Fr. Michael O’Connor, SJ

Spiritual Director | Theologian | Retreat Leader

Fr. Michael O’Connor is a Jesuit priest with over four decades of experience guiding souls through the sacred path of inner transformation. Born in Cork, Ireland, and raised in a devout Catholic household, Fr. Michael entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 20 after a profound personal encounter during a silent Ignatian retreat. His life has since become a living testament to the depth and richness of the Jesuit spiritual tradition.

He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where his doctoral research focused on The Inner Movements of Grace: A Comparative Study of Ignatian Discernment and Eastern Mindfulness Traditions. His ability to integrate rigorous academic insight with pastoral warmth has made him a sought-after spiritual guide across Europe, Latin America, and now North America.

Fr. Michael believes that silence is a gateway to communion with God. At Lumen Terra, he facilitates multi-day silent retreats based on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, as well as seminars on contemplative prayer and discernment. His teaching is deeply rooted in Scripture, but he also draws inspiration from A Course in Miracles, which he views as a modern echo of ancient mystical truths. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Latin, and has published several books on spiritual discernment, including Listening Beneath the Noise and Movements of the Spirit.

Areas of Specialty:

• Ignatian Spiritual Exercises (30-day, 8-day, and weekend formats)

• Spiritual discernment and vocation work

• Scriptural contemplation and Lectio Divina

• Jesuit theology and mysticism

• A Course in Miracles as a contemplative lens

• Inter-religious dialogue from a Catholic foundation