“The Spiritual Life” host James Martin, S.J., talks with famed spiritual author and guide, Ron Rolheiser O.M.I., about:

Different habits of prayer, including discursive and centering prayer
Staying the course when your vocation feels boring or dry
What we have misunderstood about chastity and celibacy
Why praying relentlessly about your problems might not be spiritually wise and what to do differently in prayer

Ron’s books mentioned in the episode:

The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality

Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity

Domestic Monastery: Creating a Spiritual Life at Home

Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2025/08/26/father-james-martin-ronald-rolheiser-spiritual-life

Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: thespirituallife@americamedia.org

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Fr. Ronald Rolheiser on priestly celibacy and the spirituality of sticking with it