Spiritual retreats are important perhaps
now more than ever. Our contemporary world is filled with
noise, distraction and confusion; it's difficult to hear God
speaking. The silent reflection of a retreat provides an opportunity
to tune into the movements of God in order to hear His direction
and guidance. Heeding His guidance can bring great inner peace
and a dedicated, practical and generous love for others.
Bernard Bush, S.J., Spiritual Director
Fr. Bernie is a spiritual director and psychotherapist by
training— background that he believes enables him
to see people's lives in a rich and diverse way. He says
he enjoys the challenging adventure of helping others find
God in their lives — something he recognizes is different
for every person. He defines a spiritual director as one
who is a servant to others as they grow in their relationship
with God.
Born in Humboldt County, California, Fr. Bernie entered
the Society of Jesus following graduation from Bellarmine
College Preparatory, San Jose, CA. He was ordained in 1965,
and then trained as a spiritual director and psychotherapist,
earning a Ph.D. in human science (psychology and theology)
from the Saybrook Graduate School, San Francisco.
Early in his career, Fr. Bernie taught at St. Ignatius High
School, San Francisco, and assisted the chaplain at Alcatraz,
San Francisco. For 13 years, he directed the House of Affirmation,
a clinical treatment center for emotionally troubled clergy
and religious. Fr. Bush is the author of the Book called Living
in His Love: Essays on Prayer and Christian Living,
and the Editor of Coping: Issues of Emotional Living
in an Age of Stress for Clergy and Religious.
He joined the Jesuit Retreat Center staff in 1993 after working
in the Diocese of Norwich (Conn.), developing continuing
education programs in social justice and the prevention of
child abuse for the clergy.
Fr. Bernie continues to advocate for children. He also looks
back fondly on his piloting days when he was truly "out
of reach, looking down on the world a sort of God's
eye view."
