Spiritual Direction: Contemporary Readings

The revitalized ministry of spiritual direction is one of the surest signs of renewal in todays Church. In Spiritual Direction: Contemporary Readings seventeen leading writers and spiritual directors discuss the history meaning demands and practice of this ministry. Through timely articles by such recognized authors as William Barry Sandra Schneiders Louis Cameli Kallistos Ware and John Wright one comes to see that spiritual direction belongs not to a spiritual elite but to the entire Church--men and women clergy and laity members of religious communities. Compiled especially for those entering spiritual direction either as directors or directees this book is an excellent introduction to an exciting ministry in todays Church. A valuable feature of this book is a concluding section with recommendations for further readings. Listing important articles and books on spiritual direction published in recent years this section helps readers to continue exploring this vital area of contemporary spirituality. Kevin Culligan is a Discalced Carmelite priest who has devoted many years of his ministry to research teaching and practice in the field of spiritual direction. His articles and reviews have appeared in Spiritual Life Carmelite Studies Presence: an International Journal of Spiritual Direction and The Way (UK). He is a member of the Institute of Carmelite Studies and the Carmelite Forum. He resides in the Carmelite monastery in Brighton Massachusetts where he regularly offers spiritual direction in the Carmelite tradition to clergy religious and laity.