Carmelite Conversations

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

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

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.

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.