7. Reasons for staying abroad. One of the principal reasons why diocesan priests from missionary territories are sent abroad by their Ordinary is to further their studies in a field that is unavailable in their own region, with the aim of providing a specific ecclesial service upon their return.

The intellectual formation of priests, whether it is in the theological disciplines or in other fields, should always be clearly useful for the particular Church. Such was the opinion of the Second Vatican Council in the Decree Optatam totius: "It is the bishop's responsibility to send young men of suitable character, virtue and ability to special institutes, faculties or universities, so that the various needs of the apostolate may be met by priests trained to a higher scientific standard in the sacred sciences and in other appropriate subjects"¹⁰.

So every Bishop, together with his collaborators, should make a careful selection from among his priests of those who are truly gifted and capable of further studies. This decision should be based on the needs of the Diocese, such as teaching roles at the major and minor seminaries, the permanent formation of clergy, curial officials and particular departments of the diocesan chancery, or even at a provincial or national level - in which case it would be in agreement with the Episcopal Conference.

One is strongly advised not to send abroad for further studies those priests who have personal problems, in the vain hope that they may find a remedy - instead they should be helped in more appropriate and specific ways. 

The Bishop who receives priests of mission territories into his own Diocese for academic reasons must take care of their spiritual formation, a practice that has already borne much fruit in many countries. It would be advantageous if the Episcopal Conference set down certain norms concerning the stay of such priests who are overseas for academic reasons¹¹.