Professional paper
The meaning and role of spiritual leadership in the Church
Roko Prkačin
; Filozofski fakultet Družbe Isusove, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
Spiritual leadership in the Church as spiritual assistance in religious issues commenced with the first Christian communities. It has remained present, in various forms throughout the Church’s history. The article describes biblical-ecclesiastical leadership on the one hand and its spiritual theological foundations on the other. Priests and laymen alike have offered spiritual assistance for spiritual problems. It was not until the 16th Century that spiritual leadership become an institutionalised ministry for the purpose of spiritual advancement and formation. Since it became connected to the sacrament of Penance, it also became narrowly connected with the ministry of priesthood. Some saints and spiritual leaders have especially advanced spiritual leadership. Also, spiritual leadership has been enriched, particularly in its methods and practise by the psychological sciences. As such, despite the crises that it has undergone in our times, it has become an indispensable aid to those who wish to tread the path of sanctity more radically.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
1241
URI
Publication date:
4.3.2002.
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