“Scripture illuminates the importance for a spiritual director to not only be experienced in direction and the spiritual life, but also to be learned and prudent.” – Debra Black
“The difference between a soul that is truly on fire and growing in genuine holiness, as opposed to a soul who is just coasting along, is the quality of solitary prayer that is present in their life.” – Fr. Jeremiah Shryock
“I remember thinking as a young religious that the greatest obstacles in my spiritual life were certain exterior realities, i.e., the people and personalities I lived with.” – Fr. Jeremiah Shryock
“The truth about ourselves and God can only be known and experienced when we stand alone before God and enter this solitude of the heart.” – Fr. Jeremiah Shryock
“A few days before the retreat begins, I ask them to pray with this question, ‘Where are you?’ from Genesis 3:9.” – Fr. Jeremiah Shryock
“In Ignatian spirituality, discernment is usually considered in one of two senses: discernment of spirits or discernment of God’s will.” – Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV
“For most of my life, people would share private things and ask me what I thought. They didn’t ask what I knew. They asked what I thought.” – Debra Black
“The Lord is inviting us to regularly inspect our own fortress—our invaluable soul—to learn its vulnerabilities and build up our defenses with His help.” – Megan Hjelmstad
“When we show up to pray, which is a time to be present to God because we love him, he shows up. Always.” – Deanna Bartalini
“When we feel strong and consoled in our relationship with the Lord, it is the perfect time to earnestly beg His loving help for times of future weakness, doubt, and desolation.” – Megan Hjelmstad