Encounter Mercy Podcast

Encounter Mercy Podcast


Spiritual Accompaniment

February 11, 2021

Pope Francis calls us to what he calls spiritual accompaniment in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of The Gospel). Below is an excerpt (paragraphs 169-173) where Pope Francis writes about the need for everyone to be initiated into the “art of accompaniment.”

Personal accompaniment in processes of growth …In our world, ordained ministers and other pastoral workers can make present the fragrance of Christ’s closeness and his personal gaze. The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this “art of accompaniment” which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. Ex 3:5). The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life.

Join Vince, Jesse Spanogle, and briefly Fr. Andy as they discuss this very important topic in spiritual growth and life.