By P. José R. Valencia, LC
@jrvalencialc

Talking with other spiritual directors or people who want to grow in their spiritual development, I find that, after a while, we may encounter that “the little path ends,” or we don’t know what else to address in spiritual direction. The program of spiritual life has been discussed, certain difficulties have been resolved, there is a good friendship, but what now?… It happens that spiritual direction can become just talking about problems, sharing life events, or a “passing the time” without clear objectives or direction. Pope Francis lamented this saying: “spiritual direction should not be a conversation among friends, but without depth” (1). Therefore, I invite you with these lines to renew the way you approach receiving or giving spiritual direction.

But why is it necessary to receive or give spiritual direction? Because the best way to change the world is by changing each heart towards Christ. That is the solution to the world’s problems. I am convinced that spiritual direction enriched with elements of psychology (such as for example, from cognitive or positive schools, as well as, with skills of mentoring and leadership) will be a crucial factor in long-term cultural change.

I want to offer you an integral model that answers the long question: What is the suggested path to guide a Catholic receiving spiritual direction toward their vocational fulfillment and personal development while fighting against apathy? The model I offer in my new book “Resucítame en los demás” (2) available on Amazon at this link, it is clear and concrete, but at the same time flexible. We must not lose sight that each person is unique. We cannot apply ready-made recipes. Each one has their own growth plan and the Holy Spirit keeps control. The model that I present to you below, offers an essential structure, it is about some guidelines and very useful references.

Each spiritual director is left with the task of applying this model discernibly in a personalized program in collaboration with their directee. The director and the directee will design and progress together along a path in which the Holy Spirit will pour out lights and novelties.

Resucítame en los demás aims to be a useful tool for spiritual directors who seek to form integral apostles, Christian leaders at the service of the Church guided by grace. I offer a framework to locate each directee on their path to holiness, which is concretized in spiritual and human development in virtue. I provide a common language for spiritual directors and their directees, a method based on psychological, philosophical, and theological sciences to help people develop in fullness. The novelty of this book lies in its integration of the new with the old, in its simplicity, in its depth, and in its synthesis.

What is the usual path of accompaniment for a young person or adult willing to grow in their spiritual life and Christian leadership? What concrete tools can be used on this path? Resucítame en los demás, with its more than 45 schemes and 300 quotes, seeks to give you a framework to locate yourself in the formation of mature Catholic leaders, whether for you as a spiritual director, or for you who want to improve your experience receiving spiritual direction. I have long wanted to provide you with a clear guide to grow, and finally this was realized in this book, further enriched with the beautiful prologue by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes and Mons. Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong.

Hopefully, it will help you reach another level!

Comments on Resucítame en los demás

I congratulate Fr. José Valencia for this excellent work, which will undoubtedly do much good for spiritual directors and educators, providing tools to accompany adolescents and young people and make them protagonists of the civilization of love. Certainly, the reflections are especially focused on youth, but they can also be applied to adults (Mons. José Antonio Fernández Hurtado. Archbishop of Tlalnepantla).

Undoubtedly, spiritual direction is one of the key and fundamental pieces in the formation of Christian leaders. This book re-emphasizes this ancient practice. At the same time, it invigorates and enriches spiritual direction with cutting-edge elements from modern Christian psychology and spirituality, along with years of pastoral experience. It is a well-crafted work (P. John Connor, LC. General Director of the Legionaries of Christ).

Father, you carried out an excellent job. What impacts me most is not only the detail… but that you are creatively addressing a real-world need (Dr. Anna Pecoraro, Psy.D., M.Ed., B.C.B. Divine Mercy University, Washington, D.C..

This book