Carmelite Conversations (Carmelite Conversations)

Although St. Teresa of Avila said she was NOT a writer, she has a compilation of writings that would dwarf many an author today. Special guest, Lisa LaRosa, tells us about St. Teresa’s writing starting with an early novel as well as her four most famous major works. Additionally, St. Teresa’s minor works cover a vast terrain from biblical commentary to post-communion reflections and meditations, to spiritual challenges, satire, poems, instructional works, and more. Her personal letters, of which 468 were found, covered the years 1546-1582. We get a candid look at St. Teresa’s personal thoughts and expressions and concerns as well as gems of wisdom that are very applicable to our lives today. We begin with some of the early letters and will continue the series throughout the year highlighting some of the letters with the most notable points. St. Teresa, pray for us!

What can we do to be better predisposed to receive God’s Grace leading to Union with Him?  We know that “only the pure of heart see God.”  So, how do we purify our hearts most effectively?  Discalced Secular Carmelite Deacon Mark Danis gives us great insights on this topic and quotes St. Elizabeth of the Trinity to help us understand.

St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, OCD (also known as Mariam Baouardy) is one of the most extraordinary Saints in Carmel, following in the footsteps of Holy Mother St. Teresa of Avila.  Although uneducated, she was infused with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a great degree.  Rather than focusing on the charisms and phenomena in her life, this Carmelite Conversation focuses on her childhood and gives an indication on how the Holy Spirit formed her, practices/prayers that we may imitate.  Find out some of the teachings on the Holy Spirit that were given to St. Mary of Jesus Crucified to give to the Church.

Resources

• Mariam, the Little Arab by Amedee Brunot, SCJ
• Maryam of Bethlehem, the Little Arab by Sister Emmanuel Maillard
• Thoughts:  Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified by Rev. D. Buzy, SCJ

We all suffer…but do we suffer well?  What a mystery!  What does it mean to suffer well?  What are the challenges and fears about suffering?  What are the gifts and blessings of suffering?  What did our Carmelite Saints tell us about suffering?  This in person conversation with guest, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, is really a witness of what he went through and is going through now in his suffering.  He has much insight, encouragement, and hope to offer us.  This conversation is beneficial to anyone who is suffering…or anyone wanting to learn how to suffer “well.”

SOURCES:

Books:

“Story of a Soul:  The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower),” by Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower); ICS Publications.

“Story of a Soul:  Study Edition,” by Marc Foley, OCD; ICS Publications.

“St. Therese of Lisieux:  Her Last Conversations,” by Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower); ICS Publications.

“Healed through Caner and Other Adversities” by James M. Littleton, Tate Publishing, 2012.

“Living through Cancer:  A Practical Guide to Cancer Related Concerns” by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS/and registered Occupational Therapist;  (“What hidden gifts will cancer awaken in us?”);

Austin Macauley Publishers, 2018.

“The Problem of Pain” by C. S. Lewis, Harper Collins Publishers, first published in 1940.

Encyclicals/Apostolic Letters:

“Salvifici Doloris (On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering)” by St. JPII, Apostolic Letter 1984.

 “Rerum Novarum,” 21/encyclical of Pope Leo XIII on Capital and Labor

Articles:

“A Catholic Reflection on the Meaning of Suffering” by Bryan Cross; https://www.calledtocommunion.com/2009/08/a-catholic-reflection-on-the-meaning-of-suffering/#footnote_57_2208

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.

During this Lenten season, and by focusing on a few important points in the scripture passage on the Samaritan Woman, Deacon Mark Danis uses the lense of contemplation to highlight the importance of coming to know the truth about ourselves so that by coming into the light, we may be transformed by God.

Guest and Secular Discalced Carmelite Marika Zimmerman joins hostess, Frances Harry, OCDS for a program on the Liturgy of the Hours, the universal prayer of the Church.  Part 2  focuses on questions that many people have asked us about the Liturgy of the Hours over the years.  There is some sage advice offered and perhaps, a new tip or two for those who have been praying the LOH for years. 

Resources:

General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours - Book One (Advent) of the four-volume set of the “Liturgy of the Hours” beginning on page 9…

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours, a Personal Journey by Father Timothy M. Gallagher OMV

Collected Letters of Saint Teresa of Avila, Vol. I, by Teresa of Avila; ICS Publications 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church 

Divine Intimacy, by; Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D.; On Page 500 a chapter entitled “Divine Office”

Word on Fire Liturgy of the Hours, monthly subscription booklet.  Subscribe at https://www.wordonfire.org/pray

Material and spiritual attachments are BIG roadblocks to our growing union with the Lord. This presentation by Deacon Baldwin, himself a Secular Discalced Carmelite, helps one ponder how to live out the Evangelical Counsel of Poverty in one’s own life. In a way, it is even harder for Seculars as the temptations are greater since they live in the world and use material possessions daily. Deacon Baldwin refers to the “Four Degrees of Poverty” of St. Alphonsus Liguori from the book, The Spouse of Christ. This is a very helpful reflection, especially for anyone considering making a promise or vow of Evangelical Poverty.

On Oct. 15, 2020, Fr. John MacQuarrie gave this homily at the Feast Day Mass of St. Teresa of Avila.

What is piercing your heart?  Is it the anger and confusion of our times in this world, in the church, in politics?  Or is it the flaming arrow of God’s love?  Fr. John MacQuarrie leads us in a reflection on this feast day of St. Teresa of Avila by recalling the great statue by Bernini of St. Teresa in ecstasy.  The description of this supernatural event involving St. Teresa can be found in “The Book of Her Life” Ch. 29 verse 13.  Regarding the times we are living in, she has great advice:  “Whoever lives in the presence of so good a friend and excellent a leader, who went ahead of us to be the first to suffer, can endure all things.  The Lord helps us, strengthens us, and never fails; He is a true friend.” [Life, Ch. 22:7].

Pentecost is the birthday of the Church.  Secular Discalced Carmelite Jean Crowley peers thru the Carmelite lens at this great time and how the Holy Spirit is acting.  Where do absence and silence come into play?  What is the great “Silent Absence” and the “Silent Unseen?”  Our guest draws us into a perspective we may not have thought about before.  She also introduces quotes from our dear Discalced Carmelites, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.  With her we continue to pray, “Come, Holy Spirit, Come!”

Tim Bete, OCDS, interviews Annette Goulden, OCDS, about her book, Rooted in Love: Louis and Zélie Martin: Models of Married Love, Family Life, and Everyday Holiness.

From the publisher:

When Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin were canonized in 2015, they were the first spouses to be declared saints as a couple. Their lives are proof that God works through ordinary families to draw his future saints―like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Louis and Zélie’s youngest daughter―toward holiness. Even before their first encounter in the small town of Alençon, France, God was preparing Louis and Zélie for marriage. Later, he continued to sustain them powerfully in their married love and family life.

Rooted in Love: Louis and Zélie Martin: Models of Married Love, Family Life, and Everyday Holiness explores the stages of Louis and Zélie’s marriage, from the joys of parenthood, through the sorrows of bereavement, and ultimately to the challenges of single parenthood―experiences which many families face today. Author Annette Goulden demonstrates how, amid both the joys and the sorrows of family life, these saints grew in their understanding of God’s love for them. From the initial urge to earn God’s favor with sacrifices and sufferings to a deeper understanding of God’s unconditional love even in the minutiae of daily life, God was their guide on the path to holiness, a path that is open to all married couples.

This book is for both families and individuals―to offer them light and guidance to live their ordinary everyday life in closeness with God. No matter one’s vocation in life, Louis and Zélie exemplify how everyday experiences, such as being a working parent, running a business, or raising a difficult child, can be sacramental if one is open to a trusting relationship with God, even when he seems to be absent. Whatever the situation a married couple find themselves in, this saintly couple shows how daily actions and choices―however small and ordinary―are highly valued by God and can lead to holiness, to a close relationship with him, and to forming children who are strong in faith, maturity, and joy.

You can buy Rooted in Love at these outlets:

• Amazon (US)
• Amazon (UK)
• ICS Publications
• Blackwell's (England)
• Carmelite Book Service (England)

On this day, Nov. 8, the feast day of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, join me in praying her famous prayer known as “O My God, Trinity whom I Adore.”  It is a prayer that is very deep with much to ponder.  This translation came from the book, “Drink of the Stream:  Prayers of the Carmelites” compiled by Penny Hickey, OCDS, pg. 299-300.

How did the title of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel come about?  What is the connection with the Prophet Elijah?  How did the spirituality of Elijah spread across the world?  What happened on July 16th that is so significant to Carmelites?  What is the connection of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to the Church approved apparitions of Our Lady in Lourdes and in Fatima?  How are we connected today?

Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection's book The Practice of the Presence of God is a spiritual classic and provides great insight into the important of our secular work to uniting us with God. In this podcast, Tim Bete, OCDS, summarizes Brother Lawrence's wisdom for our daily lives.

It’s no surprise to learn of the great devotion St. Therese of Lisieux had for our Mother Mary. She was immersed in Marian devotion from her birth, being born into a family that all loved Mary. The focus of this presentation is on four aspects of Therese’s love for Mary: 1) the Ordinary/Simple Mary, 2) the Healing Mother/Child of Mary, 3) Being Under the Mantle/Veil of Mary, and 4) Mary’s Maternal Love: More Mother than Queen. At the end of the reflection, Therese’s poem “Why I Love You, O Mary” (from “The Poetry of Saint Therese of Lisieux” translated by Donald Kinney, OCD; ICS Publications) is recited. Take time to ponder this poem. It summarizes Therese’s love for Mary!

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.

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.

This is a reflection given on the feast of the Baptism of our Lord that focuses on the sacrament of Baptism itself as well as our own Baptism in light of our vocation to Carmel.

Many of us are homebound right now due to the pandemic of the coronavirus. The whole world is experiencing this scourging. What are we as Secular Discalced Carmelites called to do. Mark highlights some aspects of our Carmelite Charism that are particularly potent right now, in this period of Lent and the pandemic.

During this homily given by Fr. John MacQuarrie, the spiritual assistant for our Secular Carmelite Community, discusses the outward sign of Carmel as he welcomes three members of our community who were clothed with the ceremonial brown scapular. He also reflects on the Constitutions of the Secular Carmelites and our Christian roles as priests, prophets, and kings.

Guest and Secular Discalced Carmelite Marika Zimmerman joins host, Frances Harry, OCDS for a program on the Liturgy of the Hours, the universal prayer of the Church.  Highlights from the General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours are presented as well as some personal insights, suggestions and practical tips.  This is helpful for anyone who prays the Liturgy of the Hours or for those wanting to know more about it.  It helps to pray more attentively when you have an understanding of how the LOH was put together and what is emphasized.  

Resources:

General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours - Book One (Advent) of the four-volume set of the “Liturgy of the Hours” beginning on page 9…

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours, a Personal Journey by Father Timothy M. Gallagher OMV

Collected Letters of Saint Teresa of Avila, Vol. I, by Teresa of Avila; ICS Publications 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church 

Divine Intimacy, by; Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D.; On Page 500 a chapter entitled “Divine Office”

Word on Fire Liturgy of the Hours, monthly subscription booklet.  Subscribe at https://www.wordonfire.org/pray

Herb Edwards, OCDS, gave a wonderful talk about Our Lady Queen of Peace at our September 2020 OCDS Community meeting. The very beginning of the talk was cut off but the talk was so amazing, we still wanted to share it with you here.

Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS shares a reflection on how to accept our own weaknesses and obstacles to our union with God. Deacon Mark quotes the book Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird.

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.

The blessings from God are considered in this presentation in the light of Evangelical Perfection.

The “Will” in the Prayer of Contemplation (Ch. 13 of the book).   Soren Kierkegaard said, Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing. This one thing of course is God's Will. St. John of the Cross speaks about the activity of the will as much if not more than any of the other faculties of the human person. The other two are intellect and memory. But it is the will that most significantly drives human behavior. The will is perfected through the virtue of charity, which is to say, all our thoughts, words and actions must be simple expressions of love. In this program, St. John of the Cross's words explain how we must overcome the natural tendency on the part of our will to seek satisfaction in prayer. We must never try to recapture or recreate gratifying experiences in our time in prayer. This would only serve as an attempt on our part to create our own image of God, one we both could then relate to and find our own satisfaction in. The most appropriate explanation here is that we should never attempt to find ourselves in God, but rather we should seek to find God in us. This road to union with God requires a radical purification of all that our senses and imagination could create; God is beyond all that. The only way for us to encounter God is through a process of naked faith, a letting go of all within us that is not God. A deep poverty of spirit is necessary, we must empty ourselves of all self-love, we must follow the example of Christ crucified. For it is a truth of the mystical life that the degree to which our will is united with the will of God determines the depth of love within our soul.   Books:    “Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.   “The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross” by John of the Cross; ICS Publications.

What are the obligations of a person who becomes a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites?  An easy way to remember them is to abbreviate them and call them the “6 M’s.”  Colleen Sollinger, a professed member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, and also the Director of Formation for her community in Dayton, OH, shares with us a description of each of the M’s, but also challenges us with deeper perspectives that may revitalize us in many ways.  She references many of our Discalced Carmelite Saints, the OCDS Constitution, and uses many other resources.  This is one of the very best talks I’ve heard on this topic.  Be refreshed!  Be renewed in spirit!  God will be glorified in all!

Deacon Baldwin helps the listener to understand the word “mystery” as it applies to faith in God.  He explains how the mystery of God goes beyond our intellect and reason.  He then proceeds to introduce the steps to enter into the mystery of Divine Love.

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.

In this talk, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, discusses how to maintain our Carmelite identity.

Since most of us, all over the world, are not able to physically go to Mass and received Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, due to the pandemic coronavirus, we have a unique opportunity to intensify our spiritual practice of spiritual communions. St. Teresa of Avila gives us some wise counsel on this topic. Additionally, St. Therese of Lisieux, wrote a poem, “My Desires Near Jesus Hidden in His Prison of Love,” that will help inflame any loving heart.

Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS recently gave a homily on the topic of reparation that we are happy to share with you!

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

Second in the Series:  featuring General Louis-Gaston de Sonis

In this podcast, the conversation focuses on the life of General Louis-Gaston de Sonis, from France.  Born in 1825 and 1887.  He was a husband, father of 12, a military officer and a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.

He displayed courage in the midst of many struggles, both in the military and in the world, personally and as a Catholic. 

Our guest, Colleen Sollinger, tells us about his life and some of the adverse situations he was in.  She then points out how the General dealt with these situations.  He has much wise counsel to give us.

After he died, his body was found to be incorrupt.  Some miracles were declared and attributed to his intercession.  What a joy it would be to see his cause for canonization to be completed.

“The Life of General de Sonis, From his Papers and Correspondence”

By Msgr Baunard, Translated by Lady Herbert

Available from Amazon

Also found online at:  https://archive.org/stream/lifeofgeneraldes00baunuoft/lifeofgeneraldes00baunuoft_djvu.txt

In John 17: 14-16, Jesus states that we do not belong to the world. Still, He prays not that we be taken from the world, but that we may have the strength to resist evil. What do the Carmelite Saints have to say about remaining in God while being in the world?         Examples are provided from Br. Lawrence of the Resurrection, General Gaston de Sonis, and St. Teresa of Avila.

One aspect of what is needed to experience Divine Intimacy is “detachment.”  This presentation will focus on what detachment is, and what it is not…with the goal of understanding and incorporating detachment into who we are.  To understand detachment, we must also understand attachment as well as right order in relationships.  Detachment is the process by which we set our loves in right order.  What is the active part of detachment?  What is the passive part of detachment?  How does detachment lead us into divine intimacy with God?

We all are called by Heaven, but how many of us hear it?  How many answer the call?  What help do we receive in order to answer the call and fulfill the call? 

In this podcast, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, examines the “call.” Here, he specifically addresses the call to Carmel as indicated in the “Promise” made by members.  The content of this talk, however, pertains to every call from Heaven.

With great clarity, Deacon Baldwin, lays out how the call may come. Additionally, he addresses the correlation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit with the Theological and Cardinal Virtues. 

May God grant us the grace to favorably answer His Call.

Advent is a beautiful time of reminding us to specifically prepare our hearts and wait with expectant hope and longing for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.    We look forward to His presence with great joy.  It also tends to be a very busy time filled with special activities, tasks and opportunities that can really distract us.  How might we approach all of this and still find God in all of it?  Deacon Baldwin makes a very deep point that will benefit the soul wanting to prepare well for the Lord’s coming.

In this homily, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, discusses the true meaning of joy and how the Carmelite saints viewed joy.

Anyone familiar with the writings of St. Therese of the Child Jesus knows that she struggles in dealing with difficult people, both as a young child and as a religious sister.  Importantly, she also triumphed in learning how to embrace difficult people.  What practical tips would Therese tell us about living with difficult family members, friends, neighbors, or co-workers?

The most challenging phase of our spiritual journey is the transition from meditative prayer to contemplative prayer.  This transition literally requires us to begin to abandon the comfortable methods of prayer, and the use of our faculties, that we have come to rely on.  In this conversation, Mark and Frances explain the disposition the soul must adopt when it discerns the Lord is calling it to this more intimate encounter in prayer.  Here the soul moves to a condition of receptivity, silence, waiting and surrender or abandonment to God’s will, which most especially includes His timing.  Here the lover is asked to increase its desire for the Beloved, not through its own activity or efforts, but rather by waiting on her Beloved to take the initiative.  This program is very helpful for those beginning to experience the first stages of contemplative prayer.

Books: 

“Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.

“The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross” by John of the Cross; ICS Publications.

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.

Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS,  gives us an analogy of Spiritual Childhood of St. Therese of Lisieux.  He offers us an analogy that we can quickly identify with that will help us go deeper into understanding St. Therese’s great leap of faith into God. This analogy will also give us several insights into prayer.  Deacon Danis also reflects on the rosary as something we enter into rather than something that we just recite.

Resource:  “Contemplative Provocations:  Brief Concentrated Observations on Aspects of a Life with God” by Fr. Donald Haggerty, Ignatius Press.

Have you  ever thought about your work as a road to holiness?  Discalced Carmelite Secular Tim Bete often struggled to understand the relationship between faith and work.  In this presentation, Tim references the teachings of Br. Lawrence of the Resurrection to explain how we can see our work as a place to encounter God.  He also pulls from Church documents, scripture, and the lives of other Carmelite Saints, to discover the meaning of our work.  We do well to ask ourselves how our work unites us with God.  That is addressed in this presentation.  Tim also provides a real life example that has played out in his own life and work.  Finally, he gives us 4 Keys to help us truly surrender to God and find real success in our work, the work of union with God.

RESOURCES/BOOKS:  

• The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, translated by Salvatore Sciurba; ICS Publications.
• The Power of Silence:  Against the Dictatorship of Noise by Cardinal Robert Sarah and Nicolas Diat; Ignatius Press.
• The Surrender Novena by Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo

Homily for the feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with Deacon Rusty Baldwin

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

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.

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.

Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS, shares ways to prepare during Advent for the birth of our Lord. He provides suggestions specific for Secular Carmelites. This talk was given during a Holy Hour.

The Lord (the Bridegroom) continues to draw the soul (the Bride) closer to Him through the purification of the soul as well as mystical favors that may occur.  In this episode, we talk about the importance of keeping the humanity of Christ present in our prayer.  Additionally, we focus on two very special favors that St. Teresa of Avila experienced:  the intellectual vision of Christ’s Presence at her right side…and the imaginative vision of the image of Christ engraved in the memory.  Learning about these favors helps us to praise our loving and merciful Lord, but St. Teresa cautions us why we should never desire these favors for ourselves.  She gives us 6 particular points to consider in this regard.

RESOURCES:

 “Interior Castle, Study Guide, 2nd Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila; Translated and Prepared by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD; ICS Publications.

“The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila,” Vol. 1 (includes “The Book of Her Life, Spiritual Testimonies, Soliloquies”) by St. Teresa of Avila, Translated by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD and Otilio Rodriguez, OCD; ICS Publications.

“The Ordinary Path to Holiness” by R. Thomas Richard, PhD; St. Pauls, 2003.

“Where Lovers Meet:  Inside the Interior Castle” by Susan Muto; ICS Publications.

On the Solemnity of St. Teresa of Avila, Deacon Mark Danis gave an inspiring reflection.  His focus was on the famous quote of St. Teresa:  “You must have a very determined determination.”  He then asks what are we to be so determined about.  Secondly, he asks how do we reconcile our determined determination with our total abandonment to God’s will.  This is a very fruitful and inspiring reflection which also ties into the sixth mansion of St. Teresa’s great work, “The Interior Castle.”

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.

Dec. 14th is the Solemnity/Feast of St. John of the Cross, a Discalced Carmelite and Doctor of the Church.  He is often referred to as Doctor Mysticus or Doctor of Love.  He is a great Saint for Advent with his writings centering on mystery, darkness, intimacy, light and flame of love. 

This presentation will help us ponder these questions:

What is a mystic?

What are we called to?

What is the Dark Night and what it is NOT?

What is true happiness and joy?

Why did St. John of the Cross use the term, Dark Night?

What did he ask to be recited to him as he lay dying?

What is the Flame of Love?

Members from several communities of the Order of the Discalced Carmelite Seculars gathered for a yearly retreat at the Maria Stein Spiritual Center in Ohio in August 2022.  The Sunday Mass fell on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time in Year C.

Deacon Baldwin presents us with an in-depth parallel of the life of the Prophet Jeremiah with the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He focuses on the purifying fire of love of the Holy Spirit, which also set St. Elijah on fire with zeal for the Lord.

We, in Carmel, are taught about this living flame of love through the writings of St. John of the Cross.  It is very important for us as Carmelites to pray for this purification and transformation that comes through this fire of love. 

In 2018, a letter from the Superior General of the Discalced Carmelites, Fr. Saverio Cannistra, OCD, warns us not to become like the world, but be transformed by the living flame of love, so that we may truly love God and love our neighbor…so that we may know God so that He may be known.

Every Discalced Carmelite Secular will be edified, encouraged and inspired by these words regarding our vocation to Carmel.  For non-Carmelites, it is still a universal call to love…to holiness. 

Let us never forget who we are!!

St. Joseph is becoming more and more prominent in the eyes of the Church.  It wasn’t long ago that St. Joseph’s name was added to the Eucharistic Prayers in the Masses of the Catholic Church.  Fr. Don Calloway also wrote a wonderful book in 2020 called “Consecration to St. Joseph: the Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” that has meditations to warm your heart greatly toward St. Joseph.  Now, we have a whole year dedicated to him as Pope Francis has declared the year from Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph. 

It’s very fitting, then, that we ask St. Joseph to accompany us through this year in particular.  I am confident St. Joseph will be helping us in a special way as we journey along this Way of Perfection.  For Carmelites, he is known as the Protector of our Order. 

St. Teresa of Avila had a great devotion to St. Joseph.  My guest today, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, is going to highlight some points for us to consider from her writings on St. Joseph. 

More than that, Deacon Baldwin asks us how we are imitating St. Joseph in our own life. 

As a supplement, you may want to read from Pope Francis’s Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde”  found on the Vatican website at  http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html

One of the most difficult phases in the spiritual life of prayer, is the transition from meditation to contemplation. In this conversation, Mark and Frances continue their discussion on Fr. Donald Haggerty's Book on the writings of John of the Cross. Here, they explore the five critical means for identifying if a soul is being invited to move from discursive meditation to contemplation. They identify both the experiences, and the potential risks as a soul is beginning to be drawn into this more intimate and interior encounter with God. They also identify the ways in which the soul should respond to these graces, and they provide comfort to those who may feel they have lost their way along the path of prayer.

Books: 

“Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.

“The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross” by John of the Cross; ICS Publications.

This episode is a repeat  one of our most-popular program from 2017.

Who is called to be a Secular Discalced Carmelite? How do you distinguish between those who are called and those who are not called?  What are some principles that you can use to discern the vocation to the OCDS?  Guest, Colleen Sollinger, shares 6 distinct elements that, considered in totality, paint a good picture of a soul who is called to the Order of the Discalced Carmelite Seculars. Having been a formation facilitator for her community, she speaks from experience as well as from the guidance of Fr. Aloysius Deeney, OCD who has served as the General Delegate for the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.

RESOURCES:

 Books:

“Welcome to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites” by P. Aloysius Deeney, OCD; ICS Publications.

“Welcome to Carmel” by Michael D. Griffin, OCD, contributor and compiler; Teresian Charism Press.

 Encyclical:

“Christifidelis Laici” by Pope John Paul II.

Document:

 “Ratio Institutionis” for the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites at http://www.ocds.info/LegislativeDocuments/RatioInstitutionis.pdf

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.

What is like to enter into the 7th Dwelling Place?  What was it like for St. Teresa?  Then we turn to a discussion about spiritual marriage.  We focus on what this experience/union with God was like for St. Teresa.  These chapters truly help us to have Holy Amazement!

RESOURCES:

•  “Interior Castle, Study Guide, 2nd Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila; Translated and Prepared by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD; ICS Publications.
• “The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila,” Vol. 1 (includes “The Book of Her Life, Spiritual Testimonies, Soliloquies”) by St. Teresa of Avila, Translated by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD and Otilio Rodriguez, OCD; ICS Publications.
• “The Ordinary Path to Holiness” by R. Thomas Richard, PhD; St. Pauls, 2003.
• “Journey into Divine Intimacy with St. Teresa of Avila” by Sr. Leslie Lund, OCDH; Carmelite Sisters of Mary Publishers, 2019.
• “The Interior Journey Toward God:  Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila,” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life! Inc., 2022.
• “I Want to See God” by P. Marie Eugene, OCD; Christian Classics.
• “The Spiritual Life:  A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology” by Adolph Tanquerey, SS, DD; Tan Books.
• “Divine Intimacy” by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD; Tan Books.

Poet Sarah Law talks about her new book Therese: Poems, which is a wonderful way to meditate on the life of St. Therese of Lisieux. Sarah also reads several poems. The book can be purchased at:

Paraclete Press: https://paracletepress.com/collections/vendors?q=Sarah%20Law&contributorID=100447

Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Thérèse-Paraclete-Poetry-Sarah-Law/dp/1640603948

What is “discernment”?  That word is used frequently in Christian circles, especially in regard to answering the call to our vocation in life.  Many souls have a fundamental misunderstanding of what discernment is.  Deacon Baldwin clarifies what discernment is NOT, and what it IS.

He then clarifies our understanding of the Christian essence of discernment.  He points out and explains how true discernment is a form of prayer.  He then describes how true discernment helps us gain interior freedom.  But what does this look like in our lives?  And more importantly, what is the definitive end of discernment?

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.

As a doctor of the Church,  St. Teresa of Avila has much to teach the universal Church and humanity at large.  She was quite the mystic.  We are so blessed that she wrote so much to help us grow in our union with God.  In this presentation by Teresa Trygstad, OCDS, the influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of St. Teresa of Avila is highlighted.  Several examples are given that help solidify the action of the Holy Spirit in her life and help us to ask ourselves, “where is the Holy Spirit acting in my life?”

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.

Mountains play a prominent role in Carmelite Spirituality and in Prayer.  What does the mountain represent?  In the scriptures, we read about the Prophet Elijah and mountains.  What did the mountains represent for Elijah?  Even our Lord went to the mountains many times in His life.  How does that connect to our lives today?

In our day, there is much social upheaval and unrest and a strident political atmosphere.  Additionally, living during the pandemic of Covid-19, has caused many pressures and struggles for the whole world.

“Courage in the Face of Opposition” is needed as much, or even more, today as in previous times. 

Our guest, Colleen Sollinger, has put together several teaching points  and nuggets of wisdom from our Carmelites that will help us to live now in our challenging situation, as they did in theirs.

We will get wise counsel from several Carmelites.  Those featured in this podcast are:  St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, the Martyrs of Compiegne, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Maria Maravillas, St. Benedicta of the Cross, Pere Jacques (Bunel) of Jesus, and General Louis-Gaston de Sonis.

SOURCES

Père Jacques

“Père Jacques: Resplendent in Victory”

By Francis J. Murphy

ICS Publications

“Listen to the Silence: A Retreat with Père Jacques”

Translated and Edited by Francis J. Murphy

ICS Publications

General de Sonis

“The Life of General de Sonis, From his Papers and Correspondence”

By Msgr Baunard, Translated by Lady Herbert

Available from Amazon

“Le Général de Sonis”

By Gérard Bedel

Via Romana (it’s French but the most up-to-date, if you can read it.)

Martyrs of Compiègne

“To Quell the Terror: The True Story of the Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne”

William Bush

ICS Publications

Saint Maria Maravillas

There isn’t a lot about St. Maria Maravillas in English, alas. If you can read Spanish or French, you’re in luck. However, we can offer one English source:

“Following the Path of Divine Love:  Saint Maravillas, O.C.D., Daughter of the Church and of Saint Teresa of Jesus”

by the Discalced Carmelites of Cerro de los Angeles and La Aldehuela, Spain;

Carmel International Publishing House; Kerala, India. 2011.

https://santamaravillasdejesus.es

~ This is the website to the convent near Cerro de los Ángeles. This is the convent from which she was first arrested during the Spanish Civil War; this is the one she rebuilt after it had been destroyed after being occupied by both sides at various times throughout the war. ~

Sainteté au Carmel: Vie et message de Mère Maravillas de Jésus

By the Carmel at the Cerro de los Ángeles

Éditions du Carmel

St. John of the Cross is known as one of the greatest Spanish Poets.  Thankfully, he was asked to expound upon his poems which resulted in the classics we may be familiar with…such as “The Spiritual Canticle,” “The Dark Night,” and “The Living Flame of Love.”  Someone new to St. John of the Cross may complain, however, that he didn’t write very much about the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This presentation by Lynn Bete, a professed Discalced Carmelite Secular in Dayton, OH, may change their perspective on that topic.  What were the major Marian influences in St. John of the Cross’s life?  How did our Blessed Mother draw him to come and to stay in Carmel?  What does he write about our dear Blessed Mother?  How can he be called totally Marian?

Sources:

The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, translated by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD and Otilio Rodriguez, OCD

“The Mariology of Saint John of the Cross” by Br. John-Mary of Jesus Crucified, OCD 

https://discalcedcarmel.org/the-mariology-of-saint-john-of-the-cross/

“Mary and the Holy Spirit in the Writings of John of the Cross” by Emmanuel J. Sullivan, OCD 

http://blesslife.org/ourgarden/maryspirit.html

Passages from St. John of the Cross:

God alone moves these souls [who have reached habitual union with God] toward those works that are in harmony with his will and ordinance, and they cannot be moved toward others. Thus the works and prayer of these souls always produce their effect.

Such were the prayer and the works of our Lady, the most glorious Virgin Raised from the very beginning to this high estate, she never had the form of any creature impressed in her soul, nor was she moved by any, for she was always moved by the Holy Spirit.

~ Ascent of Mount Carmel 3.2.10

The discreet lover does not care to ask for what she lacks and desires, but only indicates this need so the Beloved may do what he pleases. When the Blessed Virgin spoke to her beloved Son at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, she did not ask directly for the wine, but merely remarked: They have no wine.

~ Commentary on The Spiritual Canticle 2.8

You will not take from me, my God, what you once gave me in your only Son, Jesus Christ, in whom you gave me all I desire… 

Mine are the heavens and mine is the earth. Mine are the nations, the just are mine, and mine the sinners. The angels are mine, and the Mother of God, and all things are mine; and God himself is mine and for me, because Christ is mine and all for me.

~ Sayings of Light and Love #27 and #28

Then he called 

the archangel Gabriel 

and sent him to 

the virgin Mary, 

at whose consent 

the mystery was wrought, 

in whom the Trinity 

clothed the Word with flesh. 

and though Three work this, 

it is wrought in the One; 

and the Word lived incarnate 

in the womb of Mary. 

And he who had only a Father 

now had a Mother too…

~ Romances 8

Christmas Refrain

The Virgin, weighed

with the Word of God,

comes down the road:

if only you'll shelter her.

So often in the spiritual journey, we can run into roadblocks. We can mistakenly perceive that we have gotten off course, and we might immediately seek to turn back to find the right path again. However, if we are walking the path of contemplation, there will most certainly be times of darkness, instances where we may feel we have done something wrong, and where we are no longer experiencing the satisfactions we once knew in prayer. It is in these times when we need to continue our prayer with a deeper degree of faith and even a more intense desire to encounter God. At this more advanced stage of the spiritual journey, God is intentionally withholding the experience of His presence so that He can do a deeper work of purification within our souls. In addition, He is asking us to practice a purer faith, and to allow Him to do this work in us. This conversation walks through the experience of this phase of prayer, and Mark and Frances describe how the soul should respond when God is calling it to this new and deeper encounter.

 Books: 

“Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.

“The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross” by John of the Cross; ICS Publications.

During the life of St. Maria Maravillas, a Discalced Carmelite nun and foundress, Spain was going through much upheaval.  Religious persecution increased daily. 

In this conversation, you will learn how St. Maria Maravillas displayed courage in the face of opposition, even face to face opposition!  The revolutionaries were a constant threat.  What was this Saint’s response?  What was her “martyrdom of heart?”

You’ll also learn of a “Cinderella” moment she had that is quite an amusing story and connection with Holy Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Avila).

RESOURCES on Saint Maria Maravillas:

“Following the Path of Divine Love”

By the Discalced Carmelites of Cerro de los Ageles and La Aldehuela, Spain

Published by the Carmel International Publishing House in Kerala, India

https://santamaravillasdejesus.es

This is the website to the convent near Cerro de los Ángeles. This is the convent from which she was first arrested during the Spanish Civil War; this is the one she rebuilt after it had been destroyed after being occupied by both sides at various times throughout the war. ~

Sainteté au Carmel: Vie et message de Mère Maravillas de Jésus

By the Carmel at the Cerro de los Ángeles

Éditions du Carmel

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”.

Resources 58 Ideas for What to Do for Lent This Year

Silence is golden.  We have often heard that phrase.  Silence is really a deep Bible truth.  In this presentation, Deacon Baldwin will address that truth and point out the use of  silence in prayer and particularly in the life of contemplatives and the gift of contemplation in prayer.  He addresses the questions:  “Should I give up all vocal prayer and only strive for silence in prayer?”  “What Scripture passage helps me understand this point?”  “How do I grow in silence in prayer?”  “What book does he recommend to help us?” 

God Feels Distant.  How often have you felt that way or heard another person say that?  How is this manifested?  Is it normal in the spiritual life?  How much are we attributing this to our feelings rather than our intellect?  What are some examples of when this happens?  How should we respond?  What is the purpose of this in the spiritual life?  These are some of the questions Deacon Baldwin answers in this presentation.

Prayer is to the soul what air is to the lungs.  If we don’t pray, we die spiritually.  St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, a Discalced Carmelite Mystic, talked about how we can be a “cell for Jesus”  and how Jesus wants to come to you.  In the depths of prayer, the Lord sometimes grants supernatural graces, which leads us to the deep prayer of 3 great Carmelites:  St. John of the Cross, St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, and St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila).  One great grace that both St. Mary of Jesus Crucified (Mariam, the Little Arab) and St. Teresa of Avila experienced was the transverberation of the heart, a wound of the heart.  St. John of the Cross gives us a great explanation of this grace, then the descriptions of this experience from St. Mary of Jesus Crucified and St. Teresa of Avila is given. It is interesting to compare their accounts.  Then we turn to some quotes on the Blessed Mother and a meditation on the Virtues of Mary from St. Mary of Jesus Crucified.

This conversation is with Michael Vanderburgh, the Executive Director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dayton, Ohio. This may immediately raise the question as to what the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has to do with Carmelite Spirituality. Well, honestly, as the Scripture verse below indicates, we are all called to practice charity to some degree. However, in addition, it turns out that St. Therese of Lisieux's Father, Louis Martin, was a very active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. No doubt, young Therese was exposed, at a young age, to her father's commitment to the poor. This likely contributed to her own early desire to become a missionary and travel to foreign lands to both save souls and serve the poor. Again, this affinity to the poor is something we are all called to, whether members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Carmelites or any baptized Christian.

(Matthew 25:35-40) For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me. “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You? “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

It is with this thought in mind that we chose to speak with Michael about the great work being done by one of the many St. Vincent de Paul Society districts. We also wanted to hear Michael's own vision for the building on the success of the spiritual charism that is so central to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and how it is, in fact, the central theme for the foundation of the Society.

In this conversation you will hear about the more traditional work of the Society, including food pantries and clothing and housing goods that are distributed and sold, at significantly reduced prices, in the societies retail stores. But you will also hear about the significant number of people who are provided both short- and long-term shelter and housing in the City in Dayton. Finally, Mark and Michael discuss the Society's recent and significant and on-going support to survivors of the tornados that devastated the Dayton area over Memorial Day weekend in 2019. Finally, and most importantly, Michael shares his vision for the spiritual growth of the Society in Dayton, which will be built on the foundation of a new chapel within the Administrative Building in Dayton, and the beginning of Eucharistic Adoration. This is a very good program if you are looking for an opportunity to both better understand, and perhaps participate in one of the most prominent charitable ministries in the history of the Church.

The life of contemplation is itself a lifetime journey. Just as with any significant journey, and there is no more important journey then the journey to the interior of our soul, we must make preparations. We must understand the mode of transportation we will use for different parts of the journey, and we have a few means of navigation to ensure we stay on course, or that we are able to find our way back on course if we should become lost. Finally, we must be able to anticipate the obstacles that we may encounter along the way. In this first of a series of conversations, Mark and Frances discuss the work we must do in our prayer life to allow us to advance, and to make sure we can stay on the right path. Beginning with the very foundation of the Order of Carmel, they offer a series of practical tips and a narrative explanation of how the journey of faith, guided by contemplation, might play out in someone's life. This particular program is an excellent introduction to an understanding of how the memory can serve as an impediment to our progress in the life of prayer. More importantly, through the introduction of various means of navigation, they present solid advice on how on anyone can learn to avoid the obstacles along the journey.

Building upon last week’s conversation and using the spiritual navigational tools of 1) rest on the bosom of Jesus/in His Heart/in adoration; 2) embrace Jesus in the night via night vigils; 3) silence the faculties of the soul and listen interiorly to the Lord, Mark and Frances share a perspective on the actions of St. Peter during Holy Week and how that applies to the purification of the memory and the advancement of the soul in receiving God’s love. Mark also brings up a movie, called The Mission, which exemplifies the points we are trying to make. When seen through the eyes of both a Hermit and Crusader spirit, we see how important prayer is before action, which is also the call of Secular Discalced Carmelite.

What were some of the most significant Biblical accounts in St. Joseph’s life?  What do these accounts tell us about the silence of St. Joseph?  What was the key to St. Joseph’s silent serenity?  How does St. Joseph model asceticism and recollection for us today?  What are some devotions that we could take up this Lenten season?

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.

The hidden power source behind our actions in fulfilling our mission as Secular Carmelites in the Church is THE HOLY SPIRIT!!! The Holy Spirit is involved in the Spiritual formation in the life of the Christian: He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He gives believers an inward assurance of salvation. It is the Holy Spirit who breathes life into the Church, and it is through the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit that we deepen the intimacy of our relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit illumines the recollected intellect, and illumines it according to the mode of its recollection… Let us draw closer to the Holy Spirit so that we can fulfill our mission as lay Carmelites.

Sources:

1.      Catechism of the Catholic Church  https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

2.      New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07409a.htm

3.      Profile of an OCDS by Father Aloysius Deeney, OCD https://www.ocdswashprov.org/profile-of-an-ocds

4.      The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross The Living Flame of Love1, 3 and 1,19 Canticle 1,6. The Ascent of Mount Carmel, 2,29,6. ICS Publications.

5.      The Interior Castle Study Edition (p. 32, 107, 276). ICS Publications. 

6.      USCCB online Bible for various scripture passages  https://www.usccb.org/

7.    EWTN Poem  https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-of-the-holy-spirit-by-st-benedicta-of-the-cross-edith-stein-291

Laura Reece Hogan is a is a professed Third Order Carmelite and the award-winning author of the chapbook O Garden-Dweller and a book of spiritual theology, I Live, No Longer I. Laura earned a law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, and an Masters in Theology from St. John’s Seminary in California. She is also a poet and her poems can be found in America, First Things, The Christian Century, Dappled Things, and Whale Road Review, among other publications.

Laura is winner of the 2020 Paraclete Poetry Prize for her poetry collection titled Litany of Flights. The book remind us to behold the extraordinary in the ordinary, and that the secret workings of the divine occur even through the difficult.

Buy the book on Amazon.

The Ratio Institutionis is a document found in The Book of Documents used in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites as found at www.ocdswashprov/store/book.  It basically addresses how to put the Carmelite charism into practice in our daily lives.  It guides us in living out our Carmelite calling.

The Ratio presents the purpose or philosophy behind a program of formation for the members of the OCDS.  It is not the formation program itself, as far as which Saints to study or resources to use, but seeks to present the fundamental principles that guide the process of formation. 

Colleen Sollinger, our presenter, explains what this document covers, how it applies to living out our Carmelite call through the human, Christian, and Carmelite perspectives, and also includes a section on discerning a call to the Secular Discalced Carmelite Order.

She offers a great, insightful analogy of hot to put this all together in our daily life that gives the whole document a fresh breath…of the Holy Spirit, no doubt.  Living out the principles given in this Ratio helps set the tone for our life experiences, drawing us ever closer to Christ thru Mary, our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

The famous sun miracle at the Church approved apparition in Fatima, Portugal on Oct. 13, 1917 remains a topic of discussion among many Catholics.  Over a hundred years have passed since it occurred, yet we are still deriving great fruit from it.  In this conversation, guest Angela Winfield will shed some light on the Carmelite connections to this great miracle and what it means for us today.

Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, shares a homily about the Beatitudes connection to the Ten Commandments. To help us grow in love of God and neighbor, the Lord has given us the Ten Commandments as well as the Beatitudes.  They are a sure guide to Christian perfection and are of vital importance in the vocation to Carmel, as well as the battle against the world, satan and self.  What is the connection of the Beatitudes to the Ten Commandments?  Deacon Baldwin draws forth much for us to ponder on this topic.  He provides two interpretive keys for us to consider as well as providing insightful reflections on each of the Beatitudes.

For 2020, our OCDS Community in Dayton, Ohio, has the theme of "Mary, Our Mother” for all of our community presentations. This month’s presentation is on “Mary in Scripture.” There are some eye-opening analogies and topologies presented in this talk that will bolster the faith of many. Additionally, many scriptural passages are referenced for your benefit. The presentation is by Chris Cotter, OCDS. 

Carmelites are called to be ‘active contemplatives,’ but what does this mean? Have you ever wondered how to go about striking the right balance between prayer and the active life. In fairness, most of us have difficulty finding enough time in our busy lives for a sufficient amount of prayer. But the active life referred to in this particular conversation is the life of virtue, the life of charity. During this informative and helpful conversation, Mark welcomes Deacon Rusty Baldwin to the studio to discuss the importance of all Christians maintaining an active apostolate, or an individual ministry of service to others. Indeed, St. Teresa of Avila herself said it is permissible to leave the activity of prayer for only one purpose, and that is to do an act of charity for another. Even the Carmelite Rule directs the members of Carmel to stay in prayer, unless otherwise justly occupied. This just occupation is the work of charity, which includes certainly the fulfillment of the responsibilities of our station in life, but also some form of ministry. This conversation will explore those opportunities, while at the same time helping us to understand how we can still maintain a state of prayer even in the midst of the active life.

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.

Mountains are a privileged place of prayer.  Jesus often went up the mountain to pray.  In Hebrews 12:22-24 we are invited to come to Mt. Zion, the City of the Living God.  What is this call?  How should we answer this call?  What is our responsibility in answering this call?  Mt. Zion is a place of prayer, consolation and growth.  But…don’t just stay there!  We have work to do!  Deacon Russell Baldwin, OCDS, shares his reflection on Mt. Zion to help us answer those questions.

St. Therese’s famous prayer, “The Act of Oblation to Merciful Love” is rich with spiritual concepts for us to ponder, especially the recognition of our poverty and weakness, yet pulsating desire to console Jesus in every way. Knowing souls were rejecting His love, St. Therese offers herself as a victim of his merciful love so that the love others souls rejected would come to her. She vehemently desires to be a saint but is not the great eagle that they are…so she implores God Himself to be her sanctity!! She displays her great confidence in God’s transforming fire of love. How may we imitate her? How may we make her prayer our own? This program carefully considers the duties of a victim of love, the obstacles to be overcome, the soul’s attitude toward suffering, and in what a “death of love” involves. Let us remember that St. Therese prayed for a “legion of little victims worthy of His love” to be raised up. Are you willing to be one?

We frequently pray to and invoke the Holy Trinity, yet the Holy Trinity is a mystery and hard to explain.  Although we are quite limited, we can gain some insights into understanding the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as well as pondering “Who” the Holy Trinity is.  Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, discusses this mystery and introduces us to Catholic Evangelist Frank Sheed’s approach as well.  There is much to ponder here.

How are we (as Carmelites/Christians) to be to the world what the soul is to the body?  What do our Carmelite Doctors of the Church teach us?  How are we in the world but not of the world?  What is the soul?  How does it operate? What is its relationship to the body?  How does the soul and the body work together?  How does this relate to our Carmelite/Christian calling?

Secular Carmelites/Christians are sent to bring the Spirit of Christ into the world to animate and transform it.  How do we do that?  How is this union of the body and soul perfected in Christ?

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)

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.

If you feel as though you have reached a plateau in your prayer life, or after many years of active prayer, you feel as though you are suddenly stuck, it may be the Lord is calling you to a deeper encounter with Him. The spiritual life is not static, it moves through different phases. And, like any relationship, if it is going to continue to grow, there must be changes in the way we approach prayer. There eventually comes a time in our prayer life when the Lord takes a more active role, and He needs us to begin to detach ourselves from our usual way of finding Him in prayer. This is a process of the Lord moving from our more comfortable and active practice of meditation, to a more destabilizing but interior practice of contemplation. Our primary response must be surrender and receptivity. In this next phase of the journey to God, we must be willing to allow Him to draw us toward Himself, into a place of quiet serenity. This conversation outlines both the prerequisites for this movement and the disposition the soul must develop in order to continue to make progress.

Books: 

“Saint John of the Cross:  Master of Contemplation” by Fr. Donald Haggerty; Ignatius Press.

“The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross” by John of the Cross; ICS Publications.

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.

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.

In this conversation, the battle of scrupulosity and aridity in the Dark Night of St. Teresa Margaret are examined.  What is it like to be in the midst of these battles?  What is the cause of scrupulosity and aridity?  What are some good counsels and strategies we can use to overcome these trials? How does God uses these battles to purify and perfect us?  What virtues are most needed? 

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!

Deacon Rusty Baldwin. OCDS, gives a talk about the Transfiguration.

“This program picks up on the biographical sketch of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity after her entry into Carmel. It then goes on to explore some of her major writings, both her individual retreats and her letters. Blessed Elizabeth understood very clearly the need to dispense with anything that did not lead her to God, but she did not attempt to achieve this by simply leaving the world. Rather, she shows, through her writings, how the real objective must be to bring everything in a persons life under the submission of Christ. She speaks of the need to see with the “single eye” and practice the principles of silence, simplicity and solitude.”

“This program offers a brief biographical sketch of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity. Blessed Elizabeth was a Carmelite nun who lived in France and died in her early twenties, in 1906. Her remarkable writings are considered materpieces of spiritual insight, and they deal largely with the life of the Trinity dwelling within each of us. This program covers the major events of her life leading up to her entry into Carmel, and how the more significant events of her childhood served to form her and draw her into an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”