Carmelite Conversations

“In this program Mark and Frances continue their conversation on St Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castles. Here they will explore the latter part of the 6th Dwelling where the soul is encouraged to continue to reflect on the humanity of Christ, most especially His passion. This is also where the soul experiences God through intellectual visions which serve to transform the soul at its deepes core. They will also discuss the 7th Dwelling, where the soul begins to experience complete Transforming Union.”

“In this program Mark and Frances will explore the history, significance and the current environment in the Church surrounding the Sacrament of Pennance and Reconciliation. Their guest is Michele Foley who has done extensive research in the field of Reconciliation and the need for and benefits of frequent confession. This particular program challenges to the modern Catholic to “turn back” to the important Sacrament of Reconciliation and to see it as an integral part of Spiritual development.”

Have you ever wish for mystical “flights of spirit?” have you wondered how the saints disposed themselves for intimate union with God? Listen into this interesting conversation on what a Doctor of the Church and a Master of prayer, St Teresa of Avila has to say about these any other topics in the spiritual life. Learn how we can begin to make real progress in our spiritual journey.

In this thought provoking program, Mark interviews Michael Duricy STL, from the International Marian Research Institute. Michael did his graduate research on Mary in Films. This particular conversation will focus on how Hollywood has portryed Mary, Jesus and Catholicism in general. It is an interesting exploration into both religious and secular culture as depicted in film.

Have you ever wondered if your prayer life was useful, and whether you were making progress. In this insightful program, Mark and Frances continue their conversation on Teresa of Avila’s “The Interior Castle.” They will discuss the need for and benefits of Spiritual Direction. They also discuss the role of dryness in prayer and offer insights on the signs that demonstrate when a person is making progress in their prayer life.

Have you just begun to pray more seriously, or are you still struggling with finding the time and commitment. On this program Mark and Francis begin a discussion of St Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castles. Today they discuss the first three “Dwellings” or Mansions in St Teresa’s explanation of the Seven Interior Castles. If you are struggling with your prayer life, let a true master of prayer, St Teresa of Avila, conduct you along a smoother path.

During this Conversation, Mark and Frances are joined by William Corey, President of the Cincinnati Community of Discalced Carmelites. They will discuss more about St Teresa of Avila’s teachings on the prayer of Recollection. They will also go through each of the verses of the “Our Father” and provide St Teresa’s insights on what she among others have referred to as the “perfect prayer.”

This program focuses on St Therese of Lisieux. We explore the major events of her childhood, the events that led to her entry into Carmel and the significant contribution she made in her short life. We focus primarily on her most famous work, The Story of a Soul. From this work we will explore the teaching of Spiritual Childhood. We seek to understand our relationship to the Father through the eyes of this beloved French Carmelite. We also explore her teaching on prayer and suffering. Finally, we explore Therese’s mission to the rest of the Church and see how the life of Carmel can be so beneficial to those who are looking for spiritual assistance in their journey to the Lord.

This program introduces the life of St Teresa of Avila and her useful teachings on the Way of Perfection. This program focuses on the life of Teresa of Avila and her main teachings on prayer, community, sacrifice and entering in to relationship with the Lord. The principle texts for this program are her Way of Perfection and her Autobiography. There are some history of the reform initiated by Teresa, as well as her relationship with John of the Cross. The primary message of this program is to demonstrate how Teresa, in the midst of all that she accomplished in the world, was still able to achieve the highest levels of prayer and union with the Lord.

This program focuses on Carmel’s deep devotion to Mary and the role she plays in forming us spiritually. The program will focuses on Mary’s primary example to Carmel, her Purity of Heart and Simplicity of Life. The material covers Carmel’s special relationship to Mary and Marion devotions, as well as how Mary plays a personal role in forming each of us into the image of her Son.