As a priest matures in prayer and ministry, new challenges of discernment arise. No longer is the enemy's tactic simply discouragement and spiritual desolation; now the temptation may come under the appearance of good—energizing, attractive, even seemingly holy.
In The More Discerning Priest, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, guides priests through St. Ignatius of Loyola's "second rules" for discernment, offering clarity for these more delicate spiritual trials.
Through the story of "Father Tom," a composite of lived priestly experience, Gallagher shows how priests can recognize deceptive encouragements, safeguard their spiritual fruitfulness, and remain rooted in the mission God truly desires.
Pastoral, practical, and deeply faithful, this book is a companion for every priest seeking mature discernment in service to Christ and His people.
About the Author
Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher, OMV, was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Having obtained his doctorate in 1983 from the Gregorian University, he has taught (St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA; Our Lady of Grace Seminary Residence, Boston, MA), assisted in formation work, and served two terms as provincial in his own community. He has dedicated many years to an extensive international ministry of retreats, spiritual direction, and teaching about the spiritual life. He is a frequent speaker on EWTN, and his digitally recorded talks are utilized internationally. He has written many books on Ignatian discernment and prayer, on the Venerable Bruno Lanteri, and other topics of the spiritual life. He currently holds the St. Ignatius Chair for Spiritual Formation at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver.
