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How can you find a spiritual director? Usually it is a safe bet to look for a priest. Usually you come across a good spiritual director by reference - either through the recommendation of someone you know, or you hear him preach, or you read something he wrote... and that moves you to ask him. He has to be someone you already trust, and, in your case, who loves and understands young people. Look for a priest whose preaching really reaches you (substance, but practical and helpful), or one who spends a lot of time hearing confessions, or a chaplain in a school who does a lot of spiritual work with the kids (preaching, teaching, retreats, confessions). What you want is someone prudent and practical, balanced himself, and who has knowledge - although he doesn't need to be a genius. It usually helps if he is energetic and generally tends to be optimistic, and not afraid of the truth. At times we expect the spiritual director to do everything for us, do all the thinking and just tell us what we are to do. Normally he listens a lot more than he speaks to see what God is doing in your life, prodding you, making sure you are being honest, making you think and reflect, testing your conclusions. He will help you see the truth, but will not make your decisions for you. Remember, the role of a spiritual director is not to tell you what to do 'no questions', but to help you discover what God is asking of you so that you can understand, accept and do it. You have to actively participate in the spiritual direction and contribute your ideas and reflections. He needs to know what you perceive in prayer, what your inclinations are, what you honestly believe God is asking of you and why. His role is to shed light on these things, test them to see if they are valid and if they have the signs of coming form God, and let you know why if they don't. He is trying to help you understand and follow the ways of God. Don't forget as you do your search for a spiritual director that 'your heavenly Father knows what you need even before you ask him.' So pray with trust and confidence for the right person to help you. |
Pilgrims Have Their Reasons <Zenit, September 1> Paul's Biography <Zenit, August 27> Volume Collects Pope's Words from US Visit <Zenit, August 24> | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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