Joyful Discipleship 

Integrating Positive Psychology in Priestly and Religious Formation

By Father Shijo Antony Kanjirathamkunnel CM

ST PAULS, 58/23rd Road, TPS III, Bandra West, Mumbai

ISBN 978-81-19597-00-0 / Year 2026 / Pp 236 / INR 300

It was Saint John-Baptist Marie Vianney who said: "The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ." Sounds too far-fetched? Not so with a copy of this book in your hand! Here's a book whose contents can help give flesh to this profound sentiment of the Curé d'Ars. The basis for such an inference is that the contents of this book arise from the author's deep conviction that a convergence of the Church's ancient wisdom and the insights of contemporary science, particularly Positive Psychology, can illumine the path of formation for those called to consecrated life. Indeed, this book fulfils an urgent need in relation to formators and formees alike: grounded in the rich soil of Catholic tradition, it explores the feasibility of the principles of Positive Psychology nurturing a truly deep and vibrant relationship with God who Himself is the heart of formation!

Essentially, the purpose of priestly/religious formation is to initiate in a person the process of becoming Christ-like. This process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, stresses that the time-honoured practices of prayer, spiritual direction, and scriptural study, coupled with an ongoing dialogue with the human sciences leads to understanding the complexities of the human person, establishing the bedrock for a life devoted to God. 

Fr Shijo Antony Kanjirathamkunnel, a member of the Congregation of the Mission, holds doctorates in Positive Psychology (USA) and Canon Law (Spain), besides holding a diploma from the American Board of Positive Psychology. No wonder JOYFUL DISCIPLESHIP lucidly integrates Positive Psychology in priestly and religious formation, thus contributing significantly on two fronts: firstly, a fresh, practical, and deeply relevant approach to preparing men and women for service and discipleship; secondly, a timely contribution to their initial as well as ongoing formation. 

Positive Psychology, with its focus on human flourishing, character strengths, and cultivation of positive emotions, emerges not as an end in itself, but as a tool for fostering a deeper encounter with the Divine. It does this by providing a language and framework for understanding the psychological and emotional dimensions of spiritual growth, making for more practicality and less academic density. It offers a complementary lens through which to view 'formation' as a transformative journey, thereby empowering those in religion to lead fulfilling lives of service to their communities. 

JOYFUL DISCIPLESHIP comes in a well-structured presentation: Chapter 1 (p. 11) concentrates on deep-rooting the individual in Christ by dwelling on the Progression of Formation in Modern Times; Chapter 2 (p. 27) hints at making the journey joyful by means of Harnessing Positive Psychology for Formation; Chapter 3 (p. 76) focuses on Forming a Flourishing Life by way of Applying Positive Psychology in Priestly and Religious formation; Chapter 4 (p. 158) has the reader Embracing Lifelong Learning through Ongoing Formation.

The charts and diagrams interspersing the book encourage the reader to seek and find practical wisdom so as to joyfully live out discipleship as being deeply rooted in Christ, thus being responsive to the needs of our times. The text also emphasises open dialogue between psychologists, theologians, and formation directors as crucial for navigating the complexities of priestly and religious ministry, and ensuring that the integration involved serves holistic human development. All in all, JOYFUL DISCIPLESHIP is a call to seminaries and formation houses to embrace the opportunity to cultivate a new generation of priests and religious equipped to navigate the complexities of modern day ministry. 

LADISLAUS LOUIS D'SOUZA