Claretian Formation

II. Fr. Philip Maroto (1934-1937)

Given the short time he was Superior General, he wrote only a few circular letters. Nevertheless, he was very efficient in executing what was decided in the General Chapter (1934) that elected him, particularly the establishment of the International College in Rome in the academic year 1934-1935.462

1st. Writing on some points of observance,463 in some paragraphs dedicated to the formation centres, he asks that perfect poverty be strictly kept (f.ex., by making use of the “common box”), in accordance with what is established in the Constitutions and what the last General Chapter brings to mind.464 He insists on the participation in community prayer, daily Mass and the prescribed conferences.465 He reaffirms that the norms for the students with regard to the reading of newspapers and journals should be kept.466

2nd. Presenting and commenting on the Encyclical of Pius XI on priesthood,467 he applies to the Congregation the demands that derive from it. Although he does not expressly speak on formation, however, he urges to take seriously and with missionary spirit the priestly studies, in such a way that the students may come out well formed, as “apt ministers,” for the performance of the ministry.468

3rd. In his circular on The Missions in the Congregation,469 he asks that the universal missionary spirit be fostered in the formation centres by all possible means (conferences, magazines, philately, etc…), in line with what he suggested for the whole Congregation.470 Formators, “prefects and novice masters,” should inculcate it to the persons in formation “opportune et importune,” in all time and places; professors and preachers should strive to look for vocations in day-schools, in their preaching, in catechetical instructions.471 He gives responsibility and motivation to those in formation, and encourages them to accept this ministry with generosity.472