Characteristics of Spiritual Companions for Consecrated Women

An Analysis of Research on the Spiritual Companionship of Consecrated Women in Slovenia

Abstract

In this paper the author analyses the results of a survey taken among eighty individuals on the subject of spiritual companionship for consecrated women. More than one-half of all consecrated women in Slovenia who receive spiritual companionship responded to the survey, which renders the results representative and deserving of our attention, both in Slovenia and elsewhere. The analysis has confirmed the hypothesis that, essentially, the guidelines laid down in ecclesial documents regarding the characteristics of a spiritual companion are being followed. In choosing a spiritual companion, consecrated women have given special consideration to characteristics such as God-pervadedness, psychological and spiritual maturity, credibility and directedness toward the totality of the individual. Results demonstrate the need for a better evaluation of spiritual companionship among consecrated women and a more responsible and thorough preparation for this vocation, both of the spiritual director - religious and of consecrated women spiritually accompanying other consecrated women.