The Spiritual Director: Practising the Charism of Presence and Attention

Spiritual direction is a vocation rooted in presence, attention, and contemplative encounter. In The Spiritual Director, Julia Mourant invites practitioners into a deeper understanding of this sacred ministry, embracing its charism as a way of being rather than a set of skills. She explores the distinctive nature of spiritual direction as both vocation and spiritual gift, grounded in experiential formation, theological reflection, and the capacity for personal growth and transformation. Rather than offering a manual on how to ‘do’ spiritual direction, this book opens a contemplative space for readers to reflect on their own journey. It addresses common themes that arise in training and practice, and considers the skills, interventions, and ethical foundations that support good practice. Throughout, the spiritual director is encouraged to seek accountability, support, and ongoing discernment. A guide not just for the mind, but also for the heart, The Spiritual Director offers an essential companion for those who walk alongside others in the sacred work of spiritual accompaniment.