44 The Art of Accompaniment
A mentor who undertakes pastoral formation takes up their own questions
of faith and doubt and engages them on the way to maturity of faith. In
order to lead others honestly and authentically in accompaniment, mentors
themselves are required to take up the task of courageously confronting
the complex situations of their own lives, and are not content to “hide”
behind their ministry or apostolate. It is therefore paramount that men-
tors exercise integrity in all aspects of their apostolate and life, facing their
own challenges authentically. Additionally, as a component of being formed
pastorally, mentors also grow in their ability to relate compassionately to
others who struggle to understand church teaching. This skill involves the
cultivation of humility, patience, listening, and fidelity.
Intellectual
The apostolate of accompaniment also requires intellectual formation so
that mentors might be properly prepared to guide those accompanied in the
spiritual life. Essentially, intellectual formation “is a fundamental demand
of the human intelligence by which one “participates in the light of God's
mind” and seeks to acquire a wisdom which in turn opens to and is directed
toward knowing and adhering to God” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 51). Intellectu-
al formation allows mentors to know the theological dimensions of human
life, grow in their own faith, be inspired by the wisdom of the Christian
tradition, understand the sources of Catholic theology to meet the needs of
their accompaniment, and better understand and articulate Church teach-
ing. In being intellectually formed, specifically in basic theology, mentors
are better able to facilitate accompaniment because of their understanding
of the action, plan, and love of God. Essentially, formation in theology
allows for the mentor to make room for divine action, as “the goal of all
theology is to clear the way for God” (St. Edith Stein). This training aids
the mentor in discernment, prayer, and orientation.
Several aspects of intellectual formation are helpful to a mentor, pro-
moting growth both in their capacities as a mentor and also in their overall
life as an adult Catholic seeking mature faith.
Firstly, as adults who have been confirmed in the Catholic Church,
mentors are responsible for actively participating in their own catecheti-
cal formation. They should be involved in adult faith formation at a par-
ish or Catholic institute before and during their apostolate. Seeking this