on issues regarding the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable people. As a preventive measure, the Church in The Circular Letter to Assist Episcopal Conferences in developing Guidelines for

dealing with cases of sexual abuse of minors perpetrated by Clerics (CDF, 2011) listed the areas that need immediate attention. They could be grouped into two broad areas:

  • Assistance to Victims and the Accused
  • Formation and Education of priests, religions, and communities as preventive measures

To reach this objective, the e-learning platform has study units with user-friendly access to reading materials, discussions, and assignments, and organized online weekend lectures by experts. This interactive online course is meant for formators/ leaders/ caregivers. The course creates awareness about abuse in its various forms and equips the learners to identify and heal the persons, and work for prevention. The course addresses sociological, psychological, spiritual dynamics, moral dimensions, and legal aspects involved in this issue. It is meant to aid the participants to exercise Responsibility, Transparency, and Accountability as the Pontifical commission requests. The detailed schedule of the weekend online lectures will be sent to the registered participants. You can register for the courses as below.

Safegaurding Application form :
5.1. Regular Diploma Course

Guides

The following Guides (Therapists) are available for Vocational Growth Session (Psychotherapy) which is an essential part of the Formators’ Course. All the guides in the following list are graduates from the Institute of Psychology, Gregorian University, Rome.

ANDRA PRADESH / TELANGANA

ASSAM / MEGHALAYA

BIHAR

CHHATTISGARH

DELHI

GUJARAT

JHARKHAND

KARNATAKA

KERALA

MAHARASTRA

MANIPUR

ODISHA

TAMIL NADU

UTTER PRADESH

WEST BENGAL

Guides serving outside India

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What one gains?

With all God's holy people you will have the strength to grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth;
so that, knowing the love of Christ, which is beyond knowledge, you may be filled with the utter fullness of God.

- Ephesians 3:18-19

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To apply for the course

Please Contact Us

Testimonials

One of the unique features of IFF is the weekly Vocation Growth sessions for three consecutive years. The trainees seem to benefit much working out some of their unresolved conflicts and gradually growing into inner freedom with greater clarity in their orientation to consecrated life as priests or religious. This journey is further supported by the theoretical inputs during the summer school for 3 years on topics related to integral formation from a psycho-spiritual perspective based on Christian Anthropology.
testimonials
Fr. Joseph Benedict Mathias, SJ,
I am quite contented to observe the steady growth of the Institute. It has been a pleasure for me to follow up some of the students in therapy. Having worked from it's very inception in India , I am grateful to God for His mighty benevolence. May it continue to prosper. My best wishes to the Dirsctor, Guides and Students. With God's Blessings.
testimonials
Dr. Sr. Marie Eugene, AC
There is a deep sense of gratitude to the Lord and to all those who have made it possible over the last 40 years for the immense contribution rendered in the field of formation. What the participants gain from the course is inner transformation, mastery of some guidance skills, and a deeper understanding of formation processes that helps to function effecively in the role they are engaged in. Thus, though the task is difficult both for the staff and trainees as all of them are simultaneously engaged in another full time ministry the results we witness makes the entire involvement worthwhile and fulfilling as it is done for the glory of God.
testimonials
Fr. Gratian Carlo, SJ
It is a matter of joy and fulfillment that IFF has trained formators for 40 years. The commitment of the professors during Summer under a Director is noteworthy claiming ownership of the institute which belongs to all the graduates of the Institute of Psychology, Pontifical Gregorian University. The Directors in the past and Fr Abraham Thekkemurry OCD at present have fulfilled their responsibility with great diligence and dedication. The students have emerged as insightful formators, dynamic youth directors, humane superiors only to mention a few. Credibility, flexibility, integrity, and inner freedom have been their hallmarks. Long live IFF!
testimonials
Sr. Rose Celine, BS
The IFF offers the alumni a very meaningful and worthwhile process of change through VGS. As a guide I believe that is what they cherish and carry with them as they move out of the summer program. In my experience of guiding a number of students from 1987 to this day, I have seen great progress, specially growing in self-awareness, self-acceptance, clarifying the true religious values. They have gone through tough and difficult times, but have felt that it is worth the trouble. As they experience this joyful growth, I also rejoiced to see what the Lord is doing in their lives. One can be proud of the Institute that gives such opportunity to them.
testimonials
Sr. Ann Plathara, Daughters of St Paul
Three-year Diploma in Psychology and Formation offered at IFF remains one of the life-transforming events of my life journey as a religious. Rigorous studies, discipline, daily spiritual activities, and unique community life with a lot of activities renewed my drooping spirit! Meeting the VGS guide twice a week for three years helped me tremendously to form myself. I remain indebted to the IFF.
testimonials
Fr. Harry Martis, SJ
The subjects studied in the IFF gave me clarity that I should not put off till tomorrow the good I can do today because I may not have a tomorrow. It gave me strength to accommodate myself in any situation of my life. VGS Sessions showed me the way to proceed as Augustine states “You have made us for yourself, O lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you”. Thanks to the institute for formators and everyone who accompanied and molded me to become a better human first and then a better consecrated person.
testimonials
Fr. Praveen Jeba Kumar, SdC
The three-year program at the IFF made a great impact in my self-awareness and inner journey. The VGS enabled me to become aware of myself in a way that I never thought about. I am ever grateful to the group therapy sessions which set me free from my deep-rooted fears and inhibitions. The beautiful group bonding, affirmation, and mutual support that began in 2007-2010 continues from which I personally benefit. I Gratefully remember all dear and loving resource personnel of the Institute for their availability and accompaniment during those three years.
testimonials
Fr. Bitaju Puthenpurackal, O.SS.T
The ‘Formative Psychology’ program which is offered in the IFF has enriched and edified my personality. I have enjoyed the eye-opening moments of my life, through VGS, Personality Assessment of my life and others (Case Studies). This program enabled me to become aware of my inner movements, inner conflicts, and unhealed past wounds; this “Awareness” initiated the healing process, and I can maintain equanimity in my life events. This ongoing awareness makes me see my strengths, areas to grow, needs and emotions and become integrated. The success of this three years program is this ongoing self-awareness, evaluation of my thought process, state of equanimity, and integrated self, i.e., consistency between the actual self and ideal to march towards the Transcendent self.
testimonials
Fr. Jerman Jesuraj, OMI
The IFF has turned out to be a blessing for me. I started my journey as the pupa of a butterfly that was very comfortable and did not really want to come out. The Institute helped me through my guides and professors to make a way out of the cocoon and venture into unfolding the layers. Slowly and steadily I made a way to come out of that cocoon so that I can grow and fly towards theo-centric self-transcendence. IFF has instilled in me a tremendous fire, a passion for mission, and a desire to make the world in which I live a better place. The Institute has indeed prepared me and has opened an avenue of hopes and dreams and has equipped me to work towards helping others to grow in their vocational journey.
testimonials
Sr. Cecial Lyngskor, AC
One of the main advantages of the formation course is the time-to-time personal meeting with our guides (VGS). I have profited a lot from such sessions especially knowing myself and getting healed from some of the inner wounds I had been carrying in my life. I joined the formative course thinking to learn some methods to give formation for the candidates but later I realized that I was being formed through it. I very much appreciate the arrangements of the classes and time because it helps us to understand and practice what we learn in the institute.
testimonials
Fr. Jaino Jacob, CMI
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Our Formees - Congregations & Dioceses

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TOR

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Contact

Institute for Formators

Director

Institute for Formators

St Peter's Pontifical Seminary

No. 61, 8th Cross

Malleswaram West Post

Bangalore - 560055

Phone: 080-23467005

Email: formatorsindia@gmail.com

Diploma Course in Safeguarding

Sr. Anna Mary Thumma, SCCG

Institute for Formators

Adhyatma Vidya Peetham (AVP)

Carmelaram - Post

Bangalore - 560 035

Email: sr.annamary@sccg.in

Email: formatorsindia@gmail.com

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