Addressing members of the Pontifical Theological Faculty Teresianum 75 years after its foundation by the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Pope Benedict XVI recommends the practice of spiritual direction to every Christian.

Vatican Radio reported, "Meeting them in the Vatican, the Pope praised the academic community saying it is strengthened by the wealth of a great spiritual family, namely St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, who were witnesses of contemplative life and inflamed Europe and the world."

Reporting the full text of Pope Bendict's address, ZENIT posted:

"As she has never failed to do, again today the Church continues to recommend the practice of spiritual direction, not only to all those who wish to follow the Lord up close, but to every Christian who wishes to live responsibly his baptism, that is, the new life in Christ."

Pope Benedict likened spiritual direction to that:

"personal relationship that the Lord had with his disciples, that special bond with which he led them, following him, to embrace the will of the Father (cf. Luke 22:42), that is, to embrace the cross."

Links

• ZENIT: Papal Address to the Teresianum "How Can We Remain Indifferent to Such Love"
• SDIworld: "What is Spiritual Direction?"
• Finding a spiritual director is a very personal and spiritual quest. SDI suggests a person seeking a spiritual director contact at least two spiritual directors to interview. Learn tips to find spiritual directors to interview: Seek and Find a Spiritual Director Guide