Bishop Angkyier Highlights Role of Philosophy in Priestly Formation at Inaugural Lecture Marking the 25th Anniversary of St. Augustine Millennium Major Seminary

Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Damongo, has underscored the critical role of philosophical formation in shaping priests for contemporary pastoral needs at an inaugural lecture held at the GNAT Hall in Tamale on 3rd May, 2025, as part of the activities to mark the 25th anniversary of St. Augustine Millennium Major Seminary (SAMS).

Speaking on the theme, “Forming Priests for the World Today: The Role of Philosophical Formation,” Bishop Angkyier traced the historical evolution of priestly formation, drawing parallels between early Christian traditions and modern seminary system. “Priestly formation is a journey of transformation, he stated”, emphasizing that philosophy forms the bedrock of the intellectual and spiritual growth necessary for the priesthood in today’s dynamic world.

He paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and stakeholders of SAMS, particularly the Episcopal Board of Governors and the Society of the Divine Word, for their foresight and leadership. “From humble beginnings, SAMS has become a strong missionary community and a beacon of hope for the Church,” the Bishop remarked.

Reflecting on the journey of seminary formation from the time of Jesus and his apostles through to the Council of Trent and beyond, Bishop Angkyier explained how formal priestly training only became institutionalized after centuries of ad hoc mentorship and community living. “The Council of Trent in 1563 marked a turning point with the decree, “Cum adolescentium Aetas”, (since the age of adolescence) which mandated the establishment of seminaries to address growing concerns of clerical incompetence and laxity”, he noted.

He recounted the pivotal role of St. Victor’s Major Seminary the mother institution of SAMS which was established in 1946, to train priests for the northern dioceses of the Catholic Church. “With time, the increasing number of seminarians and the directives from the Vatican led to a separation of theology and philosophy training. This culminated in the establishment of SAMS in 2000 as a dedicated philosophy seminary for the Northern Ecclesiastical Province”, the Bishop who was one of the pioneer Formators of SAMS recalled.

 

He highlighted how the post-synodal apostolic exhortation on priestly formation by the late Pope John Paul II called “Pastores Dabo Vobis” (I shall give you shepherds) released on 25th March, 1992 further revolutionized priestly formation which emphasize four pillars, namely human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation. “Human formation must be the foundation,” he stressed, linking it directly to philosophical development and moral maturity of the seminarian.

He also recounted the significant impact SAMS has had on the local community of Sahakpaligu where it is located. “Once a remote and underdeveloped village, Sahakpaligu has witnessed tremendous transformation over the past two decades largely due to the presence of the seminary” the Bishop stated. He added, “SAMS brought electricity and potable water to this village, transforming it from a forgotten settlement into a thriving community”. He further added, “With access to infrastructure, the area has attracted schools, guest houses, and modern housing, effectively turning the once-isolated village into a budding township, the Bishop noted.

Notwithstanding these achievements, Bishop Angkyier who is also the Vice President of the Episcopal Board of Governor’s of SAMS acknowledged the challenges facing the seminary currently such as inadequate accommodation, transportation for pastoral work, and poor road access. In this regard, he called on government, Church authorities, and stakeholders, to continue supporting the seminary.

As the seminary marks its Silver Jubilee, the lecture served not only as a reflection on its past, but as a clarion call to invest in the philosophical and human formation of future priests capable of addressing the pastoral and ethical demands of the modern world.

The ceremony was chaired by Professor Hamdiyah Alhassan, a Development Economist and Lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS), and attended by several other dignitaries including Sir Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye, a former Vice Chancellor of UDS, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Fuseini Saaka, the Rector of SAMS, and scores of priests, as well as religious men and women, seminarians, students from various tertiary, Senior High and Vocational schools, and Catholic societies, among others.

Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku