The primary purpose of spiritual direction is to grow in holiness and prayer, and to deepen our relationship with God. When people become aware of their hunger for God and desire to know and do only his will, they are in need of spiritual direction. Spiritual Direction is a process, or pilgrimage, that one takes with a guide or mentor—a spiritual director.
As a Spiritual Director, I understand this ministry to be a relationship that involves three persons—the director, the directee, and the Holy Spirit. This relationship is about intimacy with God, between the directee and the Holy Spirit. The director is merely a “witness.” As the directee unfolds all that is in their heart, mind, and soul, in the presence of the director—whose primary role is simply to listen—they begin to reveal how God is leading them; His will and direction for their life; what he is teaching them; and the meaning and purpose of their life. Through this relationship, the person comes to an intimate knowledge of him or herself, God, and of their relationship with God and others.
Today, there are many titles for one who is called to be a Spiritual Director, titles that accent various aspects of Spiritual Direction. These titles may include: Mentor, Teacher, Mirror, Guide, Mid-wife, Care-taker of Souls, Spiritual Friend, Spiritual Companion, Life Coach, and Spiritual Mother or Spiritual Father.
Who is qualified to be a Spiritual Director?
Spiritual Direction is not a secular occupation or profession. It is not for the purpose of psychological therapy, marriage counseling, or any other kind of counseling. Spiritual Directors are “called” by God and must have that calling confirmed by the Church. Spiritual Direction is a spiritual ministry because it depends on prayer, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the direction of the Holy Spirit. The integrity, spiritual life, and knowledge of Scripture, of the Spiritual Director, are paramount.
A Catholic Spiritual Director needs to be trained by the Church and certified to give Spiritual Direction. They should be a practicing Catholic who is faithful to the Magisterium and Teaching of the Catholic Church. They should be knowledgeable of Scripture, Theology, Psychology, Catholic Morality, Church History, Social Justice, Contemporary Spirituality, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the lives of the Saints.
In addition to these studies, I was required to complete the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, and to do a one year practicum under supervision. Spiritual Directors should be people of prayer and also have their own Spiritual Director. They need to be under authority, and accountable to someone before others can be under their authority, and accountable to them. They should be morally mature, and advanced in the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. They also need to have a well-developed gift of discernment; knowing how to “test the spirit” and to discern between good and evil, and true and false teaching.
The primary purpose of the Spiritual Director is to assist others in developing their prayer life and to discern the movements of the Holy Spirit in their life. They do so by gently asking questions without being invasive or inquisitive; by reflecting back to the person what they have revealed; and by challenging them to search their soul. On rare occasions, the director may also have to correct or enlighten the directee in order to point out any obstacles that get in the way of their quest. Sometimes, the soul of the directee is more like a fountain, flowing over, and the director need only listen and be fully present to them.
Ideally, the qualities of a good Spiritual Director are: Love for God, the Church, and all humans; spiritual gifts; the virtues, especially humility and fear of the Lord; self-knowledge; appropriate talents, skills, and training; abandonment to the will of God and desire to serve. These qualities will not only make one a good Spiritual Director, but will prepare one for any ministry in the Church.
To obtain a list of approved Spiritual Directors in the Diocese call (909) 475-5100.
Lenora Grimaud is a Spiritual Director and Writer who attends St. Francis of Assisi Parish in La Quinta.