About me

I am a Secular Franciscan and have a B.A. degree in psychology and a diploma in theology. I also spent 3 years studying ascetical and mystical theology, directed by the Dominican House of Studies, Washington DC, while living in a contemporary Franciscan Community in the USA. I have worked for 35 years in parish and retreat centre ministry and have a wide experience in spiritual mentoring. Several of the books I have written on Christian spirituality are available in pdf format under the 'Books' tab of this Blog.

Writing online blogs is a new experience for me - a dipping into the unknown. 

I chose the photo at the top of my Blog page for a similar reason. I took it on Dunedin harbour one day when boating with my brother around Quarantine Island - Kamau Taurua. The island has a rich history. It was a place to gather food for Southern Maori. A place early European settlers later stayed temporarily when their ship was quarantined. It is now a place for retreats.

 

On this particular morning, my attention was caught by the sight of rising mist, adding to the sacred-sense of the island. It reminded me of my Celtic origins and of Avalon - a cultural memory of a sacred spiritual place: a place found in-between. A place we all long for and have to find within ourselves - and like all sacred mythological paradises - it became the source of dreams and legends. 

 

In the blogs that follow, and in the resources offered on this blog, we will explore our inner search for meaning and purpose, our guiding longings that shape our lives and future, and I will also share many of the resources and intuitions I have found helpful.

Kia mau te rongo me te pai ki a koe i to haerenga

May you find peace and good will on your journey.

Phil