The Vocation
and to discern the will of God
"When a son leaves home to obey his calling, Jesus takes his place in the family."
Saint John Bosco
Do you think you have a calling to the priesthood?
The FSSP can help you discern God's will for you. Before the year of discernment (propaedeutic), you should, if possible, have met with at least one priest from our community, who can answer essential questions and make an initial assessment. If the vocation seems serious, a short stay of 4 or 5 days at the seminary will allow you to establish initial contact with the formators, especially the person in charge of the propaedeutic year. If you are interested in visiting the seminary, you can write an email to fsspwigratzbad@gmail.com or fssp.pt@gmail.com
What should the candidates' intentions be?
One does not enter a seminary merely to become a priest, but above all to become a saint. Holiness consists in living according to truth in charity, always doing God's will. It is a grace that must be incessantly requested in prayer. Spiritual fervor must be solid and intentions must be pure. It is important to emphasize that the attraction to the priesthood should not stem from a desire to escape the world or from difficulties in relationships.
In what language are the studies conducted?
The Wigratzbad seminary has a French-language section and a German-language section. A good command of one of these two languages is required to enter the first year. The Fraternity also has another seminary in the United States for English-language studies.
How long do the studies last?
Priestly formation in the FSSP lasts seven years: one year of propaedeutics, two years of philosophy, and four years of theology.
Once ordained as deacons at the end of their sixth year, the future priests spend their final year of apostolate in our houses, attending seven weeks of courses.
What level of intellectual activity is required?
How much does the pension cost?
The cost of boarding at the seminary is 350 euros per month. But everyone gives according to their means. Financial considerations are by no means an obstacle.
When does the course start?
Typically, candidates accepted into the first year enter the seminary on the Sunday closest to September 15th. Given that the application process takes some time and the seminary is closed during the summer, it is preferable to contact them before July, ideally around March.
