Chennai, India – August 2024 – At a time when spiritual guidance is increasingly crucial, the Salesian Province of Chennai has brought together 34 young priests for a Quinquennial meeting focused on the “Grace of Spiritual Direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation”. The meeting was characterised by touching testimonies, in-depth sessions and significant spiritual renewal. Fr Savarimuthu, a missionary in Sicily, recounted how serving migrants during the Covid-19 pandemic deepened his understanding of spiritual direction and pastoral care. A consultant from Loyola College stressed the importance of establishing healthy boundaries for effective spiritual direction. Fr John Alexander, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Chennai, urged priests to consider their spiritual directors. Recognising the link between psychology and spirituality, a session on psychotherapy techniques allowed priests to respond to the emotional and psychological needs of their faithful. A round table then highlighted the qualities of effective spiritual guidance, while Eucharistic adoration and a pilgrimage to a convent offered moments of profound spiritual renewal. Fr Stanislao Swamikannu finally provided insights into the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Overall, the meeting provided young priests with the wisdom and tools to guide their “flock” with the grace of spiritual direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.