Author Topic: Consulting a priest (Read 1061 times)

PaulLuke · « **on:** October 01, 2012, 09:27:11 PM »

I am interested in increasing mortification in my life for various spiritual causes/reasons, but I always read that one should consult a priest beforehand. How exactly does one do this? For the last several months since I became a traditionalist I have attended a diocesan TLM (I know some here are not fans of these, but it's better than the NO, and that's not the topic of this discussion). I know the priest, but not very well. Should I speak with him about my desire to do this? And what do I say? I'm new to this, and I would really appreciate some advice! :smile:

Loriann · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2012, 10:15:15 PM »

I am afraid I personally don't support mortification. Fasting and self-denial are more of the things Jesus and John the Baptist practiced--and there is so much suffering in the world. You can certainly volunteer for missions that are a form of mortification without inflicting wounds upon oneself. Good luck to you--I would suggest you find a spiritual advisor before taking it up. God bless you.

PaulLuke · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2012, 10:31:24 PM »

Quote from: Loriann

I am afraid I personally don't support mortification. Fasting and self-denial are more of the things Jesus and John the Baptist practiced--and there is so much suffering in the world. You can certainly volunteer for missions that are a form of mortification without inflicting wounds upon oneself. Good luck to you--I would suggest you find a spiritual advisor before taking it up. God bless you.

I appreciate the concern, Loriann. I am somewhat of the same mind as you. I suppose the mortification I am more interested in would be something to cause discomfort, such as a hairshirt. I admire those who are more disciplined with mortification, but that's really not for me. Mortification is a good spiritual discipline, and I would like to do it more. I do not plan to cause myself any wounds, though.

songbird · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2012, 12:04:01 AM »

The secret of the Rosary book, does mention what you mention, mortification. I believe it is Our Lady's words and explains which is more to her desires. Check it out if you have not.

poche · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2012, 05:32:16 AM »

I think you should look for a priest who you trust and ask him for spiritual direction. If he can't take you on ask him to recommend someone.

Mathieu · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2012, 06:04:37 AM »

Mortification of the eyes is very helpful...

Montgisard · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2012, 09:32:49 AM »

God gave me a natural mortification as I suffer from Coccydynia. I always offer up my pain to my friends and relatives, especially that they may come back to the Catholic Faith.

Jaynek · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2012, 10:32:15 AM »

Quote from: PaulLuke

I am interested in increasing mortification in my life for various spiritual causes/reasons, but I always read that one should consult a priest beforehand. How exactly does one do this? For the last several months since I became a traditionalist I have attended a diocesan TLM (I know some here are not fans of these, but it's better than the NO, and that's not the topic of this discussion). I know the priest, but not very well. Should I speak with him about my desire to do this? And what do I say? I'm new to this, and I would really appreciate some advice! :smile:

If you ask a priest for advice, it needs to be a priest that you trust to give you good advice. Do you know the priest well enough for that? As a diocesan priest, he may have modern misconceptions about mortification rather than the traditional understanding. Are his homilies always sound? If you have doubts about the priests ability to give advice, then you need to find one you trust.

When you pray about this, I suggest asking God to send you a priest who will advise you to do His will. If you cannot find a priest that trust about this issue, then that is probably a sign from God that it is not yet time for you to take on these mortifications. Other posts have mentioned what you can do in the meantime.