The basic principle of spiritual formation is to live in intimate and unceasing union with God the Father through his Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit. This is the foundational call to discipleship and conversion of heart. (PPF #106)

"Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst." (Mt. 18:20)

The spiritual life is a key aspect of all communities of believers, and most certainly for those who are aspiring to serve God and God¡¯s people as priests. The spiritual life of the community of Juan Diego House consists of various key components, including gathering each day in community for prayer at least twice in a day. The following are some of the elements of the spiritual life at Juan Diego House:
  1. DAILY EUCHARIST celebrated in the House Chapel, presided by the House Director. On designated days, presiders from the diocese are invited (PPF #117-119).
  2. The daily form of community prayer is the LITURGY OF THE HOURS (PPF #117ff).
  3. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION is conducted on a monthly basis, with the additional times during the Lenten season, when it is celebrated weekly (PPF #124).
  4. A period of silence for PERSONAL PRAYER is practiced daily. Likewise, from 10 p.m. every night, a time of quiet is observed to assist one another with time for personal recollection, spiritual reading, study and sleep. Seminarians are encouraged to make time daily for personal prayer and spiritual reading.
  5. On Wednesdays, FORMATION SESSIONS are conducted by the House Director or special presenters, during which areas of spiritual, faith, pastoral, cultural and human formation are addressed. All seminarians will be required to complete the Faith Formation Program of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and attend workshops at the annual Religious Education Congress in Anaheim. These are considered part of the formation process, and are not optional (PPF #122).
  6. DAYS OF RECOLLECTION away from the House and weekend RETREATS at a retreat facility or the seminary are held throughout the year. In addition, an evening of recollection will be conducted three times a year during a formation session time period, including the Ash Wednesday celebration with Guadalupe House (PPF #122).
  7. Each seminarian is required to have a personal SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, selected from an approved list provided by the Office for Vocations. Any seminarian who wishes to choose a spiritual director other than from the provided list will need to be decided by the Priest Director case by case. A contract is drawn between the spiritual director and the seminarian, indicating regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year between the seminarian and director. This contract is submitted to the Director for the student¡¯s file.
  8. The SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION is readily available at St. Anthony Church across the street with the pastor or his associate, and also at a St. Mary Margaret Church in Lomita each day at 5 p.m. Parish Penance liturgies will be announced (PPF #120).
  9. Spontaneous group prayer for ROSARY or other DEVOTIONAL AND CHARISMATIC PRAYER is encouraged to take place (PPF #123-126).
  10. A modest SPIRITUAL READING library is provided at Juan Diego House. Students are encouraged to adopt the practice of spiritual reading and LECTIO DIVINA (PPF #123).


Cardinal Mahony celebrates Mass at Juan Diego House.


Spiritual Formation goals for first and second year seminarians:
  • Faithfully participates in community prayer
  • Develops basic knowledge of the Catholic Faith
  • Shows interest in personal spiritual development
  • Engages regularly in spiritual direction with an approved spiritual director
Spiritual Formation goals for students at Juan Diego House more than two years:
  • All of the above
  • Is able to demonstrate an informed knowledge of the Catholic faith
  • Participates actively in liturgical and devotional prayer, able to take on active involvement in planning and carrying out community liturgy
  • Is able to articulate how God has worked in his own life