Encountering God in the Marketplace : spiritual direction in the Male Section of the Society of Christian Doctrine

Abstract

The study aims at addressing the lived experience of lay spiritual direction as practised in the male section of the Society of Christian Doctrine (Societas Doctrince Christiance - SDC). Research in this field is almost inexistent, especially on the local scenario. An in-depth understanding of lay spiritual direction was possible through existing literature. Furthermore, the concept of lay spiritual direction in the SDC was also addressed in depth in the second chapter. For the analysis of the lived experience, twelve SDC members were selected, six of them receive spiritual direction and the others accompany others in spiritual direction. This was done to get a more holistic picture through data triangulation, using the qualitative approach called interpretative phenomenological analysis. Semi-structured interviews were used to allow the true essence of the experience to emerge. This study did not treat spiritual direction in writing or through using the telephone or other means of contemporary social media. The study revealed similarities in the collective experience of spiritual direction and these were later analysed and interpreted to provide a better understanding of what this experience entails. Findings demonstrated that for both directees and directors spiritual direction is both an experience of companionship and an enriching experience. It revealed a reality in which both directees and directors are facing challenges and that both are in need of formation. Furthermore, particular aspects that relate to the different experiences of the directees and directors emerged, including some unsuspected themes. For instance, it was discovered that some members have a priest director together with their lay director and the practice of spiritual direction varies with age. A number of suggestions for the improvement of the practice were made by the participants themselves, and in the light of the literature, their experiences and suggestions, recommendations are being put forward in the concluding chapter.