Luis Valdés Castellanos, a Jesuit from the Mexican Province, discusses the vital role of spiritual conversation as a tool for shared discernment within religious communities. He emphasizes that neither discernment nor spiritual conversation is exclusive to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) but rather are long-standing traditions within the broader Church.

Fr Castellanos traces the practice back to St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, who began nurturing spiritual conversations in Manresa as a way to share interior experiences about emotional and spiritual movements (“mociones”). This reflective practice was integral to helping others in their spiritual journeys. St Ignatius recommended Jesuits engage deeply in conversations about their inner spirit, establishing the foundation for centuries of Jesuit engagement in spiritual discernment.

Drawing from his extensive experience teaching spiritual conversation courses in Latin America and within his own Province, Fr Castellanos points out key challenges that Jesuits face in embracing this method effectively. A critical obstacle is overcoming clericalism – a hierarchical mindset that places clergy above laity, which can stifle honest, equal dialogue. Instead, spiritual conversation requires an egalitarian approach, where Jesuits and laypeople meet “horizontally”, respecting each other as equals.

Fr Castellanos further identifies the challenge of cultivating a new way of listening. This practice demands more than preparing a response; it calls for full attention to one’s inner feelings while hearing others, fostering genuine empathy and spiritual sensitivity. Both Jesuits and laypeople must develop this respectful, empathetic listening to deepen mutual understanding and discernment. In sum, the success of spiritual conversation depends on avoiding the misuse of power and embracing a shared openness to the Spirit, attentive listening, and empathetic engagement.