I went to church in Chicago a few weeks ago to interview two highly respected Christian clergy, each of whom have been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for over 30 years.

Father Len Dubi of St. Victor’s Parish and Reverend John Hutchinson of the First Methodist Church were very gracious, setting aside almost two hours to talk. The time flew by, and I left feeling deeply moved and inspired by the significance of what they had to say. Not surprisingly, that feeling has stayed with me ever since.

Both Fr. Dubi and Rev. Hutchinson spoke in glowing terms about their own longtime Transcendental Meditation practice, which they emphasize:

(a) is not religious in nature.

(b) does not conflict with their religion.

(c) only enriches their Christian faith.

They said they meditate before their morning daily prayers and Scriptural readings because it settles mind, body, and heart—and makes their spiritual life in Christianity more meaningful and fulfilling.

In this first meeting in a series of interviews with meditating clergy of all faiths, Fr. Dubi spoke for the first time on camera about how his TM practice has impacted his personal life and his life as a pastor.

“Transcendental Meditation is a bridge to deepen my religious commitment,” Fr. Dubi explains. “I meditate every morning before I celebrate Mass. I feel much clearer, much more centered, and much more silent inside… It enriches and enhances our understanding and empowers our prayer and allows me to come in conscious contact with a power that is greater than ourselves.”

Fr. Dubi was ordained as a priest in 1968. He has served as pastor of St. Victor Parish since 2005, after serving as the pastor of St. Anne’s Parish for 21 years. Father Dubi has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for 36 years.

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