Hajja Salesjana

right direction? Contact your diocese and see where they might suggest starting. 4. Be creative in your consideration . Ask the priest who has helped you in the confessional or whose homilies have really resonated with you. Retired priests have much experience— and may have more time. Are there religious orders established in your diocese? Perhaps a religious sister or brother in an active or possibly even a contemplative order would be willing to guide you. Be open to online meetings and contact convents or abbeys whose religious charisms resonate with you. Consider chaplains of schools, Newman Centers, or hospitals. 5. Don’t disregard the laity . More and more lay people are gifted spiritual directors, and may have more training than even some priests. 6. Inquire at reputable schools of spiritual direction . 7. Be open to a Spiritual Mentor . Be open to someone ahead of you on the journey with a pastoral heart who is willing to accompany you in the spiritual life. Perhaps that older woman in your mom’s group or the wise member of your Bible Photo by Elijah Hiette www.unsplash.com study who seems to lead a balanced life of prayer and work. Perhaps there is a writer whose words have had an impact on your life. Is there a speaker, retreat master, professor, or teacher whose presentations have moved you? It may be worth asking whether or not they could mentor you, or recommend someone who could. 8. Seek out healthy spiritual friendships , relationships with others who can walk by your side and join you in the journey. Attend a bible-study or faith- sharing small group and get to know others who desire, like you, to draw closer to Christ. We were created for community, and while it can’t take the place of true Spiritual Direction, it is also a necessary part of the Christian walk. 9. Keepgrowing in themeantime . Reading scripture, frequenting the sacraments, studying the lives of the saints, growing in virtue through service and self- sacrifice—these are fundamental and necessary for all Christians, regardless of whether or not one has a spiritual director. 10. Don’t stop seeking . Beware the thoughts that you should give up, or that no one has time. God has called people to be spiritual directors, and they need to fulfill their mission as much as you need to fulfill your own! Be patient and swat away the lie of the enemy of your soul who would suggest that it is all a waste of time. “Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) 15 Ottubru - Diċembru 2022 hajja