Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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SPIRITUAL FATHER
The one who counsels and directs a person in the spiritual life. Generally a priest, the spiritual father is often designated by ecclesiastical authority to guide the members of a religious community 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.
