Prayer is not a privilege set aside for ladies and gentlemen of leisure, not a secret code revealed begrudgingly to an enlightened elite. Prayer is part of being human. The Jesuits, products of the 16th-century humanist revolution, are working to make sure it stays that way at their new retreat centre in Montreal.

The retreat master’s job is all about the big reveal — showing people what’s already there. For Jesuit spiritual director Fr. Greg Kennedy the job is a delight, a joy and at the same time a humbling experience.

That Jean Vanier preyed on women who thought of him as their spiritual director is obviously a serious case of spiritual and sexual abuse. It’s also an illustration of the difference between real spiritual direction and mumbo jumbo, said Montreal-based spiritual director Jesuit Br. Dan Leckman.

I had always thought that having a spiritual director was for the elite of souls. For those who were practically saints, or those who had lived long, dramatic, faithful lives and were now looking for further advancement in their spiritual journey during their later years.

VATICAN – The Catholic Church must be a place of justice and mercy, and its members must be catalysts for change, some young observers have told the Synod of Bishops.

This summer is going to be different than summers in the past. After graduating from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College a few weeks ago, I have struggled to maintain a strong spiritual life without the regularity of a school and work schedule.

The Newman Centre is encouraging a new generation of leaders to strengthen their faith in God.

TORONTO - Everyone needs spiritual direction at some point in their life, said Sr. Mechtilde O’Mara.

OTTAWA - As Pope Francis inaugurated the Year of Consecrated Life Nov. 30, Canada’s Apostolic Nuncio exhorted Canadian religious to build a culture of vocations.