India, Oct. 12 -- It has been a blessing to be involved in the formation of seminarians and religious for the past seven years-and counting. In that time, I have had the joy of accompanying many young men, most of whom I have found earnest, diligent and deeply devoted to preparing for the priesthood. Nothing that follows should be read as questioning their integrity or the good they will bring to the Church.

These years have also taught a harder lesson. A house can lose its power to form people when a few learn how to weaken accountability without ever looking like rebels.

When Formation is Resisted from Within In every large group of men in formation, a small but influential minority stands out. For lack of a better term, and drawing o...