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
The Presence of God: Struggling with the Idea of Practicing it: What should be done? Dear Father John, I have had a pretty regular prayer life for a few years, and have been going to confession regularly as well, and receiving Communion frequently. In my spiritual reading, though, I keep coming across the idea … Read more
What do you do when you are pretty sure your root sin is pride (based on self-reflection, common sins in confession, etc…) but your spiritual director doesn’t think it is true. Mine keeps telling me I am not proud — but we end up in this weird argument where I assert that I am and … 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 Edward, my friends were asking last night about the idea of total detachment from sin as a requirement for plenary indulgence- they were desperate that such a goal is unattainable- total detachment from venial sin- did Father clarify that on the SD site or somewhere else or can you point me to another … Read more
Dear Father Edward, when given the gift of infused contemplation, should there be any doubt that these are of God? My spiritual director has told me to listen and obey, write everything down, and if there are any doubts, to go back and read what the Lord has said and shown me. This has helped … Read more
Centering Prayer: What the Vatican has to say about it Has the Vatican ever addressed the topic of Centering Prayer or the teachings commonly held by those who advocate or practice Centering Prayer? Yes, the approach to prayer commonly referred to “Centering Prayer” has been formally and specifically addressed by the Congregation for the Doctrine … Read more
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