Spiritual Direction

Pope Francis’ letter to the priests, on the 160 anniversary of the death of the holy Curé of Arso, St. John Vianney. Agusut 4, 2019.

“For our hearts to be encouraged, we should not neglect the dialectic that determines our identity. First, our relationship with Jesus. Whenever we turn away from Jesus or neglect our relationship with him, slowly but surely our commitment begins to fade and our lamps lose the oil needed to light up our lives (cf. Mt 25:1-13). In this regard, I would encourage you not to neglect spiritual direction. Look for a brother with whom you can speak, reflect, discuss and discern, sharing with complete trust and openness your journey. A wise brother with whom to share the experience of discipleship. Find him, meet with him and enjoy his guidance, accompaniment and counsel. This is an indispensable aid to carrying out your ministry in obedience to the will of the Father (cf. Heb. 10:9) and letting your heart beat with “the mind that was in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5). We can profit from the words of Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one… One will lift up the other; but woe to the one who is alone and falls, and does not have another to help!” (4:9-10).”

 

Spiritual Direction at the Diocese of Orange House of Prayer for Priests

How does spiritual direction enhance the priestly life? What does the House of Prayer for Priests offer to those
that visit? The previous director of the House of Prayer, Fr. Domenico Di Raimondo, explains in the video below.

Learn more about the House of Prayer Spiritual Directors in the videos below.

Eamon O’Gorman

I have been a Diocesan Priest since 1967.

I have been a Parish Priest for most of those years and Pastor for twenty five of these. I spent six years as Vicar for Priests.

Now as Priest in Retirement, I spend one day a week at the House of Prayer.

Thursdays at the House of Prayer

Fr. John Francis Vu, SJ

Fr. John-Francis Vu, SJ aka Cha Toan is a Jesuit of the Jesuit West Province, entered the Society of Jesus in September 1984 ordained in June,1997 (Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles), professed his Final Vows in June, 2005. He enjoyed teaching Theology, French at Loyola High, Los Angeles before he was invited by the Bishop of the Diocese of Orange to be a Catholic Chaplain of the University Catholic Community at UC, Irvine. During his formation as a Jesuit, he had one year of training in “Spiritual Practicum” at Fordham University in New York and at Jesuit Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, MA. He served as a spiritual mentor to the youth in various parishes in New York City, in Dorchester, MA., Sacramento in California.

At UC, Irvine, he works closely with college students, accompanies them to face daily challenges and helps them navigate the difficulties of living out Catholic faith in a secular institution. As a spiritual director, counselor and a priest, he truly finds joy in working with the students. The valuable lesson he learned in serving students of UCI is that “always assuming the best in them, even when they give you reason to think otherwise, is one of the most significant investments one can make in their future.”

If you are interested in having a simple spiritual conversation or wanted to share your own spiritual journey, to seek for God’s guidance, please feel welcome to contact him.

By appointment

Father Martin Nguyen

Father Martin Nguyen was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Orange in 2005 and had served in various assignments as a parochial vicar. He says, “Spiritual direction provides a great opportunity for those who seek God’s guidance and affirmation in their spiritual journey. Come and see. God is waiting for you.”

By appointment

Father Michael Heher

As I approached my ordination, I was confident that, so long as I said my prayers, I would serve the people well. I found quickly that priestly life was much more complicated and challenging than I had envisioned it and so I turned to my close friends and other priests to help me sort out what was happening to me and what course I might best set for the future. The best of them listened to me carefully, without judgement, asking what questions they thought I should try to answer. They were invariably patient with the faults that I hadn’t noticed I had, only hinting from time to time that I might do well to pause and reconsider the way things really were. They reminded me that those people who irked me were not necessarily my enemies and the comments of those who swooned over my so-called sanctity might best be taken with plenty of salt. My life has always been my responsibility—no one else’s—but they have served me well as companions. I try to be such a companion to those who come to me for spiritual direction.

By appointment