Spiritual Direction

[Saint Therese]

My parish Pastor is my main spiritual director. However, sometimes I go to confession at the cathedral in my diocese, and one certain priest there is the best confessor I've ever had. If I lived closer, I'd definitely want him as my spiritual director.

[photosynthesis]

God will give you the director you need. Just pray for one, and ask one of the great spiritual directors like St. John Vianney, St. Francis de Sales or St. Ignatius of Loyola to pray for you.

I've had a few directors in my day. The one I had in Baltimore was very good, but I needed to find a different one after I moved out of state. I immediately decided to go to the pastor of my parish, and we met a few times but eventually I decided to find another priest who was a better fit. On a practical level, it's important to find a director that you trust. It is good to trust the advice you get from good priests in confession, however, I certainly won't put my soul in the hands of just anyone. I knew that my current spiritual director was right for me because he seems to 'get' me. I trust him to guide me in important spiritual matters because I really think the Holy Spirit has given him the right understanding necessary to know my spiritual needs. I can't say that about just anyone.

Most lay people are not equipped to be spiritual directors. The only decent ones I've met are in Opus Dei and they've been in the Work for a long time. Opus Dei really likes the idea of men guiding men and women guiding women. If you're discerning religious life, a Sister might be a good spiritual director for you.