THE FIRST ASPECT OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION

following the teachings of Msgr. Escriá

PPT SLIDE 1:
The First Christian Formation According to Msgr. Escriá: Human Formation

Jhulyen: Good Morning, everyone! Welcome to our presentation on Christian formation based on the
teachings of Monsignor (Msg.) Josemaria Escriva. Today, we will delve into how human formation plays a
crucial role in our spiritual lives. We’ll explore how human virtues and divine grace interact, enhancing our
Christian journey. This foundation will help us better integrate our faith into everyday living.

PPT SLIDE 2:
Exploring the Role of Human Formation in Christian Life
by Group 2

Arianne: Together with our leader, Jhulyen Esmundo, Charles Andrei Bisa, Julia Ashley Egar and yours
truly, Arianne Mae Llorera, I’d like to welcome all of you once again to Group 2’s presentation. From the
copy sent in our group chat, I’d like to read the passage given to us to discuss today.

PPT SLIDE 3:
“Following the teaching of Msgr. Escrivá, we can consider five aspects of christian formation: First;
human formation, because the supernatural grace which comes to us doesn't suppress our human
nature: on the contrary, it improves and enhances it. This means that we have to take into account the
human virtues, all the human powers we have to develop in order to cooperate with divine grace in this
life.”

PPT SLIDE 4:

Lesson Objectives:

1. Grasp how formation in Opus Dei integrates doctrine with daily life to achieve holiness and
effective apostolate,
2. Recognize the universal spiritual hunger for God and the importance of formation in addressing
this deep-seated need; and
3. Understand how the Church supports spiritual development through its teachings, sacraments,
and communal guidance.

Julia: Today, us, the lecturers’ main objectives are: first, grasp how formation in Opus Dei integrates
doctrine with daily life to achieve holiness and effective apostolate. With this, the formation in Opus Dei is
crucial for achieving holiness and effectively living out the apostolate. Second objective, recognize the
universal spiritual hunger for God and the importance of formation in addressing this deep-seated need.
By this, we aim to impart the Christian formation in addressing the deep spiritual hunger for God present
in every person. Even if individuals show indifference, there is always a yearning for divine truth, which
formation helps to fulfill. Third and last, understand how the Church supports spiritual development
through its teachings, sacraments, and communal guidance. The Church plays a vital role in Christian
formation by offering teachings, sacraments, and community support. This guidance helps individuals
grow spiritually and live out their faith effectively.

PPT SLIDE 5:
Introduction to Human Formation
● Human formation is the process of developing virtues essential for living a life aligned with divine
grace.

Charles: As said earlier, we’ll be diving into the concept of human formation. This process is foundational
in Christian tradition, focusing on cultivating virtues that align our human nature with divine grace. We’ll
explore how this concept has been integral to spiritual growth throughout the history of the Church.

PPT SLIDE 6:
Historical Roots of Human Formation
● Human formation has ancient roots within the early Church teachings.
● St. Thomas Aquinas was pivotal in shaping the concept by merging Aristotelian ethics with
Christian teachings.
● Aquinas utilized Aristotle's philosophy to explain how human virtues play a role in Christian life.

Jhulyen: The concept of human formation isn't something new but has its roots deeply embedded in the
early teachings of the Church. From the very beginning, the Church recognized the importance of
developing human virtues alongside spiritual growth. St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the most influential
theologians in the Church's history, significantly shaped our understanding of human formation. He
skillfully integrated Aristotelian ethics with Christian doctrine, creating a harmonious blend of philosophical
and theological insights. Aquinas drew on Aristotle's ideas, particularly the focus on developing virtues
such as prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These virtues, according to Aristotle, are essential
for leading a good life, and Aquinas showed how they could be aligned with Christian values.

PPT SLIDE 6:
Human Formation: Opus Dei’s Mission.
Opus Dei is a Latin phrase that translates to "Work of God". It refers to a Catholic institution founded in
1928 by Msgr. Josemaría Escrivá.

● Formation is central to Opus Dei’s mission.

● It involves knowledge of Church doctrine, intimate prayer, and witnessing in various aspects of
life.
● Its mission is to help people seek holiness and live out their Christian vocation in their everyday
lives.
● The organization emphasizes the idea that all people are called to live a holy life, and it supports
this through spiritual formation, pastoral care, and educational initiatives.

Arianne: Msgr. Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, emphasized the importance of human
formation in modern Christian life. He believed that formation should encompass not just spiritual growth
but also the development of human virtues that are essential for living out one's faith in everyday life.
Escrivá taught that true Christian formation requires continuous effort and dedication, helping individuals
to harmonize their human nature with divine grace in all aspects of life. Msgr. Escriva placed great
emphasis on the concept of formation in his teachings. Opus Dei is a Latin phrase that translates to “Work
of God”. For Opus Dei, formation is not just about acquiring knowledge but about living out that
knowledge in all areas of life. It involves deepening our understanding of Church doctrine, fostering a
personal relationship with God through prayer, and applying our faith in our families, workplaces, and
society. This comprehensive approach guides us towards holiness and effective apostolic work.
Moreover, the focus of Opus Dei is to encourage its members to integrate their spiritual and professional
lives, making ordinary work and daily activities an opportunity for sanctification and service to God.
PPT SLIDE 7:
The Need for Christian Formation
● There always comes a moment when the soul can no longer bear it, when the usual explanations
are no longer enough.
● Even those who appear indifferent have an inherent spiritual longing that can be awakened by
Christian teachings.

Julia: The need for Christian formation becomes evident when the soul reaches a point where ordinary
explanations no longer satisfy. At this stage, people often feel a deep, unspoken longing for something
more meaningful. Even those who seem indifferent have an inherent spiritual thirst that can be awakened
by the teachings of Christ. St. Josemaría Escrivá recognized that beneath the surface, many are eager to
hear God’s message, even if they don't openly admit it. Christian formation provides the guidance needed
to connect with God, offering answers that resonate with the soul’s deepest desires. This process
nurtures our faith, strengthens our relationship with God, and equips us to live out our beliefs in daily life.
Through continual learning and growth, Christian formation helps us bear witness to the truth of the
Gospel. In doing so, it not only transforms us individually but also influences those around us.

PPT SLIDE 9:
Role of the Church in Formation
● Christian formation is both given and received through the Church.
● The Church’s role in Christian formation involves delivering doctrinal teachings, administering
sacraments, and fostering a supportive community. These elements work together to guide and
strengthen individuals in their spiritual journey, helping them integrate their faith into all aspects of
life and grow in their relationship with God.

Arianne: The Church plays a crucial role in Christian formation, serving as the primary vehicle through
which individuals receive spiritual guidance and support. It provides essential teachings on the doctrine of
faith, ensuring that believers have a solid foundation in Christian principles. These teachings are crucial
for understanding the deeper aspects of faith and applying them to daily life.

Also, the Church administers the sacraments, which are vital means of grace. Through the sacraments,
such as Baptism, Eucharist, and Confession, individuals receive divine grace that strengthens their
relationship with God and supports their spiritual growth. The sacraments are not just rituals but
transformative experiences that help deepen one’s faith and commitment.

PPT SLIDE 10:

Lifelong Journey of Christian Formation

● Formation requires time and patience. Therefore, formation must never end, even the wisest will
always have something to learn.
● Christian formation is an ongoing process that evolves over time and requires a commitment to
continual improvement.

Julia: Continuous formation is essential because spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. Msgr. Escrivá
stressed that formation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Patience and consistent effort are
needed as spiritual maturity takes time. Formation must adapt to changing life situations and new
challenges. This process involves both formal teachings and personal experiences. Formal education
provides foundational knowledge, while everyday experiences and reflection deepen understanding.
Ongoing formation helps integrate Christian values into all aspects of life. By committing to continuous
formation, individuals maintain a dynamic and responsive faith journey.

PPT SLIDE 12:

Enhancing Human Nature Through Divine Grace

● Human formation because the supernatural grace which comes to us doesn't suppress our
human nature: on the contrary, it improves and enhances it."
● Human formation is about cultivating virtues such as empathy, patience, and integrity, which align
with divine grace and enhance our spiritual lives.

Jhulyen: Christian formation is a comprehensive process essential for living a life aligned with faith. It
begins with understanding human nature and how divine grace enhances rather than suppresses it.
Formation involves a deep engagement with Church teachings, sacraments, and the supportive
community provided by the Church. Despite periods of indifference, every person has an inherent spiritual
hunger that formation addresses. Continuous formation is crucial, as it ensures ongoing spiritual growth
and adaptation to life’s changes. It requires both patience and a commitment to lifelong learning. By
integrating these aspects, individuals grow in their relationship with God and apply Christian principles in
everyday life. Ultimately, Christian formation helps believers live out their faith fully and effectively.

PPT SLIDE 13:

Integration of Human and Divine Formation

● Formation leads to an active, sincere, and authentic piety and involves continual prayer and
responsible apostolic work.
● Reflect on how integrating human and divine formation aspects can guide and improve personal
and communal spiritual practices.

Arianne: Christian formation extends beyond theoretical understanding; it must be actively applied in
daily life. This involves integrating Church teachings and sacraments into everyday actions and decisions.
Practically, this means embodying Christian virtues in personal relationships, professional environments,
and social interactions. For instance, demonstrating compassion, integrity, and patience reflects the
teachings of Christ in real-world situations.

Julia: Also, Christian formation encourages active participation in the Church community, such as
volunteering and engaging in charitable work. These actions help reinforce one’s faith and make a
tangible impact on others. Applying Christian principles also involves continual self-reflection and striving
for personal improvement. By doing so, believers can better align their lives with their faith and contribute
positively to society.

Charles: Overall, practical application of Christian formation requires living out Church teachings through
everyday actions, engaging in community service, and continually reflecting on one’s spiritual growth.
This holistic approach ensures that faith is not only understood but actively practiced in all areas of life.

PPT SLIDE 11:

Thank you!

Jhulyen: We now open the floor for questions and discussion. Please feel free to share your thoughts,
ask questions, or provide insights based on your own experiences. This is an opportunity for us to engage
in meaningful dialogue about how Christian formation has impacted our lives and how we can continue to
grow in our faith. Your reflections and questions will help us deepen our understanding of this important
topic.