E176: Obedience, Boundaries and Trust in Spiritual Direction w/Fr Boniface

The Lila Rose Podcast

What is Spiritual Direction? Should all Christians have a spiritual director? Join me as I sit down with Father Boniface Hicks, OSB—a Benedictine monk, priest, author, and Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Vincent Seminary. Together, we explore the topic of spiritual direction, offering insights to help you determine if it’s the right path for you and how to find a trustworthy spiritual director.

We also address the often-debated question of whether obedience to your director is required, unpacking how to establish healthy boundaries to avoid abuse and codependency. We delve into the rich history of spiritual direction and the transformative fruits it can yield when guided by someone who fosters trust and acceptance.

This enlightening conversation is a must for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God. Discover how this ancient practice can help you experience God’s love more tangibly and hear His voice in a profound, personal way.

Check out Fr Boniface's website: https://fatherboniface.org/

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00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:22 - Fr Boniface Background

00:04:11 - What was it like hearing Jesus’ voice for the first time?

00:06:19 - Why a Benedictine, and is the beard a part of it?

00:08:38 - What is Spiritual Direction?

00:10:51 - How is SD different from therapy, mentorship, etc?

00:14:48 - First time God said “it is not good”:

00:16:12 - Are relationships the worst they’ve ever been?

00:18:17 - Surrounded by things we had no hand in creating

00:20:32 - Good Ranchers

00:22:22 - What does Spiritual Direction look like?

00:24:22 - Does everyone need a spiritual director?

00:24:53 - What’s the history of spiritual direction?

00:28:23 - “Call no one your Father”

00:30:56 - Spiritual Headship in Marriage

00:38:51 - What do the saints say about spiritual direction?

00:43:39 - What are some of the fruits of spiritual direction?

00:47:03 - Directors can be men or women?

00:48:58 - How to become a spiritual director?

00:49:48 - Accompaniment vs Direction

00:54:49 - What if you disagree with your SD?

00:58:03 - Can you “graduate” from a particular director?

01:03:12 - How to protect against abuse?

01:08:10 - What are healthy boundaries in spiritual direction?

01:11:20 - Final Thoughts