Carmelite Conversations

Interior Castle (part 9): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 4-6: Mansion of Spiritual Betrothal & Mystical Communications

God continues to draw the soul closer to Him through the purification of the soul as well as mystical favors that may occur.  In this episode, we talk about ecstasies, raptures, flights of the spirit, spiritual betrothal, gift of tears, and the prayer of jubilation.  These are all communications from God to the individual soul to draw the soul closer to Himself.  St. Teresa always helps us know the effects of such favors and how to discern if they are truly from God.  Although some souls may never experience these favors, just knowing about them helps us to praise God all the more for his Majesty, Power, Wisdom and Love.
 
RESOURCES:
 “Interior Castle, Study Guide, 2nd Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila; Translated and Prepared by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD; ICS Publications.
“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life.
“Journey into Divine Intimacy with St. Teresa of Avila:  a Retreat, Spiritual Direction Guide, and Study Resource” by Sr. Leslie Lund, OCDH (Hermit of the Order of Discalced Carmelites); Carmelite Sisters of Mary Publishers, 2019.
“The Ordinary Path to Holiness” by R. Thomas Richard, PhD; St. Pauls, 2003.
“The Spiritual Life” by Adollphe Tanquerey, SS. DD; Tan Books, 2000.
“Visions and Revelations” by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen; Sophia Institute Press; 2022.
“Private Revelation: Discerning with the Church” by Mark Miravalle; Seat of Wisdom Publications; 2007.
“Revelations and Visions” by Augustin Poulain, SJ; St. Paul’s, 1998.
 

The Active Night of the Purification of the Spirit

In this homily, Deacon Mark Danis asked himself what can souls do to prepare themselves in the Active Night to enter into the Passive Night of the Spirit, which St. John of the Cross discusses in his book, “Ascent to Mount Carmel” as well as in book, “The Dark Night of the Soul.” Deacon Danis helps us understand why there is a  need for the purification of the faculties of the memory, intellect and will and what we can do to respond favorably to God’s call to union with Him.

Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 4)

In the life of prayer, there are always transitions.  We cannot remain static in our pursuit of God.  In this particular program, Mark and Frances identify the seven vices that often hold us back from progressing into deeper, more interior stages of prayer.  They also identify how St. John of the Cross counsels souls to respond to these impediments to our spiritual growth.  Next, they offer evidence of the beginning of gift of contemplation.  This transitional period is significant in that it is the place where so many souls run the risk of losing their way, or of turning back.  This critical transitional period requires a new approach to prayer, and it demands more fidelity in abandoning ourselves to God’s specific designs for our life. 
Book:  “Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.

The Third Spiritual Alphabet and St. Teresa of Avila

The 16th Century Spanish Franciscan Friar, Francisco de Osuna, was the author of a book considered to be a great masterpiece and spiritual classic called:  “The Third Spiritual Alphabet,” which profoundly influenced the great Discalced Carmelite, St. Teresa of Avila. She particularly focused on his description and practice of the prayer of recollection as a pathway to union with God.
In this podcast, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, discusses how this book influenced and formed St. Teresa of Avila.  He also shares some of the maxims of Osuna regarding prayer.  There is much to ponder here which will be helpful to anyone desiring to grow closer to God in prayer.

Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 3)

As we continue the journey with Fr. Haggerty, through the works of St. John of the Cross, we now wrestle with one of the least understood, and little practiced requirements for entry into contemplative prayer. This program focuses first on the practice of asceticism, the healthy denial of our desires so that we can create space for God to fill us with the only desire that matters – Himself. Then, having gained some knowledge of the practice and benefits of asceticism, we turn to the purification of the will, the central human capacity for drawing us into union with God. Mark and Frances will discuss how, through the use of the will’s three principle operations, we are able to conform ourselves better to God’s will, and to dispose ourselves to full union with Him.
 
Book:  “Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.

Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 2)

 
In our first program on the topic of contemplation in St. John of the Cross, we discussed that we can expect to experience God’s concealment, which means we need to proceed in the darkness of pure faith. But this faith comes with its own measure of certitude; we do not need to feel as though we are lost. Indeed, in pure faith we proceed with the greatest confidence that we will not lose our way. At the same time, we need to be wary of even perceived divine communications. In this program, Mark and Frances offer us consolation through the practice of pure dark faith. And, with the guidance of St. John of the Cross, and Fr. Donald Haggerty, they help guide listeners through an understanding as to how to respond to divine communications. This program is particularly helpful for those currently experiencing God’s apparent absence, or those who may have received what they believe to be divine communications.
 
Book:  “Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.

Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 1)

St. John of the Cross did not write for beginners in prayer.  His works are for those who have been practicing prayer for some time and have begun to make progress on the spiritual journey.  In this conversation, Mark and Frances discuss two of the most critical aspects of our maturing relationship with God.  The first is the sometimes difficult reality that God conceals Himself from our efforts to encounter Him in prayer.  There are practical reasons for why this is the case, and St. John of the Cross offers us insight on how we should respond to these circumstances.  The next experience, and one largely born of God’s concealment, is the deepening experience of longing for the encounter with God.  St. John of the Cross likewise provides us with wise counsel on how to increase this longing, and how to dispose ourselves to gain the most benefit in the midst of these apparent absences of the Beloved.
Book:  “Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.
 
 

Interior Castle (part 8): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 1-3: Greater Trials & Greater Favors

Here in the 6th Dwelling Place, the soul goes through an intensification of the Dark Night, specifically the Dark Night of the Spirit.   It’s no surprise that St. Teresa of Avila begins in the first chapter with the trials and sufferings of this mansion.  However, she quickly draws the souls attention to the LOVE of God in the second chapter through the Wounds of Love.  She herself is known for having experienced an intense wound of love called the “Transverberation” of her heart by an angel.  In the third chapter, St. Teresa teaches us about locutions, words heard by the soul (from God, or from the devil, or from our own imaginations).  She gives us clear discernment points to help us so that we are not deceived.
RESOURCES:
“Interior Castle, Study Guide, 2nd Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila; Translated and Prepared by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD; ICS Publications.
“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life.
“The Devil in the Castle:  St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul” by Dan Burke; Sophia Institute Press.
“The Wonders of the Heart of St. Teresa of Jesus” by Simon of Sts. Joseph and Therese.
“From Ash to Fire:  An Odyssey in Prayer;” (A contemporary journey through the Interior Castle of Teresa of Avila) by Carolyn Humphreys; New City Press, New York.
Podcast:  CarmelCast for July 10 on St. John of the Cross’s “Living Flame of Love”, Stanza 2, Part 1.   Link found on www.icspublications.org.  Also Found on YouTube.
 

Interior Castle (part 7): Fifth Dwelling Place; Ch. 3 & 4: True Union with God

As we continue the journey through the interior castle, we grow deeper and deeper in our intimacy and relationship with the Lord.  The 5th Dwelling Place/Mansion can be understood to be the deeper revelation of God to the soul and the joining of hands in spiritual courtship with our Divine Spouse. It is in anticipation of a deeper union to come in the remaining mansions.  St. Teresa of Avila gives us the analogy of the silkworm turning into a butterfly to help us understand this interior transformation.  In this podcast, we discuss the difference between the degree of prayer called “the prayer of union” and the “union of will with God’s will.”  We also highlight some of the tactics of the devil in this dwelling place as well as counsels from St. Teresa on what we should do to grow in union with God.
 
Resources: 
“Interior Castle” 2nd Edition, Study Guide by St. Teresa of Avila; ICS Publications.
“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life! Inc.
“Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila,” vol. 3; ICS Publications.
www.flameoflove.us Unity Prayer given to the Carmelite Secular, Elizabeth Kindelmann of Hungary.  Book called “The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary:  The Spiritual Diary” by Elizabeth Kendelmann.
 

Evangelical Counsels and Perfection

What are the Evangelical Counsels and why are they important to Carmelites? This homily by Deacon Baldwin was given to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Dayton during a Community meeting Holy Hour.

Interior Castle (part 6): Fifth Dwelling Place; New Life in Christ, Fragments of Heaven

As we continue the journey through the interior castle, we grow deeper and deeper in our intimacy and relationship with the Lord. The 5th Dwelling Place/Mansion can be understood to be the joining of hands in spiritual courtship with our Divine Spouse and is in anticipation of a deeper union to come in the remaining mansions. St. Teresa of Avila helps us understand this interior transformation by giving us the analogy of the silkworm turning into a butterfly.  The degree of prayer called “the prayer of union” may be experienced in this dwelling place. This Carmelite Conversation discusses what the “prayer of union” is and the effects and benefits of this union.  Additionally, we talk about the trials and sufferings also associated with the butterfly and its new life in Christ.
 
Resources: 
“Interior Castle” 2nd Edition, Study Guide by St. Teresa of Avila; ICS Publications.
“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life! Inc.
“Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila,” vol. 3; ICS Publications.
 

St. Therese: Being and doing for the Lord

St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, known as “the little flower,” was prophetically called by Pope Pius X, the “greatest saint of modern times.”  Time continues to echo her greatness.  As a Doctor of the Church, St. Therese continues to be the subject of numerous new books and homilies each year.  This year, 2023, is a very special year for all Carmelites as well as the Church.  We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Therese’s birth and the 100thanniversary of her beatification.  In 2025, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of her canonization. The Carmelite world is talking about St. Therese in a big way!
In today’s homily, given by Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, he talks about how St. Therese used the gifts God gave her, returning them to Him as a spiritual bouquet of flowers.  Episodes from the life of St. Therese are reflected on to help us know how to imitate her.  These are wonderful lessons for each of us to grow closer to God, no matter what state of life we lead.  May St. Therese intercede for us and help us to use God’s gifts wisely.
 

St. John of the Cross’ Light in the Dark

How does the teaching of St. John of the Cross help us to be “light” in the “dark” that surrounds us in our day?  This presentation by Deacon Baldwin was given to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Dayton, OH for their Day of Recollection. The theme of the day was “We Are the Light of the World.”  Although some people are put off or scared by the negation and darkness of St. John of the Cross, those who truly understand him realize he teaches us the way of pure love.  What must we do to live this pure love?  St. John of the Cross tells us how.
 
Paper by Fr. Daniel Chowning, OCD:  Free to Love: Negation in the Doctrine of John of the Cross
Carmelite Conversations: Nada, Nada, Nada episode
St. John of the Cross’s drawing/map of Mt. Carmel
 
 

Interior Castle (part 5): Fourth Dwelling Place; Transition & Transformation

This is an exciting mansion as God begins to take the lead becoming much more active in the soul, while the soul becomes more passive and receptive to God, more fully surrendering to Him, especially in prayer.  It is the beginning of the mystical life with the gifts of infused contemplation. These degrees of prayer are called “infused recollection” and “prayer of quiet” (spiritual delight).  In this conversation, we discuss what these degrees of prayer are like and what their effects are.  We also detail the differences between “consolations” in prayer in comparison to “spiritual delights.”  St. Teresa of Avila also tells us that the best way to be predisposed for these gifts and favors is NOT to strive for them!  We go over the reasons why. Additionally, we discuss the complementary counsels from St. John of the Cross on what 3 signs must be present for a soul to understand God is calling them to leave discursive meditation and open themselves up to receive the gift of infused contemplation.  Finally, we go over St. Teresa’s warnings about false experiences of prayer along with the battles the devil forges on the soul in this fourth dwelling place.

Interior Castle (part 4): Third Dwelling Place; Pioneer or Settler?

In reference to the third dwelling place/mansion, St. Teresa of Avila tells us that she believes “that through the goodness of God there are many of these souls in the world.” Of course, that was in the late 1500s. The souls here are good practicing Catholics. Mistakenly, many of these souls think they are at the heights of their spiritual growth, when, in reality, they are at the adolescent stage. With the gift of St. Teresa’s “Interior Castle,” one can learn from her, a master of prayer and Doctor of the Church, that there is much more room to grow. This episode highlights some of the big issues and what's needed to move forward into the higher mansions, and features Theresa Rittenhouse, OCDS and Frances Harry, OCDS.
 
Book: The Interior Castle: Study Edition (ICS Publications)
 

The extraordinary--but ordinary--life of St. Joseph

In the month of March, the Church celebrates the feast of the great St. Joseph, Patron Saint of the Universal Church.  He is also the Protector of the Discalced Carmelite Order. So often, one might think our Saints are so far above us in holiness that it’s incomprehensible how we could imitate them.  In this Carmelite Conversation, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, talks to us about the Extraordinary but Ordinary Life of St. Joseph.  We are also reminded of the great love that St. Teresa of Jesus (of Avila) had for St. Joseph, who never failed her in any of her needs.  St. Joseph, pray for us!

Interior Castle (part 3): Second dwelling place, the seed is germinating, the battle intensifies

The Second Dwelling Place or Mansion pertains to souls who have already begun to practice prayer and have heard the calls of the Lord.  Hence, the seed planted in the first mansion is now starting to germinate and sprout roots.  The temptations are greater because their awareness has grown through the calls of God.  What are these temptations?  How do we combat them?  What are the remedies?  What if we mess up and fall? How can we benefit from falls?  What is prayer like for a 2nd mansion soul?  We give some good guidance for the time of prayer.  What do we do to progress to the 3rd mansion? 

“Nada, Nada, Nada” of St. John of the Cross

When a Carmelite hears the word, “Nada,” they automatically think of the great Discalced Carmelite Doctor of Love, St. John of the Cross.  What does that word mean?  Why is this word so deeply associated with St. John of the Cross?  Is this a harsh concept to live?  How can we apply this concept to our own lives and our families?  This conversation will answer those questions and give some background that sheds light on this concept…and will hopefully warm you up to what St. John of the Cross is teaching us. Host Frances Harry, OCDS, discusses the topic with guests Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS, and Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS.
 
Source:  The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, Trans. by Kierab Kavanaugh, OCD and Otilio Rodriguez, OCD; ICS Publications.

Faith Is not a zero-sum game, with Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS

What is this journey of faith?  What are some of the misconceptions people have about this journey of faith? What will inspire us on this journey? Deacon Mark Danis details for us what is of immense value to us beyond the purification and healing of our souls and what we must do regarding our eternal destiny.

Lenten thoughts & resources for 2023

This reflection is focused on the “why” of Lent. Why fast? Why pray? Why give alms?  Why does the Church tell us to do these 3 things?  Where does this come from?  How do these 3 tactics form a strategic battle plan to conquer sin in our lives?  How does this relate to the Theological Virtues, the Evangelical Counsels, the Superior Faculties of the Soul, Virtues, and the Harmony of Life?  This is briefly covered to help us gain a better understanding of the “why”.
Resources58 Ideas for What to Do for Lent This Year

Interior Castle (part 2): Image of the Soul in the First Dwelling Place

Guest, Theresa Rittenhouse, OCDS, joins host Frances Harry in a Carmelite Converstion on the first dwelling place/mansion of St. Teresa of Avila’s classic masterpiece, “The Interior Castle.” We cover some of her wonderful images of the soul and also images of God.  But, what is the soul?  We take time to define the soul and describe the anatomy of the soul in addition to giving a brief break down of the soul and its relationship to the theological virtues and evangelical counsels. The castle is an image of the soul.  Prayer is the door to enter the castle.  What is prayer like for a person in the first dwelling place?  What might it consist of?  How may it be improved?  St. Teresa wants us to understand not only the beauty and dignity of the soul made in the image and likeness of God, but to also comprehend the ugliness of a soul in mortal sin.  The devil uses lots of tactics to distract, divide and preoccupy the soul so that it doesn’t progress.  What can be done? What battle plans should we have? 
Resources:
“The Interior Castle:  Study Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila, Translated and Prepared by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D.; ICS Publications.
“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life! Inc. (www.mycatholic.life)
“The Interior Liturgy of the Our Father” by R. Thomas Richard, 3rd Edition; Fidelis Presentations
 
 

St. Therese’s Influence on a Priest’s Vocation

What a joy it is to hear how a Saint has particularly influenced someone!  Today’s Carmelite Conversation details how St. Therese of Lisieux helped a priest in his vocation.  Host, Frances Harry, OCDS, interviews Fr. Robert Hale, who was recently ordained.  Listen to his story of how St. Therese became a good friend and intercessor for him.  He has offered to us his personal testimony with lots of sage advice. 
 
Books mentioned:
“Story of a Soul:  the Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (Study Edition),” Trans. John Clarke, OCD; prepared by Marc Foley, OCD; ICS Publications.
“Maurice and Therese:  The Story of a Love” by Patrick Ahern; Image Publications.
“The Prayers of Saint Therese of Lisieux,” Trans. Aletheia Kane, OCD; ICS Publications.
“A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Therese of Lisieux” by Fr. John F. Russell, OCarm; Christus Publishing.
 

A Soul of Silence: Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity

Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS, shares reflections about the short book, A Soul of Silence: Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity. The book, which was published in 1949, was written by a Carmelite nun, Mother Mary Amabel of the Heart of Jesus, and translated  from French into English by a Discalced Carmelite. 
Download a PDF file of the book.

Interior Castle (part 1): The Our Father Prayer

St. Teresa of Avila, in her classic masterpiece, The Interior Castle, teaches us how to become more intimate with God by journeying through the seven mansions/dwelling places of this interior castle of our soul.  A great way to identity each of these degrees of intimacy with God is through the “Our Father” prayer.  This provides a new perspective that can be very helpful in understanding this journey as well as in deepening our prayer.
Sources:
“The Interior Castle:  Study Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila, Translated and Prepared by Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D.; ICS Publications.
“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life! Inc. (www.mycatholic.life)
“The Interior Liturgy of the Our Father” by R. Thomas Richard, 3rd Edition; Fidelis Presentations.
 
 

Replay: St. Teresa Margaret and the Practice of the Presence of God

This episode is a replay of a popular episode from 2019.
One of the single most important disciplines we can adopt is the continual practice of the presence of God in our lives. This practice is not achieved by simply thinking about God be everywhere, though certainly He is all around us as well as in us, and we should take great comfort in this reality. Beyond this, however, we should recognize that the real challenge of the practice of the presence of God, is for us to make ourselves present to Him. It is for us to be continually aware that He is looking at us with His loving gaze, and that we should constantly be desiring to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. In this program, France Harry takes us through the very practical means St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart used to keep herself continually aware of and present to God. The central focus of Teresa Margaret's practice was her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. In this regard, she not only fulfilled all of the communities requirements for adoration, but she also remained constantly disposed to a state of adoration whenever she was anywhere near where the Blessed Sacrament was retained. She would literally genuflect towards the room where the tabernacle was kept, whenever she entered the hallway outside that room. She was known to rest her head on the wall, while sitting on a bench, just outside the same room. Just as important as these physical gestures directed toward the Blessed Sacrament, were Teresa Margaret's charitable commitment to her sisters in the convent. She realized that because she herself could not actually serve Christ in a physical way, she would have to find Christ in all the individuals she came in contact with in her life in Carmel. Regardless of whether these individuals responded to her with equal charity, Teresa Margaret always labored to be as kind and patient towards everyone as she could. Indeed, if there were some who may have treated her with disdain, and some did, then Teresa Margaret sought to serve these women all the more. She always maintained the guidance provide to her by our Lord: ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,] you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40-45)
If you are seeking a little guidance, some encouragement, and a model for how to advance in the practice of the presence of God, then this is a very valuable program to help provide you all three.