“Once they are conscious of Our Lord’s presence within their souls they need only look upon him and conversation will follow…a relaxed conversation, with moments of silence, as there must be between friends.”
St Teresa of Avila
(‘The Way of Perfection’)
“Conversation is necessary for community to be real. Even though Benedict commends silence as a background, serious and deep conversation is also an essential part of spiritual living.”
Abbot Christopher Jamison
(‘Finding Sanctuary’)“We should cultivate an ability to converse with one another, confidently sharing our experiences and making known our needs. Moreover, a spirit of brotherly understanding and sincere esteem should prevail at all times.”
Capuchin Franciscan Constitutions
“For Ignatius, the desire to help people found two principal outlets: helping the needy and engaging in spiritual conversation. This conversation relies on an attentive heart shaped by prayer, listening characterized by openness to the other, and thoughtful consideration of how the fruit of this conversation might move us … for the greater good.”
Australian Jesuits