Though a complete understanding of this document requires education in Church history and mystical and ascetic theology – on its face it clearly addresses many current popular teachings on prayer that should be of concern to every Catholic who seriously desires to deepen their understanding of what it means to truly engage with God. This … Read more
Dear Father John, I know you wrote before about consolation and desolation in the spiritual life. But I have a follow-up question. When we experience some kind of desolation, how do we know where it’s coming from? I mean, how do we know whether it’s really from God or not? This is a great question … Read more
Can a Catholic Have a Relationship with Jesus? I posted this over at the National Catholic Register and thought that you might find it helpful… We have our deacons and our religious directors, our priests and bishops and our cardinals … and our pope. We have confession, the Eucharist, penance, indulgences, litanies and prayers … 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 Father John, since receiving “The Better Part”, I have set aside a time every morning and have read and meditated on the meditation units. However, while I am receiving much help in my spiritual life, everything else in my life is falling apart. I have gotten very ill, have had to have many tests, … Read more
by Kathryn Marcellino, OCDS With Halloween right around the corner, we might ask ourselves if demons and evil spirits are real? The Church gives us an authoritative answer in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CC 414) which says, “Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to … Read more
The following is a recent interview with Gayle Trotter and Fr. John Bartunek. Posted with permission. Gayle Trotter: This is Gayle Trotter [of First Things], today I’m speaking with Father John Bartunek, a priest in the Legionaries of Christ and the author of several books, including an insider’s view of Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion … Read more
Dear Father John, I still struggle with keeping things in perspective. Would you therefore kindly explain what is the essence of authentic Catholic spirituality, i.e., irrespective of whatever tradition one follows (Ignatian, Carmelite, Opus Dei, etc.), and also what are the essential elements of the spirituality. Also what is the relationship between Catholic morality and … Read more
I was told that receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist while in a state of grave sin is a grave sin in itself. I’m constantly worried about whether I am allowed to receive Communion at Mass, and I do make sure I go to confession monthly (or more often). My question is this: How grave … Read more
Dear Father John, I would like to ask you for a piece of advice. Since my will is not so strong as it should be; what are the exercises to practice that important element of spiritual formation? I am so encouraged to see that you recognize a need to develop your willpower! The first job … 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
St Pio of Pietrelcina, O.F.M. (Padre Pio) Novena Dear God, Thou hast generously blessed Thy servant, St Pio of Pietrelcina, with the gifts of the Spirit. Thou hast marked his body with the five wounds of Christ Crucified, as a powerful witness to the saving Passion and Death of Thy Son. Endowed with the gift … Read more
What’s the Difference between Spiritual Guides, Spiritual Directors, and Spiritual Mentors? Good question! Depending upon the source of training of the spiritual director, there are different types or titleds of those who offer spiritual direction. For instance, a number of movements in the Church offer training for lay people so that they can provide … Read more
“God’s passionate love for his people – for humanity – is at the same time a forgiving love. by The Editors, National Catholic Register correspondent “God’s passionate love for his people – for humanity – is at the same time a forgiving love. It is so great that it turns God against himself, his love … Read more
Announcing: Encounter With Mercy – A Step-by-Step Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation I am happy to announce the first official publication of Catholic Spiritual Direction! The forward is written by Cardinal Justin Rigali. This step-by-step guide is compact (back pocket or purse size), simple to read, and perfect for rediscovering or deepening our understanding … Read more
Dear Dan, should I get spiritual direction from the priest who regularly takes my confession? I don’t know if he would be interested but I wanted to ask about the appropriateness of this approach before I ask him. Is there a downside? As with most questions we receive, yours is very encouraging. The first level … Read more
Dear Father Edward, a couple of months ago, I went to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. After I confessed my sins the priest asked me whether I could say the Angelus for my penance. He also asked me if I knew the Angelus. I very hesitatingly affirmed, thinking that if I concentrated enough (I had not … Read more
How Can I Learn to Pray More? Dear Father John, I am a young teenage Catholic currently discerning a vocation to the consecrated life as a nun or sister. Lately, I’ve been feeling a very strong urge to pray a lot and go to Mass every day and Adoration whenever possible. I want to … Read more
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