Who is a spiritual companion?
Like you, I am a
spiritual seeker. Like you, I have not "arrived," I am still in the
midst of my own journey.
I prefer to use the
term "spiritual companion" rather than "spiritual director"
because it better conveys the nature of the relationship. Spiritual companions
receive extensive training and formation in the art of their ministry, and bring
years of life experience and preparation to this ancient practice. Like all
spiritual companions, I have a deep commitment to my own ongoing spiritual
formation, which means continuing education, engaging in my own confidential
supervision, and meeting regularly with my own spiritual director.
About me
My life experience includes the grief of losing a parent and a failed marriage, the joy of fatherhood, the struggle of working my way out of an occupation which brought me no joy, and battles against depression and loneliness. It also includes the peace of finding my vocation through contemplative prayer, being filled up with the Spirit in a worshipful community, and the graces of companions who helped my heart awaken to new possibilities -- the ones God had dreamed for me all along.
My life experience includes the grief of losing a parent and a failed marriage, the joy of fatherhood, the struggle of working my way out of an occupation which brought me no joy, and battles against depression and loneliness. It also includes the peace of finding my vocation through contemplative prayer, being filled up with the Spirit in a worshipful community, and the graces of companions who helped my heart awaken to new possibilities -- the ones God had dreamed for me all along.
My formation
experience started in my early adolescence, although I didn't realize it at the
time. It became a conscious choice when I was baptized at the age of 37
(prompted by the realization that I was bringing my children to Sunday school
but that I hadn't even accepted Christianity myself). It accelerated when I
suffered through the losses of relationship, occupation, and the
"things" I thought were important, but most especially when I
struggled with a terrible isolation from my family. Finally, it has flowered in
my seminary experience, where spiritual and academic mentors guided me through
formative experiences on pilgrimage and in chaplaincy, spiritual direction,
pastoral care and counseling, and ministry. I remain a student in those
disciplines today.
An important part of
my spirituality stems from my choice to follow the example of Sts. Francis and
Clare. I am a perpetually professed member of the Ordo
Franciscanus Saecularis -- an 800 year old order which has its roots in
the medieval "order of penitents." This is why you will see the
letters "OFS" after my name. Our focus lies in our willingness to
offer a ministry of compassion to and solidarity with the most vulnerable, which we
nourish by a commitment to live a Gospel life and by constantly seeking to turn
our hearts towards God. As it is for all human beings, that is lifelong work!
(Please see other posts and links on Franciscan spirituality for more information.)
As a spiritual
companion, I invite you into a mutual sharing of our journeys -- as two
sojourners on the road to Emmaus, both accompanied by our "real"
spiritual director.
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