c) Inter-institute centers and formation

9. In order to carry out the function proper to these inter-institute centers, i.e. the purpose of their being a “center of studies” at the service of formation, they need to bear in mind that:

– formation is an integral process whose elements inter-penetrate one another. There is a deep correlation between life and truth; between theology and the human sciences; between the search for truth and the expectations, hopes, and values of young people; between study and consistency in personal commitments; between the signs of the times and a pastoral formative orientation.(³⁴)

– intellectual preparation is an irreplaceable dimension of formation. The ordering of subjects to be studied and scientific seriousness ought to contribute to harmonizing the attitudes proper to consecrated life. Thus the centers should offer a service of high quality to contribute wisely to the integral growth of the students.

– the inter-institute character of the centers requires a special respect for the aspects which are common to all. At the same time, collaboration and solidarity also require respect and appreciation of the diversities. If this were not so, the centers would probably contribute to a sameness which would impoverish them and would bring about the risk of spiritual and pastoral uniformity, inadequate for the complexity of the world which is to be evangelized, and harmful to the specific identity of each institute. In this case, the centers would lose their identity as a service to religious life.