03.07 Spiritual Friendship
We believe our lives are meant to be deeply shared with others. The tradition of spiritual friendship has been greatly influenced by the monastic witness of religious orders.
In Our Way of Life
.01
The basic criteria among spiritual friends is that they hold in common the general direction of their “loves.” True intimacy comes only if two people agree on what is basically worthy of one’s attention and affection.
.02
We’re committed to the intentional formation of a few close, intimate friends with whom we share common objects of love. These friends may be from within the Order or with those outside.
.03
Each member will pursue unforced and genuine friendship among a few people who share a commitment to the love of God and the love of others.
.04
Members will be encouraged to practice faults and affirmations regularly within the context of these spiritual friendships.
- Who do I truly share my life with? With whom do I allow myself to be intimate and vulnerable?
- With whom might I cultivate spiritual friendship? Whom might God be inviting me to pursue in friendship?
- How might deeper friendship in my life help me pursue common objects of love?
We want to accompany you in noticing and nurturing invitations to friendship in your life.
Learn about our postulancy cohorts, which walk you through the common commitments of our rule of life, as a shared way of life in community.