By Fr Jayasimmon SDB
In a time when spiritual guidance is more crucial than ever, the Salesian Province of Chennai brought together 34 young priests for their Quinquennium Meeting at The Retreat, Yercaud, from August 11-13, 2024. The gathering, themed “Wise and Wounded Healers: Living the Grace of Spiritual Direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” focused on strength of spiritual mentorship and the sacraments in the lives of those who minister to others.
The event commenced with a special celebration of Fr. Savarimuthu's silver jubilee of first profession. A missionary in the Sicilian Islands, Fr. Savarimuthu shared his experiences of ministering to migrants during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting on how these experiences deepened his understanding of spiritual direction and pastoral care. His testimony highlighted the importance of resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity, setting a tone of introspection and spiritual renewal for the gathering.
Ms. Christina, a counsellor from Loyola College, Chennai, led the first session, focusing on the fundamentals of counselling—an essential skill for priests engaged with youth pastoral ministry. She emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries, a key aspect of effective spiritual direction. The session highlighted that as spiritual directors, priests must be equipped to guide their faithful while also tending to their own emotional and spiritual well-being.
Fr. John Alexander, the Vice Provincial, deepened this discussion with his session on “Prayerful Listening and Spiritual Direction: Some Basic Dispositions.” He urged the priests to reflect on their spiritual mentors, drawing parallels with figures like Cafasso, Calasso, and Mama Margaret. His session served as a powerful reminder that just as they guide others, priests too must seek and cherish their own spiritual directors who can provide the wisdom and guidance necessary for their journey.
Recognizing the intertwined nature of psychology and spirituality, Fr. S. Antonysamy, OFM Cap., offered a session on “Understanding Psychotherapy Techniques.” By exploring the structure of the mind and belief systems, and introducing concepts from Freud and Albert Ellis, he provided the priests with tools to better understand the inner workings of those they guide. This integration of psychological insights into spiritual direction equips priests to address not just the spiritual, but also the emotional and psychological needs of their congregants.
A key highlight of the meeting was the panel discussion on spiritual direction, moderated by Fr. John Alexander sdb and facilitated by Fr. Praveen Peter sdb and Fr. Pathiaraj Rayappan sdb. The discussion emphasized the importance of having a stable and consistent spiritual director, the delicate distinction between spiritual direction and confession, and the essential qualities of an effective spiritual guide. This dialogue provided a platform for young priests to share their experiences, challenges, and the impact that spiritual direction has on their ministry.
The gathering also provided moments for deep spiritual renewal. Fr. Gandhi Kallarasan led a Holy Eucharistic Adoration, a time for the priests to reconnect with the Lord through prayer, praise, and worship. The evening culminated in fellowship with a dinner and a lively campfire, where the different batches of priests shared spontaneous performances, fostering a sense of community and brotherhood.
On the second day, the priests embarked on a pilgrimage to the Carmel Convent, where they celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the cloistered nuns. This pilgrimage was not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, deepening their understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Stanislaus Swamikannu provided insights into the sacrament, offering clarity and guidance that enriched the priests’ approach to this vital aspect of their ministry.
