Need online Ignatian direction!

[Rhapsodysinger]

At one point in my life I was convinced that God called me to become a Jesuit after converting from Hinduism. But evidently neither had I a vocation nor am I temperamentally suited for anything else than an academic life. In the meantime I have become 30, married for two years and am completing my PhD. Also I am getting myself a diploma in Biblical Studies from the Pontifical Athaenuem at Bangalore. I wish to study theology and the Bible, especially further. I am a tenured Lecturer in English… Also in the last few years i have been able to successfully alienate many Jesuit friends I once had by publishing an article in the Indian in house Jesuit magazine, Jeevan in Sept, 2006. At any rate I still count a few very close Jesuit friends, two priests and one brother.

I feel God wants me to be a theologian and a Biblical scholar.

Now I have never been far from the Society in my heart and feel the need to live the Ignatian charisms more deeply. To this end I have industriously reading and praying less, on the life of that man of God. I have also been following the recently concluded General Congregation.

I last had a long period of spiritual direction from a now deceased holy Jesuit. He sort of gave direction to my wayward life. After his death, things just fell apart and he has died now long ago. After that, I have just been drifting alone. So if someone helps me and directs me, I shall be happy. I travel very often, so it is rarely possible for me to meet anyone in person. But we can use chat and emails and occasionally meet. I want to do the Ignatian Exercises at home over a period of time etc. I only hope and pray that someone is willing to guide me… I studied with the Christian brothers and then with the Jesuits.

I look forward to being helped in the Ignatian Path by someone online, God willing…

I keep a religious blog here.

Yours in Christ,
Rhaps

 

[sawman]

Dear Rhaps,
I’m confused, are you seeking direction for the purpose of becoming a Catholic? Your profile says your a Hindu. If I’m not mistaken, Ignation direction is for advancing in the Christian Way.

Anyway God Bless you, Good luck!

 

[Rhapsodysinger]

You needn’t be…I am a Hindu, no doubt about that and this very Hinduism allows me to pursue the Catholic Path. St. Ignatius’s WAY is my way. So what I mean is this: I want someone to help me live the Jesuit charisms as a Hindu layman who totally believes in the Church but is prevented by certain obstacles from seeking baptism.
Thanks for your reply.

 

[sawman]

Dear Rhaps,
I used to be familiar with Hinduism, a long time ago. I am almost positive that what you’re proposing is not possible. But I probobly don’t know enough to really make a judgement. Good luck. I know you can google Catholic spiritual direction and get a web site that can arrange for adirector. You would need to find out if they would use Ignatius’ method.

 

[Rhapsodysinger]

thanks, will do so…but i am convinced to the contrary…

 

[adowcday]

One option for you, as you seek a Jesuit spiritual director, is to use some of the various self-directed Ignatian retreats. One example is “]Moment By Moment: A Retreat in Everyday Life” by Carol Ann Smith, SHCJ and Eugene Merz, SJ (Ave Maria Press, 2000). It is available from Amazon.com, for example.

Also, note that many Catholic spiritual directors are conversant in Ignatian spirituality, including diocesan priests and members of various religious orders. You don’t need a Jesuit to explore Ignatian spirituality.

If you are a Hindu who is influenced by Christianity but aren’t able or willing to become a Christian at this time, you may be interested in the writings of Bede Griffiths, a Benedictine priest.