Listening with the Spirit (LWS) ...by Sr. Monika

Listening to another person with your whole heart, mind and soul is about the most precious gift you can give. Every person longs to be heard, to be affirmed, to be seen. And when that longing is fulfilled a whole new world opens up: possibility, confidence, awareness, trust and honesty.

Learning to listen

The Listening With the Spirit (LWS) program at The Priory Spirituality Center trains people to become really good listeners in the context of spiritual direction. It is a two-year program. The first year is about learning from other professional spiritual directors who write for the journal, “Presence,” published by Spiritual Directors International. It is an intense and transformative year of gaining insights into oneself and others, into human nature and the nature of prayer. The first year ends with discernment about continuing in the program.

The second year is a time of practicing what was learned in the previous year. Student directors see directees and are supported by the program staff and each other in this work. It is a privilege and an honor to walk with another person in the God-journey. It is hard work and it is holy work. The second year ends with graduation and a certificate of completion of the program. Last year we graduated 12 new spiritual directors. This year we begin with ten.

I am so happy to be a teacher in this special program along with Dr. Mary Pandiani who has been on the staff of LWS for eight years. There is a lot of preparation that goes into the classes and I learn something new each time I enter into the topic of the day.

Please pray for our 2025-2026 cohort. Each person in this class is excited about beginning this part of their life’s path. And God willing, they will become the spiritual directors of the future. May it be so.

                                       +++ A link to Timothy R. Smith's hymn "Give Me Ears to Listen" performed by Chris Brunelle. +++