Carmelite Conversations

Upon this Mountain

During this program Mark and Frances conclude the series on the book entitled “Upon this Mountain.” This particular book, written by a cloistered Carmelite Nun is the fruit of forty years of prayer and reflection. Mark and Frances explore some of the deeper meanings of our universal call to holiness, and how we are not called to this for ourselves but for the entire body of Christ. They discuss some of the more challenging aspects of the use of the imagination in prayer, and what is meant by our needing to empty ourselves of formal images. They also discuss the deeper meaning of silence in prayer.

Josefa Naval Girbes

In this particular program Mark and Frances discuss the simply yet remarkable life of a Secular Carmelite from Spain named Josefa Naval Girbes who lived from 1820 – 1893. Blessed Josefa lived a perfectly simple life, opening her home as a school for embroidery. She used the quiet hours of labor to instruct her young female students about the Catholic faith. She was well known for instructing her girls that their primary mission in life should be to “sanctify yourself and sanctify others.” Despite her remarkable simplicity, she had a very disciplined approach to her pursuit of holiness, and is also remembered for her rather direct counsel to “Reach holiness, no matter what the Cost.” This simple woman, who chose to live in the world, perfectly fulfilled God’s will by living a life of holiness, but also by bearing remarkable fruit in helping so many others to pursue a life in Union with God.

Prayer of recollection

Learn about the Prayer of recollection.

Introduction to the Life of St. Teresa Margaret (Anna Maria Redi) of the Sacred Heart, Part 2

We continue the introduction to the life of St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart by addressing the challenges she faced once she left civilian life and entered the convent in Carmel.  What were the lessons she still needed to learn?  How may we profit from them as well?  Additionally, what can we learn from her ardent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?  Then, we approach the conversation of her mystical life and the famous mystical experience she had of “God is Love!”  What were the effects of this experience?  Finally, we touch on the relationship of St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart to Pope Benedict XVI’s recent encyclical letter:  “Deus Caritas Est.”

What is Spiritual Marriage?

Host, Frances Harry, along with guest, Deacon/Dr. Tracy Jamison, OCDS talk about “spiritual marriage.” There are lots of questions about spiritual marriage. What is it? What does it involve? Where do we get this term? What happens in it? What difference does it make in my life and in those around me? Is it possible for all of us?

The “Last Conversations” of St Therese of Lisieux part 1

In this program, Mark and Frances will begin a series on the “Last Conversations” of St Therese of Lisieux. This is a collection of the statements and brief writings from her last months on earth. These reflections are very rich in spiritual depth and insight. St Therese seemed to want to impart the most important elements of her understanding of how God works with us, and how each and every soul might respond in order to pursue a genuine life of holiness. It is always so important to read the writings of the Saints, but perhaps never as important as reading and reflecting on what they have to share in the months and days before they are raised to Glory.

St. Teresa of the Andes part 3

During this program Mark and Frances delve into the ‘Spiritual Diary’ which St. Teresa of the Andes kept from the age of 16. Along with her letters, this Diary represents the clearest picture we have of this young Saints interior life. It reveals both the great graces the Lord bestowed on her, but also the many trials and challenges she faced on her path to holiness. The Diary of St. Teresa of the Andes is a very revealing portrait of the path to holiness and the remarkable blessings our Lord chooses to share with those who truly seek to do His will.

St. Teresa of the Andes part 2

This particular program is the second in the series on St. Teresa of the Andes. During this conversation, Mark and Frances explore what it was that made this young Chilean Carmelite so significant so quickly. They discuss some of the miracles associated with her and also spectacular events that began to happen right after her death. They also explore her great patronage to young people, to the work of the new evangelization and to the virtue of Joy. St. Teresa of the Andes is certainly a powerful Saint for our time.

St. Teresa of the Andes part 1

This particular program is a conversation on one of the lesser known, but very important Carmelite Saints, St. Teresa of the Andes. In this conversation Mark and Frances discuss the earthly life of this wonderful Saint. St. Teresa of the Andes, who died in 1919 at the age of 19, is a model for young people. Her remarkable, although short, life, is a testament to how our young people today can begin to develop an intimate relationship with our Lord. Though she came from wealth, and had the benefit of a good Catholic family and education, St. Teresa’s life was not without pain and trial. Her dark times, however, only served to deepen both her relationship and love for the Lord. John Paul II said of her, “The secret of her perfection could be none other than love, a great love for Christ, and a filial love for the Virgin Mary.” She is truely a Saint for our time.

Praying without Ceasing

In this program, Mark and Frances discuss the prayer fo the Church, or the Liturgy of the Hours. They discuss a little about the history of the prayer, the different elements of the prayer, how it is prayed by the entire Church and some of the benefits of praying this prayer. They cover some of the differnet options for getting copies of the prayers, including sources on-line, and they also talk about the differences of praying this prayer in community or privately. This is a wonderful introduction to this most import form of “praying without ceasing.”

Frances Harry: OCDS Congress

This particular program is dedicated to Frances Harry’s recent trip to the Annual Carmelite Congress, held just outside of Boston. Frances discusses the them of the Congress, which was, “Do Whatever He Tells You.” She provides a synopsis of some of the major presenters including Fr. Calloway, who escaped a childhood of drugs and anger, as well as Archbishop O’Malley of Boston, whose personal motto is also, “Do Whatever He Tells You.”
 

Marika Zimmerman

During this program Mark interviews Marika Zimmerman, a member of the Secular Order of Carmel in Dayton, Ohio. Marika is preparing to make her temporary promise this year. Mark explores with her the details of her Catholic upbringing, what brought her to Carmel and a discussion about some of her favorite Saints. They also discuss the topic of prayer and how prayer matures as we begin to make progress in Carmelite Spirituality.

A Retreat with Pere Jacques

Born Lucien Bunel in 1900, Pere Jacques became a Discalced Carmelite and was one of the individuals who undertook efforts to help the Jewish people during the Nazi occupation of France in WWII. He was arrested and spend time in 4 of the most dreaded concentration camps. Known to be a fine preacher and teacher, he had much to teach us about life, love, mercy, prayer, suffering, and about the body and soul. He said: “the greatest proof of trust you could give God is to accept from the depths of your heart, that His will be done in you, no matter what it be.” He lived this out in a very profound way.

Mary in the life of St. Raphael Kalinowski

On this program Mark and Frances speak again about the importance of Mary in the life of St Raphael Kalinowski. They also discuss the role he played in helping to bring unity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox churches. Finally, they discuss how St. Kalinowski was actually a forerunner for the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Primarily his teaching on the significance of the Evangelical Counsels is explained. Furthermore, the importance of the Evangelical Counsels is discussed as a central theme in a life of holiness.

St. Raphael Kalinowski

On this program Mark and Frances speak about the great Ploish Staint Raphael Kalinowski. St. Kalinowski was the boyhood hero of Pope John Paul II. He is noted primarily for his teaching on prayer and the need to find solitude in order to deepen our prayer life. St. Kalnowski spent 10 years in Siberia, as a result of his participation in a political uprising against Russia. This experience only deepened his understanding of the need for a personal and consistent prayer life. He also led efforts to rebuild the Carmelite Order in Poland.

The prophet Elijah

On this program Mark and Frances speak about the great prophet Elijah. Elijah is identified as the Father of the Order of Carmel. They discuss how Elijah’s life and message serve as the perfect model of the Carmelite life and charism. They also discuss the importance of silence, living the interior life and how even the events of Elijah’s Old Testament story prefigures the importance of the future role of Mary in the Order of Carmel.

Spiritual Direction

“In this particular program, Mark and Frances explore the nature of Spiritual Direction and its importance in helping one achieve holiness. They first discuss the objectives of Spiritual Direction and the reasons why someone should engage with a Spiritual Director. They also discuss those instance that are not appropriate for Spiritual Direction. They also discuss the characteristics one should look for in a good Spiritual Director. Finally, they provide some good resources anyone can take advantage of if they cannot find a Spiritual Director.”

The Holy Face Part 3

This is the third in a series of 3 that focuses on the Holy Face.

Fr. Daniel Chowning

This program is an interview with Fr. Daniel Chowning. Fr. Chowning is an internationally recognized speaker on Spirituality, Prayer and the Carmelite Order. In this particular program, Mark and Frances talk to Fr. Chowning about the importance of Silence and Solitude, and how to find these important elements in our modern busy world. They also discuss the importance on finding a contemplative spirit in the midst of a busy life.

The Holy Face Part 2

This is the second in a series of 3 that focuses on the Holy Face.

Mary as Virgin

In this program we focus on Mary as Virgin, Mother, and Spouse. As Virgin, we are with her at the Annunciation and see anew her great purity of heart and her receptivity to the great news from St. Gabriel. Mary, with her “Fiat,” clearly emphasizes “Thy will be done.” Then, she “ponders” all these things in her heart. As Mother, we see Mary’s fruitful love. Her pure prayer leads to an abundance of graces poured out to all. As Spouse of the Holy Spirit, she is the perfect model for all who pray as we grow in our love relationship with Christ and become the Bride of Christ. Finally, we, in imitation of Mary, with Mary, through Mary, and in union with Mary, we may grow closer to Christ as we live a life of prayer.

Devotion to the Holy Face Part 1

This particular program picks up on the series of Devotion to the Holy Face. Mark and Frances trace the history of this devotion within the Church, and then outline some of the key events which led to its reinstitution on a number of occasions. They also provide specific details on the lives of Sr. Mary of St. Peter, the Carmelite nun of Tours who received revelations from the Lord on this devotion, and also, Leo Dupont, who actively practiced the devotion for years, after Sr. Mary’s death, and long before it received official Papal recognition.

Carmelite Books

On this program, Mark and Frances cover a list of their favorite Carmelite Books. This is a list of the less well known, but none-the-less very useful books on a whole range of Carmelite topics; including Carmelite spirituality, contemplative prayer, Mystical Theology and outlines of some of the key figures in the history of the Order. Each of the books presented have been read by one or both of the presenters, and Mark and Frances are able to offer their insights on how the texts can contribute to your own spiritual journey.

Divine Mercy and the Carmelites, Part Two

Carmelite Conversations Host Frances Harry welcomes guest, Deacon Russell Baldwin back to the program to continue our conversation on “Divine Mercy and the Carmelites.” We focused on the 5 Stages of the Mercy of God with examples from our Carmelite Saints followed by deeper insights on “Divine Mercy” by St. Therese of Lisieux, the little flower. For her, confidence and trust in God’s divine and merciful love are foundational to her whole relationship with God and is evident in her practice of the “Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.”

Divine Mercy and the Carmelites, Part One

Carmelite Conversations Host Frances Harry welcomes guest, Deacon Russell Baldwin to the program. The topic for this program is the “Divine Mercy Devotion” and the Carmelites. We discussed the 5 forms of Devotion to Divine Mercy as presented to St. Faustina from her Diary, now published and available to the public (“Divine Mercy in My Soul: the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska”). Our conversation continued with a comparison of St. Faustina with the well-known Carmelite, St. Therese of Lisieux, who sang the mercies of the Lord in her manuscripts which were compiled and put into book form, known as “Story of a Soul” by St. Therse of Lisieux.