As we continue the journey through the interior castle, we grow deeper and deeper in our intimacy and relationship with the Lord. The 5th Dwelling Place/Mansion can be understood to be the joining of hands in spiritual courtship with our Divine Spouse and is in anticipation of a deeper union to come in the remaining mansions. St. Teresa of Avila helps us understand this interior transformation by giving us the analogy of the silkworm turning into a butterfly.  The degree of prayer called “the prayer of union” may be experienced in this dwelling place. This Carmelite Conversation discusses what the “prayer of union” is and the effects and benefits of this union.  Additionally, we talk about the trials and sufferings also associated with the butterfly and its new life in Christ.

Resources: 

“Interior Castle” 2nd Edition, Study Guide by St. Teresa of Avila; ICS Publications.

“The Interior Journey Toward God: Reflections from Saint Teresa of Avila” by John Paul Thomas; My Catholic Life! Inc.

“Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila,” vol. 3; ICS Publications.

St. Therese 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.

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

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.

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)

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!

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

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 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.

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