Abstract
One of the fruits of the Vatican II era has been the restoration of spiritual guidance, not only for religious and clergy, but for the laity as well. This book is a theologically well-informed contribution to the growing literature on spiritual direction. Scripture and liturgy are given their rightful place, as are classical texts from the spiritual tradition. Think of the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Saints Benedict, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Jesus, John of the Cross and Francis de Sales, as well as Thomas Merton, and many others. This book makes use of many media-like personal letters, literature (including fiction, e.g., the writings of George Eliot, Robert Hugh Benson, Muriel Spark, Flannery O’Connor), and films like On the Waterfront and The Diary of a Country Priest. Sprinkled throughout the book is practical advice for Christians who are seriously committed to a life in which prayer must not be neglected. The nine chapters in this book were composed by a Benedictine sister from the monastery of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, five Benedictine monks from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, as well as three laymen who are professors at this Benedictine institution. These solid, coherent, and clear essays remind one of the serene ethos that permeates a Benedictine monastery. This book will profit both seasoned spiritual directors as well as their directees. The authors of these essays are in full agreement with John of the Cross’s adamant conviction that the chief agent, principal guide, and mover of souls is the Holy Spirit. Besides the themes mentioned above, this book also addresses the discernment of spirits, and was published just in time for the observance of the 500th anniversary of the conversion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.