Loneliness and the longing for connection

Thinking Faith’s podcast, Things I Wish I Knew, is back, and our first new episode sets a precedent of depth and honesty, which you’ll find in all of the conversations that follow. We begin our second series by asking Fr Justin Claravall SJ what he learned from his experience of loneliness.

Loneliness is a quiet ache that many carry, often unnoticed by those around them. In our increasingly connected world, it may seem paradoxical that so many feel isolated. Yet, loneliness is not simply the absence of company; it is the absence of a meaningful connection, of being truly seen and known. It is a condition that touches the heart of our humanity, and as Christian tradition reminds us, one that Christ himself did not escape.

For those formed in Ignatian spirituality, loneliness can be a moment of deep spiritual encounter. It invites us to listen more attentively to the movements of the Holy Spirit, to discern what God might be revealing in the silence. It can also be a call to solidarity, a reminder that others, too, are walking through similar valleys, and that we are invited to accompany them with compassion.

In this spirit, the latest episode of Things I Wish I Knew features a conversation between host, Julia Corcoran, and Fr Justin Claravall, a Jesuit priest who reflects candidly on his own experiences of loneliness. From the disorientation of moving to a new city to the pastoral solitude of serving during the Covid-19 pandemic, Fr Justin shares how these moments became opportunities for prayer, growth and deeper connection with God.

He challenges the notion that loneliness is a moral failing or a sign of inadequacy. Instead, he frames it as a universal human experience, one that can draw us closer to Christ, who knew abandonment and yet remained rooted in love. Through the lens of Ignatian discernment, Fr Justin explores how prayer and reflection can transform isolation into intimacy with God.

The conversation also highlights the importance of friendship and community. It emphasises how authentic relationships, based on mutual understanding and love, can help us navigate the challenges of loneliness. Fr Justin’s reflections are not only about priestly ministry; he encourages all of us to reach out to others and create spaces of belonging.

This episode is more than a discussion; it is an invitation to reflect, to pray and to act. As Fr Justin poignantly observes: ‘When we are lonely, we are not alone. We are walking a path that Christ himself has walked’. Whether you are currently experiencing loneliness or seeking to accompany others in theirs, this conversation offers insight, hope and a gentle reminder that we are made for connection.

Listen to 'Things I Wish I Knew About Loneliness'; and to get all of our new episodes and catch up on our first series, subscribe now >>