BY PABLO BOTEYO
This weekend, Franciscan hosted the Rev. Timothy Gallagher, OM.V. for his teachings on Living the Discerning Life.
Though he himself could not give the talks due to recent vocal cord surgery, he offered his EWTN series as talks, and answered questions in discussion time after each talk. These teachings reached the ears of not only students on campus, but also professors, locals and even some travelers.
“With such a busy schedule, it is easy to feel overwhelmed when spiritual conflict arises,” junior Anna Acciani said. “I am open to adopt any advice Fr. Timothy gives. I’m truly excited to learn more about St. Ignatius’ rules.”
The talks consisted of the 14 Rules from St. Ignatius for the discernment of spirits, and how to deal with certain issues that people can relate to on both the human and the spiritual level.
“Some moments of spiritual desolation do last weeks, months and even years,” Gallagher said. “But like I have said before: Jesus did not call us to that captivity.”
Gallagher’s academic and experiential history made this weekend of formation easy and relatable to the group in the seminar.
“I think it is a great way to understanding Ignatian spirituality. The way Fr. Gallagher taught it made things so much easier,” said Tim Yokules, father of student and visitor from Burton, Ohio.
The weekend itself also consisted of daily mass and a holy hour to end the day. The holy hour was led by Gallagher’s fellow Oblate of the Virgin Mary, the Rev. Jeremy Paulin, who also offered the sacrament of reconciliation.
Gallagher offered many of his writings and some retreat DVDs such as A Retreat with J.R.R. Tolkien and Lord of the Rings. If anyone would like to hear more from Gallagher or learn about St. Ignatius they can access FrTimothyGallagher.org for books and DVDs or search “Fr. Timothy Gallagher” on iTunes for free podcasts on the rules.