Date of Award
5-4-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026
Degree Name
Master of Theology (Th.M)
Director
Jerome Baggett
Abstract
This qualitative grounded theory study examines how, and to what degree, American spiritual companions resonate with the Catholic spiritual writings and works of Jesuit priest Gregory Boyle and the effect his works have on their interior spiritual lives, practice of accompaniment and connection to the Church. As creator of the works under study, Boyle is a participant, along with fifty-three diverse spiritual companions who have followed his works. Drawing on a two-year, nation-wide ethnographic participant observation of the Jesuit’s ministry, from March 20, 2024 to March 20, 2026, the research analyzes how Boyle’s core spiritual principles – unconditional loving kindness, inclusion, acceptance and nonviolence – function as contemplative resources. Participants preferred self-selecting works over being formally assigned. Two co-equal predominant themes emerged from the in-depth interviews with: acts of self-compassion and resacralization, alongside a third theme termed “tactical clowning,” which highlights the role of intentional playfulness and humor in the practice of spiritual accompaniment. Using the participant’s words, findings that emerged from data indicate that participants’ experiences of resonating with the theme of self-compassion in Boyle’s works fostered a greater capacity to be present and less self-focused during accompaniment, and with greater flexibility, reduced judgment and a deepened sense of God’s loving presence during difficult moments. This was found to be especially helpful for companions with histories of trauma or substance abuse. Overall, the study concludes that participants link their resonance with Boyle’s spiritual works to positive interior shifts that are essential for accompaniment, notably self-compassion. Catholic programs that train companions will benefit from this knowledge.
Recommended Citation
Miera, Laura, "Acts of Self-Compassion: A Qualitative Study of American Spiritual Companions' Resonant Experiences with the Spiritual Works of Jesuit Priest Gregory Boyle" (2026). Jesuit School of Theology Dissertations. 188.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/jst_dissertations/188
