spiritualdirection

               Spiritual Direction

          “As a blind man cannot follow the good road without a leader,
                                no one can walk without a guide.”
                               St. Augustine (354-430), Sermo 112 de temp.
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The following is a brief outline of Fr. Jordan Aumann’s treatment of Spiritual Direction in his book entitled Spiritual Theology (Sheed & Ward: London, 1980) pp. 380-398.

“Spiritual direction,” Fr. Aumann tells us, “is the art of leading souls progressively from the beginning of the spiritual life to the height of Christian perfection.” In the ordinary providence of God most people need spiritual direction of some kind. The role of the director is that of teacher, counsellor and guide.

The duties of a spiritual director are: 1) to know the soul that is directed; 2) to give instruction; 3) to encourage the soul; 4) to direct the spiritual life; 5) to correct defects; & 6) to observe secrecy. As regards the person directed, the following qualities are needed: 1) sincerity; 2) respect; 3) confidence; 4) obedience; &
5) perseverance.

CHOOSING A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
This decision is based on the free choice of the one directed, and the free acceptance of the director. The spiritual director should normally be a priest, for the following reasons: 1) priests usually have both the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge; 2) the function of spiritual director is closely related to the office of confessor; 3) the grace of the priesthood.

It is fitting and convenient that your spiritual director also be your confessor. In this way the director can know the soul more perfectly. But, this is not strictly necessary.
When choosing a spiritual director the first thing to be done is to ask God in prayer for the necessary grace and light. Then you need to find a priest who possesses the following qualities required to make a good director: 1) learning; 2) prudence; & 3) experience. In addition, the moral qualities necessary are: 1) piety; 2) zeal for the sanctification of souls; 3) humility; &
4) disinterestedness.

It would be advisable not to request spiritual direction immediately but to allow for a time of trial. This important choice should never be determined by one’s natural inclinations. It may be necessary to change directors for serious reasons (i.e., he has become useless or harmful).