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SPIRITUAL FATHER

The one who counsels and directs a person in the spritiual life. Generally a priest, the spritual father is often designated by ecclesiastical authority to guide the members of a religiouscommunity or confraternity, students for the priesthood, or in general persons specially dedicated to Christian perfection or the Church's apostolate. The Pope is sometimes called the Spiritual Father of all Christians.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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