Hajja Salesjana

by Claire Dwyer Photo by Shaojie on Unsplash Let’s just say it right off the bat: finding a good spiritual director is not easy. However, for those serious about advancing in prayer and the interior life, it is important to keep looking until you find a good fit—not necessarily a ‘perfect’ person, but somebody pursuing holiness, knowledgeable about prayer and the Catholic faith, committed to the Magisterium, and deeply desirous to help you grow spiritually and discern the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life. There is no one right way to go about finding a Spiritual Director, but there are some tried-and-true steps you can take, beginning now, to find one. 1. Ask God. Pray each day that the Lord will grant you a spiritual director, if it be His Will. Petition Him with perseverance and trust, remembering that He cares far more about your spiritual growth than you do and is the one giving you the desire for direction and companionship on the journey 10 steps to finding a spiritual director “Do you seriously wish to travel the road to devotion? If so, look for a good man to guide and lead you.” — St. Francis de Sales to Him. Remember that His timing is perfect and that He works all things for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28), even seasons of waiting. 2. Ask your priest . He may not be able to take you on as a directee, but as the spiritual father of your parish (and therefore you!) he is a good person to begin with and may be able to suggest another priest, religious, or layperson from your parish or diocese. Even if your priest can’t commit to long-term spiritual direction, but you really need guidance, he may be able to meet once or a few times to assist with a particular struggle. Don’t be afraid to ask. 3. Look for a recommendation from someone you know and trust . Do you know anyone who is happy with their spiritual director? Ask about their experience. Can they point you in the 14 Ottubru - Diċembru 2022 hajja