Seminar Equips Formators and Spiritual Directors for Deeper Discernment and Accompaniment

BENGALURU, July 29, 2026: Formators and spiritual directors were encouraged to deepen their ability to listen, discern and accompany young people as they gathered for a two-day seminar on the “Discernment of Spirits in Spiritual Direction.”

Organised by the Karnataka Regional Commission for Vocation and Formation in collaboration with the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Karnataka Region, the seminar was held at KROSS, Bengaluru, on July 27 and 28. Jesuit priest Fr. Jossie D’Mello led the sessions, which were coordinated by Fr. Bonaventure Rodrigues, Director of the Regional Commission.

Drawing on Christus Vivit and the Second Vatican Council’s Gaudium et Spes 44, Fr. Jossie invited participants to look at young people “with the eyes of the Trinity.” He cautioned against offering “prepackaged answers” before listening attentively to the questions and struggles of young people, reminding participants that “each young person’s heart is holy ground.”

The seminar explored discernment as the process of recognising and sifting interior movements, including thoughts, feelings, desires and doubts, to understand their origin and direction. Participants were introduced to the principles of St. Ignatius of Loyola concerning spiritual consolation and desolation, while reflecting on the tactics of the evil spirit and the need for patience, introspection and dialogue, particularly during periods of crisis.

The sessions also highlighted the Experience–Reflection–Action method as an important tool for ongoing discernment and growth in spiritual accompaniment.

Participants were equipped with practical approaches to spiritual direction, including becoming attentive to interior movements, interpreting them in the light of the Gospel and making judgments with humility. Fr. Jossie stressed that God remains present even in moments of desolation and that patience is a crucial response to the pressure to make hasty decisions.

The seminar further encouraged formators and spiritual directors to examine their own motivations, remain alert to false consolation and preserve the fruits of genuine consolation as a source of strength during future trials.

The gathering concluded with a renewed call to accompany young people with closeness, farsightedness and faith, while recognising and nurturing the “little flame that continues to burn” in every young heart.

By Fr. Franklin D'Souza