Pastoral Counseling & Spiritual Direction for the Whole Person.

Welcome to Ekklesia Iwigá, a ministry of Fr.Justo María, O.S.B., S.T.L., Ph.D. Here I offer pastoral counseling and spiritual direction rooted in Christ and shaped by the Benedictine tradition, care for the whole person, offered freely as service. Donations are welcome but never required.
Client Portal
Offers Telehealth
Appointments
Accepts
Online Payments
Accepting New
Clients

About

How Spiritual and Pastoral Care Works

My Approach I provide a calm, respectful presence for those who seek guidance, reflection, and a safe space to share their story. My ministry blends deep listening, compassionate curiosity, reflective questions, prayer, and simple spiritual practices. Three values guide my work: Relational – A space where you are safe, respected, and genuinely cared for. Spiritual – Exploring your path, your questions, and your relationship with the sacred. Practical – Offering simple practices that support clarity, growth, and resilience. --- Why Spiritual Care Matters We are whole beings of body, mind, heart, and spirit. Teachers care for the mind. Medical professionals care for the body. Therapists care for the heart. Pastoral counselors and chaplains tend to the spirit, helping us connect with meaning, faith, and peace. --- My Background I serve as a pastoral counselor and spiritual director, ordained as a priest in the Old Catholic tradition. My formation is shaped by the Benedictine spirit of prayer and hospitality. PhD in Pastoral Counseling (religious degree) — Interfaith Theological Seminary (ITS) MDiv and STL (Ethical & Moral Theology) — ITS BA in Psychology and Human Services, cum laude, Ottawa University, Kansas Chaplaincy Formation — Celtic Order of Benedictine Chaplains (OSB) --- Important Note My ministry is pastoral and spiritual in nature. I do not provide licensed mental health counseling, psychotherapy, or medical care. When appropriate, I encourage and support referrals to licensed professionals. --- Telehealth Pastoral Services Sessions are available online for individuals, couples, and families worldwide. You will find a welcoming and non-judgmental space where your story matters and your voice is heard. 📍 All sessions are provided via secure telehealth. 🌎 Se habla español. --- Who Can Benefit Pastoral and spiritual care can support those navigating: Grief and loss Life transitions Spiritual questions or crises of meaning Desire for deeper spiritual connection Identity and faith integration Cross-cultural and interfaith journeys All are welcome: people of faith, interfaith families, those who are spiritual but not religious, and those simply seeking a safe and compassionate space. --- Privacy and Confidentiality I honor the confidentiality of all who come for care. While not a HIPAA-covered entity, I follow the same privacy standards used in healthcare chaplaincy. --- Crisis & Emergency Notice This ministry is not a substitute for licensed mental health or medical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 (U.S.) or your local emergency number. --- Before You Book Ekklesia Iwigá, Inc. is a volunteer-based nonprofit ministry. All services are pastoral and spiritual in nature and offered freely. Donations are welcome but never required.
Fr. Justo María, O.S.B., S.T.L., Ph.D.
Chaplain and Spiritual Director

Services

I help people through

  • Life Transitions
  • Grief and Loss
  • Spiritual Discernment
  • Interfaith and Cross-Cultural Support
  • LGBTQ+ Faith Integration
  • Caregiver Renewal
  • Expat and Cross-Border Living
  • Crisis of Meaning
  • Mind-Body-Spirit Balance
  • Sacramental Preparation and Rituals

Approaches

  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Chaplaincy Presence
  • Person-Centered Listening & Reflective Dialogue
  • Prayer and Ritual Support
  • Compassion-Focused Spiritual Practices
  • Acceptance-Based Spiritual Growth
  • Gestalt-Inspired Reflection
  • Family & Relationship Spiritual Care
  • LGBTQ+ Faith-Affirming Support
  • Transpersonal Perspectives
  • Creation Care and Eco-Spirituality
Client Portal