Though much has been written on the topic of spiritual direction, modern wisdom is hard to come by. I was delighted to stumble upon a more recent treatment of the topic written for spiritual directors. Through Wind and Waves – On Being a Spiritual Guide by Francis Fernández-Carvajal is only the second book to make … Read more
Dear Dan, I noticed on your poll that there are a few people (apparently out of thousands) who don’t think they need a spiritual director. I have wondered if I am also in this category. I feel strong in my faith (I love my faith) and feel like I have clear direction in my life … Read more
Hundreds of you have read and responded with excitement about our new Spiritual Direction book club supported by our cast of amazing volunteers. A priest wrote in yesterday and asked an important question, “How do I participate?” Once you have registered, there are only three things to do, 1) Prepare, 2) Read, 3) Respond. Here’s … Read more
Dear Friends, For many of you, drinking from the pure wells of the Church has become a regular lifeline when unable to find a suitable spiritual director. As you know, spiritual reading is an essential element to any healthy life of faith. Inside or outside of spiritual direction, it is an absolute must if we … Read more
I was confirmed four years ago. I had a very powerful conversion and the first thing I tried to do was find a priest for a spiritual director. No luck. I did discover that not all priests are trained in spiritual direction. Every seminarian needs a director also and they would come first. The ratio … Read more
Dear Father John, I’m a new Catholic as of April, 2012. I received spiritual direction that was immensely helpful with a priest about four times, before I was received into the church. While in my first confession, that priest told me I needed ongoing spiritual direction for many specific reasons. He said I should contact … Read more
Dear Dan, I’ve been going to spiritual direction for several years with a good friend. At her suggestion I have recently begun seeing a Catholic counselor to deal with issues from my past which have made it difficult for me to progress spiritually, to trust God, etc. Actually she insisted that I must see a … Read more
I recently had the opportunity to interview with his Excellency Archbishop Naumann of the archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas for Register Radio on an important work going on in his archdiocese to train spiritual mentors. Because of the time constraints of the show we had to cut it down quite a bit. Below you will … Read more
I posted this over at the best Catholic Newspaper on the planet – National Catholic Register – thought you might enjoy it When Alonso Sanchez de Capeda decided to raise his daughter in a pious Catholic household, he did not anticipate his child of seven would run away in hopes of being martyred by the … Read more
Dear Friends, About once a year I send out a note to check in on you. Are we serving you well? Have we helped you or someone you love come to know Christ in any way? Have other readers helped you as you dialogue about the posts? If this is the case, in large or small … Read more
The Pope’s Latest Encouragement to Mercy and Spiritual Direction The Pope’s Latest Encouragement to Mercy and Spiritual Direction A recurring theme is emerging in Pope Benedict’s pontificate: the importance of mercy and spiritual direction. His latest encouragement of this practice is his most significant. In Sussidio per Confessori (The Priest, Minister of Divine Mercy: An Aid … Read more
What does Pope Benedict XVI think about spiritual direction? The Church has always recommended spiritual direction Spiritual direction is for every Catholic who desires to live out their baptism Those who are called into a substantive relationship with Christ need a spiritual director A spiritual director can help the directee avoid self-deception and the limits of their own … Read more
VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Anyone who wants to live their baptism responsibly should have a spiritual director, says Benedict XVI. The Pope affirmed this today when he addressed members of the Pontifical Theological Faculty Teresianum. The faculty was founded in 1935; the audience with the Holy Father was part of the institute’s celebrations … Read more
I have a bit of my own foolishness to share with you today. In my book on spiritual direction (scheduled to go to print late next year through Emmaus Road Publishing) I offer the following advice regarding docility to our spiritual directors: Authentic docility is an essential ingredient in any successful spiritual direction relationship. What … Read more
Dear Friends, If you are not a regular pope-watcher you may have missed Pope Benedict’s frequent encouragement regarding the importance of the ancient and powerful practice of spiritual direction. Here’s excerpts from a recent article from CNA that contains some interesting insights: Pope Benedict XVI highlighted a saint from Turin as a model for priests … Read more
Dear Father John, Though I have read many of your posts on spiritual direction, I am still struggling with taking the leap and making an appointment. I do want to grow in my relationship to Christ but how do I know if I am really ready for this and it is the right thing for … Read more
Have you ever been in an unfamiliar area and stopped to ask a local for directions only to find that the well intended helper begins to rattle off street names, turns, and landmarks faster than you can blink? Why does this happen? It really is very simple. Our chosen helper is very familiar with the … Read more
Dear Father John, I am a new Catholic. I found your blog after searching for information on Catholic Spiritual Direction. My parish priest has found a director for me, a lady, whom I have not met yet. To be honest, I am somewhat terrified of sharing my thoughts and (things I learn) in person. I’m … Read more
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