In this week’s blog, we will feature Fr. Ron Smith. Fr. Ron is a Capuchin friar of the Province of St. Joseph. For many years, Fr. Ron served at St. Lawrence Seminary as priest, confessor, and spiritual director. At present, he remains one of the spiritual directors on campus. He is also member of the Spiritual Life Committee. Fr. Ron’s contribution to the development of the spiritual life of our students at SLS is significant. I asked Fr. Ron about his background, his experience as spiritual director as well as what spiritual direction is and what its benefits are.
Q: Fr. Ron, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I am from a small town of Freedom, Wisconsin, located between Green Bay and Appleton. I am an alumnus of SLS — a member of the Class of 1955. I enjoy hiking, nature, and reading — all unfortunately curtailed by cancer and chemotherapy.
Q: How did you become a spiritual director?
A: I began doing spiritual direction in 1964 after my ordination and pastoral year. At SLS, I was in spiritual direction from 1966-1977 and again from 2006-present. Spiritual direction at SLS is determined by appointment from the rector.
Q: Can you tell us what spiritual direction is?
A: Spiritual Direction is an attempt on the part of the director to listen and discern the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of an individual or student. It is an inspiration for growth in prayer and service of others. It is also a practice in listening and being patient in many ways.
Q: What does it take to be a spiritual director?
A: It is presumed that one has sufficient maturity, knowledge of boundaries, and some training. It requires the spiritual director to learn the background and influences in the life of the directee (the person being directed) and to influence him to pay attention to the movements of the Holy Spirit in his life through prayer and reflection.
Spiritual directors also need to recognize the difference between direction and counseling. They should also be in spiritual direction. They should have a an understanding of the Catholic faith, of spirituality, teenage mentality, limits and gifts, and the gift of the Holy Spirit for the discernment of spirits. They should be positive, compassionate, forgiving, balanced, and honest. Spiritual directors need to care for those who come their way. They also need to pray for their directees so that the relationship always remains in Christ and the power of his love and resurrection.
Q: What are some of the challenges in spiritual direction?
A: Sometimes, it takes a long while for students to truly trust you and confide in you important parts of their lives. It is a challenge to be focused and attentive in each session and to be flexible in setting up appointments that fit the school schedule. Spiritual directors need to have a grateful heart for blessings and challenges alike. There will always be both.
Q: Finally, how can students benefit from spiritual direction?
A: Students benefit from spiritual direction in various ways: 1) to have someone—an adult—to hold confidential matters which come from their heart and deepest self 2) to be able to share the ups and downs of their life and learn that their faith is a resource for them 3) to develop a deeper faith and appreciation of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist 4) to be able to face whatever truth in their life will lead them to greater freedom of their spirit in Christ 5) to benefit from a deeper prayer life and the intercession of Jesus, Mary, the angels and saints.
Growth requires self-knowledge, self-insight, honesty, and a willingness to acknowledge faults and shortcomings — as well as gifts. Learn not to give up but to persevere in all aspects of faith life, prayer, relationships, virtue, and service of others.
Fr. Zoy Garibay is a Capuchin friar of the Province of Saint Joseph. He joined the staff of St. Lawrence Seminary in 2014. He currently serves as campus minister, senior dorm supervisor, and spiritual director.
