Can a Trappist be my Spiritual Director?

            Thanks for your question submitted to our website.  God be praised for your inspiration to join our great Catholic family of saints and sinners - welcome!  Traditionally, few Trappists would be available for visitors to the monastery to see as a spiritual director.  At present, in our United States monasteries, this is more common - possibly because of the influence of Thomas Merton and others like Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington who played a role like that of spiritual director for many people.  Your request would have to be pursued at a particular monastery in conversation with the abbot and a monk whom he might propose as a director.  If the abbot were willing and a monk was so disposed, a regular spiritual direction relationship might be possible.  If you will write me and tell me where you live, I might be able to assist you make a first contact with a monk.  I hope this is helpful.  God bless you!