Podcasts about Carmelites

Today's Topics: 1) Comments on the Papal Conclave a news of the day 2, 3, 4) Patty Stewart on how she discovered that a Lay Carmelite order in which she was about to be fully professed with was promoting modernist and secular ideas which caused her to brokenheartedly resign. She exposes corruption, compromise and cowardice found in this Lay Order of Carmelites and how it has been infiltrated

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Fifth Week of Lent Lectionary: 254The Saint of the day is Saint Magdalene of CanossaSaint Magdalene of Canossa's Story Wealth and privilege did nothing to prevent today's saint from following her calling to serve Christ in the poor. Nor did the protests of her relatives, concerned that such work was beneath her. Born in northern Italy in 1774, Magdalene knew her mind—and spoke it. At age 15 she announced she wished to become a nun. After trying out her vocation with the cloistered Carmelites, she realized her desire was to serve the needy without restriction. For years she worked among the poor and sick in hospitals and in their homes, and also among delinquent and abandoned girls. In her mid-20s, Magdalene began offering lodging to poor girls in her own home. In time she opened a school, which offered practical training and religious instruction. As other women joined her in the work, the new Congregation of the Canossian Daughters of Charity—or Canossian Sisters—emerged. Over time, houses were opened throughout Italy. Members of the new religious congregation focused on the educational and spiritual needs of women. Magdalene also founded a smaller congregation for priests and brothers. Both groups continue to this day. Magdalene died in 1835. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1988. Reflection Let us pray to Saint Magdalene for the many young women who are caught up in the sex trafficking epidemic of our day. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Berthold; considered by many to be the Twelfth Century founder of the Carmelite order; born in Limoges, France, ordained a priest, and joined his brother Aymeric--the Latin patriarch of Antioch--in the Crusades; on Mount Carmel, found a group of hermits, joined them, and established a rule; Aymeric appointed Berthod the first Carmelite superior general; he headed the Carmelites for 45 years, and died in 1195 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/29/25 Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Avui en La Furgo de #CarrerMajor hem anat fins al Col·legi Carmelites de Tarragona per parlar amb els alumnes de 4 d’ESO que cursen l’assignatura de robòtica i que recentment han quedat campions de Catalunya en la First Lego League. Ara, el proper 29 de març viatjaran fins a Ferrol (A Corunya) per participar en […] L'entrada La Furgo | Els alumnes de Carmelites de camí a la Gran Final de la First Lego League Espanya ha aparegut primer a BXC Ràdio Ciutat de Reus - Ràdio Online.

Avui en La Furgo de #CarrerMajor hem anat fins al Col·legi Carmelites de Tarragona per parlar amb els alumnes de 4 d'ESO que cursen l'assignatura de robòtica i que recentment han quedat campions de Catalunya en la First Lego League. Ara, el proper 29 de març viatjaran fins a Ferrol (A Corunya) per participar en […] L'entrada La Furgo | Els alumnes de Carmelites de camí a la Gran Final de la First Lego League Espanya ha aparegut primer a BXC Ràdio Ciutat de Reus - Ràdio Online.

Full Text of ReadingsThe Baptism of the Lord Lectionary: 21The Saint of the day is Saint Marguerite BourgeoysSaint Marguerite Bourgeoys' Story “God closes a door and then opens a window,” people sometimes say when dealing with their own disappointment or someone else's. That was certainly true in Marguerite's case. Children from European as well as Native American backgrounds in 17th-century Canada benefited from her great zeal and unshakable trust in God's providence. Born the sixth of 12 children in Troyes, France, Marguerite at the age of 20 believed that she was called to religious life. Her applications to the Carmelites and Poor Clares were unsuccessful. A priest friend suggested that perhaps God had other plans for her. In 1654, the governor of the French settlement in Canada visited his sister, an Augustinian canoness in Troyes. Marguerite belonged to a sodality connected to that convent. The governor invited her to come to Canada and start a school in Ville-Marie (eventually the city of Montreal). When she arrived, the colony numbered 200 people with a hospital and a Jesuit mission chapel. Soon after starting a school, she realized her need for coworkers. Returning to Troyes, she recruited a friend, Catherine Crolo, and two other young women. In 1667, they added classes at their school for Indian children. A second trip to France three years later resulted in six more young women and a letter from King Louis XIV, authorizing the school. The Congregation of Notre Dame was established in 1676 but its members did not make formal religious profession until 1698 when their Rule and constitutions were approved. Marguerite established a school for Indian girls in Montreal. At the age of 69, she walked from Montreal to Quebec in response to the bishop's request to establish a community of her sisters in that city. By the time she died, she was referred to as the “Mother of the Colony.” Marguerite was canonized in 1982. Reflection It's easy to become discouraged when plans that we think that God must endorse are frustrated. Marguerite was called not to be a cloistered nun but to be a foundress and an educator. God had not ignored her after all. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Would it be morally acceptable for a Catholic to work in the Defense industry? Is addiction to pornography a cause for annulment? Why are Carmelites named after a mountain? Join Jack and Fr. Mitch on today's Open Line Wednesday.

Would it be morally acceptable for a Catholic to work in the Defense industry? Is addiction to pornography a cause for annulment? Why are Carmelites named after a mountain? Join Jack and Fr. Mitch on today's Open Line Wednesday.

Would it be morally acceptable for a Catholic to work in the Defense industry? Is addiction to pornography a cause for annulment? Why are Carmelites named after a mountain? Join Jack and Fr. Mitch on today's Open Line Wednesday.

Mother Miriam Live - December 31st, 2024  8 New Years Resolutions Catholics Should Consider What should I use holy water for? What is Mother's conversion story? How to explain to a friend that it's okay to say "Hail Christ the King"? What should I expect when I visit with some lay Carmelites? Is it okay to read "clean" romance novels?

In the culminating episode of our Advent retreat with the Carmelite mystics, Sr. Shawn Pauline returns to teach us about "The Romances," a poem by St. John of the Cross on the union of the soul with God. Jess and Sr. Shawn Pauline discuss:How John wrote "The Romances", a series of 9 poems that describe the love between the Father and the Son, during Advent while he was imprisoned by his fellow CarmelitesJohn's illustration of the theological concept "perichoresis," which is the relationship between the Persons of the Trinity, often described as a danceHow John's poems can offer insight for those who have struggles around Christmas time, especially those who come from difficult family situationsSr. Shawn Pauline is a religious sister in the community of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Los Angeles.

Today is Tuesday, December 24, 2024, The Vigil of the Nativity, a 1st class feast, with the color of violet. In this episode: The meditation: “St. Bernard - On the Vigil of Our Lord's Nativity,” today's news from the Church: “Pope Francis Honors the Carmelites of Compiègne,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. Sources Used Today: A Child in Winter, Caryll Houselander “Pope Francis Honors the Carmelites of Compiègne” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/pope-francis-honors-carmelites-compiegne-49521 The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  - - - - - - What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Sr. Shawn Pauline to discuss the 3rd and 4th waters of prayer according to St. Theresa of Avila. Sr. Shawn Pauline and Jess discuss:The images of the river and the rain that St. Theresa uses to describe these deeper stages of prayerHow the soul must wait for God's action within it, and how this waiting ties into the season of AdventSr. Shawn Pauline is a religious sister in the community of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Los Angeles.Here are Sr. Shawn Pauline's notes on the third and fourth waters of prayer:3rd Water: Prayer of InebriationTeresa's Image: The Stream or River  Characteristics of this prayer:The garden is now irrigated by the water flowing from a stream or river, with much less labor (16.1)Some labor is required to direct the flow of the water (16.1)The Lord himself practically becomes the gardener and is the one who does everything (16.1) The flowers of virtue in the soul are beginning to blossom and bring forth a fragrance (16.3)Sleep of the faculties: they neither fail entirely to function nor understand how they function (16.1)Effects on the soul in this prayer:Only occupied with God- desires to only live in Him (16.4)Complete death to all earthy  things and an enjoyment of God (16.1)Great strength of the soul; stronger virtueDeep humility and detachment Sometimes all the faculties are absorbed in God and sometimes restlessWork of the soul in this prayer:Abandon oneself completely in the hands of God (17.2)Pay no attention to the memory, suffer it with patience (17.7)The soul sees here that it did neither little no much other than consent to the Lord's favors and embrace them with its will (17.3)4th Water: The Prayer of UnionTeresa's Image: The Rain Characteristics of this prayer: Total suspension of the faculties (intellect, memory, will)Absolute certitude that God was present in the soul and the soul in GodEffects on the soul in this prayer:Absence of distractions, since the faculties are suspended Absence of fatigue (it's raining- no effort for me!)An extraordinary experience of joy. The soul rejoices without understanding what it is rejoicing in (FULL of water)Obsessed with serving Him as much as it can (20.23), no longer speaks/does anything for itself (20.24)Spirit is completely detached from things (20.8)No longer fears dangers, rather desires them- as though they have assurance of their victory (20.22)Work of the soul in this prayer:Humility- the foundation to the entire edifice Always keep the Sacred Humanity of Christ before us… we become more human as we grow in holinessMortification- more refined, delicate, and careful in little things 

In this episode of our Advent series, Sr. Shawn Pauline explains the second "Water of Prayer" according to St. Theresa of Avila. Sr. Shawn Pauline and Jess discuss:At this stage, God leads the soul into the prayer of recollection, which is the still awareness of God's presence within the soulHow St. Theresa uses the images of an aqueduct to describe the prayer of recollectionHow a soul can open itself to receiving the gift of this prayerSr. Shawn Pauline is a religious sister in the community of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Los Angeles.Here are Sr. Shawn Pauline's notes on the second water of prayer:2nd Water: The Prayer of Quiet; Infused RecollectionTeresa's Image: The Aqueduct (or garden hose)Characteristics of this prayer:·       Begins to be recollected and realizes that it can in no way acquire this prayer through any efforts on its own (14.2)·       Here the water is higher and the labor is much less… the water is closer because grace is more clearly manifest to the soul (14.22)·       The faculties (memory and intellect) are gathered within so as to enjoy that satisfaction with greater delight, but they are not lost or asleep (14.2)·       Only the will is occupied and must consent itself to be captivated by Love Himself (14.2)·       The Lord is beginning to “take a walk” in the garden of the soul. The soul longs for the flowers of virtue that are beginning to bloom, to increase in fragrance so as to bring Him delight and glory. The soul knows this grace of “fragrance” comes from Him, through the weeding out of its vices, and begs Him to increase it (14.9)Effects on the soul in this prayer:·       Satisfaction of peace is bestowed on the soul·       A little spark of the Lord's true love enkindles the soul (15.4) … a pledge that he gives to show that he chooses it for great things if it will prepare itself to receive them (15.5)·       The soul begins to lose its cravings for earthly things- detachment from personal honors (14.5)·       God gives self-knowledge (true humility)·       A strong desire to advance in prayer, desire for humiliations·       A mature, trusting fear in God and a distrust of self (15.14)Work of the soul in this prayer:·       Practice the life of virtue to be able to respond to the graces in prayer·       Remain in its joy and quietude·       Proceed gently and noiselessly- not running about with the intellect looking for many words (16.6)

In this conversation, we discuss the significance of St. John of the Cross and his relationship with St. Teresa of Avila.  Dr. Lilles will also shed some light on the relationship between the Carmelites and the Jesuits, as well as St. John of Avila. The post St. John of the Cross with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Beginning to Pray Special – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 186The Saint of the day is Saint John of the CrossSaint John of the Cross' Story John is a saint because his life was a heroic effort to live up to his name: “of the Cross.” The folly of the cross came to full realization in time. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34b) is the story of John's life. The Paschal Mystery—through death to life—strongly marks John as reformer, mystic-poet, and theologian-priest. Ordained a Carmelite priest in 1567 at age 25, John met Teresa of Avila and like her, vowed himself to the primitive Rule of the Carmelites. As partner with Teresa and in his own right, John engaged in the work of reform, and came to experience the price of reform: increasing opposition, misunderstanding, persecution, imprisonment. He came to know the cross acutely—to experience the dying of Jesus—as he sat month after month in his dark, damp, narrow cell with only his God. Yet, the paradox! In this dying of imprisonment John came to life, uttering poetry. In the darkness of the dungeon, John's spirit came into the Light. There are many mystics, many poets; John is unique as mystic-poet, expressing in his prison-cross the ecstasy of mystical union with God in the Spiritual Canticle. But as agony leads to ecstasy, so John had his Ascent to Mt. Carmel, as he named it in his prose masterpiece. As man-Christian-Carmelite, he experienced in himself this purifying ascent; as spiritual director, he sensed it in others; as psychologist-theologian, he described and analyzed it in his prose writings. His prose works are outstanding in underscoring the cost of discipleship, the path of union with God: rigorous discipline, abandonment, purification. Uniquely and strongly John underlines the gospel paradox: The cross leads to resurrection, agony to ecstasy, darkness to light, abandonment to possession, denial to self to union with God. If you want to save your life, you must lose it. John is truly “of the Cross.” He died at 49—a life short, but full. Reflection In his life and writings, John of the Cross has a crucial word for us today. We tend to be rich, soft, comfortable. We shrink even from words like self-denial, mortification, purification, asceticism, discipline. We run from the cross. John's message—like the gospel—is loud and clear: Don't—if you really want to live! Saint John of the Cross is the Patron Saint of: Mystics Learn more about John of the Cross! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary, Today, December 14, we celebrate the Memorial of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), a Spanish priest, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. St. John of the Cross, co-founder with Teresa of Avila of the Discalced Carmelites, is the father of mystical theology. He was a great contemplative and spiritual writer. He is the patron of contemplative life, mystical theology, mystics, and Spanish poets. He underwent many trials, including an impoverished youth and imprisonment at the hands of his fellow friars. His reform of the Carmelites was rejected by the elder friars, who condemned the saint as a fugitive and apostate, and cast him into prison, whence he only escaped, after nine months' suffering, at the risk of his life. Twice again, before his death, he was shamefully persecuted by his brethren and publicly disgraced. But his complete abandonment by creatures only deepened his interior peace and devout longing for heaven. He considered earthly suffering an opportunity to be purged of love of self. Therese of Lisieux frequently quoted John of the Cross. "At the evening of our life, we will be judged on love." He devoted greatly to Our Lord's Passion and voluntarily sought out humiliation. When Our Lord asked him what reward he would ask for his labors, John answered: "To suffer and to be despised for Thee." He died of an excruciating disease, erysipelas while embracing the crucifix. He wrote in "Sayings of Light and Love": "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. What do you ask, then, and seek my soul? Yours is all of this, and all is for you. Do not engage yourself in something less or pay heed to the crumbs that fall from your Father's table. Go forth and exult in your Glory! Hide yourself in it and rejoice, and you will obtain the supplications of your heart." Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!St. John of the Cross, Pray for Us! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠December 14, 2024, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, O.C.D., is a dedicated Discalced Carmelite priest currently serving as the Subprior and Director of Postulants at the Carmelite community in Holy Hill, Wisconsin. He was ordained in 2011 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and later joined the Carmelites in 2016. Known for his deep devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Fr. Paris has extensively studied her life and writings, sharing his insights through various platforms. He is also a co-host of the "Carmelcast" podcast and the "Catholic Classics" series on Ascension Presents, where he delves into profound spiritual and theological topics. — Discalced Carmelites, Immaculate Heart of Mary Province https://www.discalcedcarmel.org/ ICS Publications Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ICSPublications —

In this episode of our Advent series, Sr. Shawn Pauline describes how God takes a beginner into deeper stages of prayer. Sr. Shawn Pauline and Jess discuss:How a soul transitioning into deeper prayer often experiences dryness, distraction, and an increased awareness of their own sin and weaknessHow to tell the difference between dryness, desolation, and depressionThe importance of perseverance, humility, and detachmentSr. Shawn Pauline is a religious sister in the community of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Los Angeles.Here are Sr. Shawn Pauline's notes on transitions in prayer:1)      Transitions in prayer/ Dark night of the Sense/GOD's Work in the soul a.      St. John of the Cross-What God Does…  Dark Night (overview of the DN of the Sense Chapter 12 &13)The soul is purged of its attachments It gains a deeper understanding of the vices that it has and gains greater humility and a greater desire for knowledge of God rather than selfb.      Movements into a deeper life of prayer with less consolation, times of dryness and when prayer may seem to change and be difficult c. Signs of the dark night of the sense common in the lives of most people who develop a solid and strong prayer life. Soul no longer able to pray with discursive meditation/ consolation as known prior to the time of prayer is gone.The soul is deeply committed to prayer and continues to stay so.  One knows that one must be with God in this time of prayer regardless of feelings. One continues to serve God well. c.      Perseverance in prayer is needed. Teresa would tells us not to quit. / don't be afraid of changes and ways that you can no longer meditate as you used to.Learn to be still and ready for something new…Let go of the desire for consolations and focus on the presence of God  and learning to just be with Him.You are not wasting time/ resist the temptation and let go of not “doing” something.Listen/be still/ wait.d.      On those with the inability to reflect discursively, “dull imagination”: “…if one perseveres, one reaches contemplation more quickly along this way of inability to work discursively with the intellect…it is fitting for persons with this tendency to have greater purity of conscience than those who can work with the intellect.” Life 4:7-8e.      “And so I would never counsel anyone-if there were someone to whom I should have to give counsel-to fail out of fear to put a good inspiration into practice when it repeatedly arises. For if one proceeds with detachment for God alone, there is no reason to fear that the effort will turn out bad; for He has the power to accomplish all”. Life 4:2

 Caverns of Longing within the Soul – St. John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty Fr. Donald Haggerty and Kris McGregor discuss how St. John of the Cross' writings arose in response to requests for guidance and making his teachings accessible not only to Carmelites but to all who seek ... Read more The post SJC2 – Caverns of Longing within the Soul – St. John of the Cross with Fr. Donald Haggerty – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Are you looking for ways you can enter more deeply into Advent? Look no further! This Advent, Sr. Shawn Pauline from the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles will offer He Leadeth Me listeners a series of podcast episodes on the writings of St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. In this episode, Sr. Shawn Pauline begins the retreat by talking about the beginning stages of the journey into deeper prayer. Sr. Shawn Pauline and Jess discuss:Theresa's description of the Prayer of Recollection and the image of the well and the bucketHow can you tell the difference between consolations felt at this stage of prayer and the consolations experienced at deeper stages?What does God do in the soul at this stage and what should the person do to respond?Sr. Shawn Pauline is a religious sister in the community of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Los Angeles.Check out Sr. Shawn Pauline's notes for this episode!Love's QuestOn my bed at night, I sought Him Whom my soul loves- I sought Him but did not find him. So I will rise and go through the city…to seek Him Whom my heart loves (Song 3:1-3)1st Water: Prayer of Recollection or SimplicityTeresa's Image: The Well and BucketCharacteristics of this prayer:The beginner works while The Lord gives the increase (11.5)The beginner must cultivate their garden on very barren soil, full of abominable weeds (11.6) With the help of God we must strive like good gardeners to get these plants to grow (11.6)His Majesty wants determination, and He is a friend of courageous souls if they walk in humility without trusting in self (13.2)Effects on the soul in this prayer:Greater detachment from outward things but mixed with  many faultsIncreased desires for GodGreater self-masteryDivine love begins to be enkindledWork of the soul in this prayer:Perseverance, determination, courage Self-knowledge: the thought of one's sins (“our daily bread”)Growing in the virtues of humility and detachmentGod's assistance Meditate on the sacred life and Passion of Christ, hell, death, the power of God, the Love he bore us (13.13)Do not be distressed or afflicted over the dryness or noisy and distracting thoughts (11.17)Jesus is not concerned with our little inabilities (11.15)Occupy yourself in looking at Christ Who is looking at you 

Closing retreat Mass at SHRH for the Carmelites of the Sacred Heart.The women in scripture today know what we often forget. We are children and everything flows from relationship with our Father!

St. John understands that we are out of our depths whenever we try to capture with words what comes through experience. This is true in particular of the heights of prayer, contemplation, and with dispassion. John's language is poetic and thus a reflection of his straining to present us with the end of the spiritual life and what the heart longs for the most. In concluding his teachings on prayer, he warns us of certain pitfalls to avoid in order that our focus might remain upon Christ. Above all he does not want us to become discouraged by the attack of the evil one. Such a thing is to be expected. Prayer is so beautiful and transformative that the demons are going to do everything they can to disrupt it. Yet, John would have us understand that the demons are scourged by prayer and when we show fortitude they flee. Finally, he would have be confident in the practice of prayer. There is nothing that one can write in a book that is necessary when we have God himself as the Teacher of prayer. It is the Holy Spirit that searches the depths of God the guides us forward. Dispassion is even more difficult to capture with mere words for it describes one who has made his flesh incorruptible and has subdued all the senses; keeping his soul before the face of the Lord and always straining towards him. One is not only detached from the things of this world but has a gathered an exhaustible store of virtue as a source of strength. They are driven no longer by fear, but now only love; love that cannot be understood by mere reason. The soul is drawn forward by an urgent longing that belongs only to those who are created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, St. John sees dispassion as purity of heart; where a person has reached a level of existence where sin has no hold upon them and there is no longer even any awareness of the presence of demons. Such an individual is wholly united with God and always will be. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:05:24 Gregory Chura: Which step?   00:06:05 Bob Cihak, AZ: p. 240, #58   00:07:29 Myles Davidson: Can I ask what edition of The Ladder we are reading from?   00:08:08 Adam Paige: Paulist Press edition page 281

Read OnlineThe Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Luke 10:1–2Saint Luke, whom we honor today, was a true evangelist. As an evangelist, he followed the inspiration from our Lord and was used to bring God's saving message to the ends of the earth. And there is little doubt that his ministry will continue to have a transforming effect on the lives of many until the end of the world. Tradition states that Saint Luke became a martyr, being hanged on an olive tree. He is identified in the New Testament as a physician and as a disciple of Saint Paul. Both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are attributed to him.Saint Luke is often spoken of as an evangelist to the gentiles. His Gospel was written in such a way that it didn't presume a full understanding of the Jewish faith and customs. Therefore, it is believed to have been primarily written for those who are not of Jewish origin. Thus, the life and mission of Saint Luke must remind us that the Gospel needs to be shared with all people, especially with those who do not have a deep and sustaining relationship with God.In today's Gospel from Saint Luke, we read that Jesus sent seventy-two disciples “to every town and place he intended to visit.” Only Luke mentions the larger scale sending of seventy-two disciples. The other Gospels only mention the sending of the Twelve. Though many of these seventy-two disciples would have gone to Jewish territory, some would have unquestionably gone to non-Jewish territory. The mission of these seventy-two was to prepare everyone they encountered for the preaching of Jesus and for the establishment of the Kingdom of God.As we honor Saint Luke today and read this passage from his Gospel, we are reminded that we are all sent by our Lord. We are sent to those who share our faith, such as family, friends and fellow parishioners. We are sent to love them and do all we can to help deepen their faith and love of God. But we are also called to share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus as their Savior. There are so many people we encounter every day who have never truly met our Lord. Are there people in your life that God is calling you to reach out to? Who do you know that God may be calling you to share the Gospel with?Reflect, today, upon the fact that the Gospel is meant for everyone. Speak to our Lord and tell Him that you are ready and willing to be used by Him to bring His saving message to others. As you do so, wait on the Lord, listen to His inspiration, and respond when He calls. If someone comes to mind whom you sense God is calling you to evangelize, begin to pray for that person. Pray for them every day and be attentive to any inspiration God gives you to share His love and saving message with them. Do not be afraid to be an evangelist like Saint Luke. Doing so might make an eternal difference in someone's life.My saving Lord, You sent Your disciples on a mission to share Your saving message with all. Today I especially thank You for the life and ministry of Saint Luke. Please use me, dear Lord, to imitate his wonderful example and to share Your glorious life with others. Please lead me and inspire me to especially reach out to those whom You have put into my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Vienna - Saint Luke the Evangelist in Carmelites church By Renáta Sedmáková, via Adobe

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 468The Saint of the day is Saint Teresa of AvilaSaint Teresa of Avila's Story Teresa lived in an age of exploration as well as political, social, and religious upheaval. It was the 16th century, a time of turmoil and reform. She was born before the Protestant Reformation and died almost 20 years after the closing of the Council of Trent. The gift of God to Teresa in and through which she became holy and left her mark on the Church and the world is threefold: She was a woman; she was a contemplative; she was an active reformer. As a woman, Teresa stood on her own two feet, even in the man's world of her time. She was “her own woman,” entering the Carmelites despite strong opposition from her father. She is a person wrapped not so much in silence as in mystery. Beautiful, talented, outgoing, adaptable, affectionate, courageous, enthusiastic, she was totally human. Like Jesus, she was a mystery of paradoxes: wise, yet practical; intelligent, yet much in tune with her experience; a mystic, yet an energetic reformer; a holy woman, a womanly woman. Teresa was a woman “for God,” a woman of prayer, discipline, and compassion. Her heart belonged to God. Her ongoing conversion was an arduous lifelong struggle, involving ongoing purification and suffering. She was misunderstood, misjudged, and opposed in her efforts at reform. Yet she struggled on, courageous and faithful; she struggled with her own mediocrity, her illness, her opposition. And in the midst of all this she clung to God in life and in prayer. Her writings on prayer and contemplation are drawn from her experience: powerful, practical, and graceful. She was a woman of prayer; a woman for God. Teresa was a woman “for others.” Though a contemplative, she spent much of her time and energy seeking to reform herself and the Carmelites, to lead them back to the full observance of the primitive Rule. She founded over a half-dozen new monasteries. She traveled, wrote, fought—always to renew, to reform. In herself, in her prayer, in her life, in her efforts to reform, in all the people she touched, she was a woman for others, a woman who inspired and gave life. Her writings, especially the Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, have helped generations of believers. In 1970, the Church gave her the title she had long held in the popular mind: Doctor of the Church. She and St. Catherine of Siena were the first women so honored. Reflection Ours is a time of turmoil, a time of reform, and a time of liberation. Modern women have in Teresa a challenging example. Promoters of renewal, promoters of prayer, all have in Teresa a woman to reckon with, one whom they can admire and imitate. Saint Teresa of Avila is the Patron Saint of: Relief from headaches Learn more about Saint Teresa of Avila! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582; a woman, a contemplative, and an active reformer; she was a woman of prayer, discipline, and compassion; she spent much of her time and energy seeking to reform herself and the Carmelites, to lead them back to the full observance of the primitive Rule; her writings, especially the Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, have helped generations of believers; although she died before it officially came into being, Teresa, along with St. John of the Cross, is considered a co-founder of the Discalced Carmelite order Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 10/15/24 Gospel: Luke 11:37-41

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride.Tunc simile erit regnum caelorum decem virginibus : quae accipientes lampades suas exierunt obviam sponso et sponsae.  2 And five of them were foolish, and five wise.Quinque autem ex eis erant fatuae, et quinque prudentes :  3 But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them:sed quinque fatuae, acceptis lampadibus, non sumpserunt oleum secum :  4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps.prudentes vero acceperunt oleum in vasis suis cum lampadibus.  5 And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.Moram autem faciente sponso, dormitaverunt omnes et dormierunt.  6 And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him.Media autem nocte clamor factus est : Ecce sponsus venit, exite obviam ei.  7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.Tunc surrexerunt omnes virgines illae, et ornaverunt lampades suas.  8 And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.Fatuae autem sapientibus dixerunt : Date nobis de oleo vestro, quia lampades nostrae extinguuntur.  9 The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.Responderunt prudentes, dicentes : Ne forte non sufficiat nobis, et vobis, ite potius ad vendentes, et emite vobis.  10 Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.Dum autem irent emere, venit sponsus : et quae paratae erant, intraverunt cum eo ad nuptias, et clausa est janua.  11 But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us.Novissime vero veniunt et reliquae virgines, dicentes : Domine, domine, aperi nobis.  12 But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not.At ille respondens, ait : Amen dico vobis, nescio vos.  13 Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.Vigilate itaque, quia nescitis diem, neque horam. The seraphic St Teresa, born at Avila (Spain) at the age of 18, entered the convent of St Mary of Mt Carmel. As the Reformer of the Carmelites, she re-established the primitive observance of their ancient Rule. On account of her invaluable works on mystical Theology, she may be considered one of the greatest Doctors of the Church. She died A.D. 1582.

Fr. John Figueroa, the Parochial Vicar at St. Augustine Church in ossining, told God he'd say "yes" to whatever He willed, and the rest is history! Fr. Figueroa shares his beautiful journey to the priesthood from training in a bodybuilding gym in the Bronx, to choosing to receive Confirmation, praying with the Missionaries of Charity, even discerning with the Carmelites, all culminating in a joy-filled priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of New York. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please like, share, and subscribe!

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 431The Saint of the day is Blessed John Francis Burt and CompanionsBlessed John Francis Burté’s and Companions’ Stories These priests were victims of the French Revolution. Though their martyrdom spans a period of several years, they stand together in the Church's memory because they all gave their lives for the same principle. In 1791, the Civil Constitution of the Clergy required all priests to take an oath which amounted to a denial of the faith. Each of these men refused and was executed. John Francis Burté became a Franciscan at 16 and after ordination taught theology to the young friars. Later he was guardian of the large Conventual friary in Paris until he was arrested and held in the convent of the Carmelites. Appolinaris of Posat was born in 1739 in Switzerland. He joined the Capuchins and acquired a reputation as an excellent preacher, confessor, and instructor of clerics. Preparing for his assignment to the East as a missionary, he was in Paris studying Oriental languages when the French Revolution began. Refusing the oath, he was swiftly arrested and detained in the Carmelite convent. Severin Girault, a member of the Third Order Regular, was a chaplain for a group of sisters in Paris. Imprisoned with the others, he was the first to die in the slaughter at the convent. These three plus 182 others—including several bishops and many religious and diocesan priests—were massacred at the Carmelite house in Paris on September 2, 1792. They were beatified in 1926. Born in 1737, John Baptist Triquerie became a Conventual Franciscan. He was the chaplain and confessor of Poor Clare monasteries in three cities before he was arrested for refusing to take the oath. He and 13 diocesan priests were martyred in Laval on January 21, 1794. He was beatified in 1955. Reflection “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” was the motto of the French Revolution. If individuals have “inalienable rights,” as the Declaration of Independence states, these must come not from the agreement of society—which can be very fragile—but directly from God. Do we believe that? Do we act on it? Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

8/8/24 - Jonathan Michael O'Brien joins the show to discuss his book Called to Compiègne. This is the story of 16 Carmelite Nuns who would not be cowed by the terror of the French Revolution and were martyred for their faith. Included with the story is a translation of the full relation of events left by Sister Marie de l'Incarnation, one of the surviving Carmelites, and various letters and other pieces of writing that survived. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Called-Compi%C3%A8gne-Jonathan-Michael-OBrien/dp/B0D72K2F5F

From Carmelites in Wahpeton - She tells us about life as a nun, the work of the Carmelites, and the difference between a sister and a nun

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?

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 390The Saint of the day is Our Lady of Mount CarmelThe Story of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception. Saint Teresa of Avila called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” Saint John of the Cross credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel, and helping him escape from prison. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion day, Thérèse dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary. There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary's own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way. Reflection The Carmelites were known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The word sister is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race can find its way to peace. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the Patron Saint of: Chile Who is the patron saint of… Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary, Today, July 16th, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the feast of the Brown Scapular. Mount Carmel is a mountain in Galilee where the prophet Elijah defended the purity of Israel's faith in the living God. In the 13th century, hermits and monks began living and praying on the mountain. They later founded the Carmelite order devoted to the contemplative life under the patronage of Mary, the holy Mother of God. They venerated the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, from which the name Carmelite was derived. On July 16, 1251, the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Simon Stock, an Englishman who was the order's superior. Mary gave him the brown scapular and promised her protection to all those who wore the brown habit. The scapular was the special mark of her maternal love. Pope Pius X decreed in the early 20th century that the Blessed Virgin's blessing would extend to all who wear the Our Lady of Mount Carmel scapular. The scapular is common to many religious Orders, but it is a special feature of the Carmelites. It's important to note that the Brown Scapular is a sacramental approved by the Church as a sign of one's decision to follow Jesus, as did Mary, the perfect model of all the disciples of Christ. It's not an automatic guarantee of salvation nor a magical charm. Sacramentals prepare us to receive grace if we are in the right disposition. Pope John Paul II has worn the scapular for a long time. He said: "Therefore two truths are evoked by the sign of the Scapular: on the one hand, the constant protection of the Blessed Virgin, not only on life's journey, but also at the moment of passing into the fullness of eternal glory; on the other, the awareness that devotion to her cannot be limited to prayers and tributes in her honor on certain occasions, but must become a "habit", that is, a permanent orientation of one's own Christian conduct, woven of prayer and interior life, through frequent reception of the sacraments and the concrete practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. In this way the Scapular becomes a sign of the "covenant" and reciprocal communion between Mary and the faithful: indeed, it concretely translates the gift of his Mother, which Jesus gave on the Cross to John and, through him, to all of us, and the entrustment of the beloved Apostle and of us to her, who became our spiritual Mother." Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pray for Us! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! • ⁠July 16, 2024, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET   

Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on July 16, 2024 at Ernescliff College in Toronto. Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite, on July 16, 1251, and promised a special protection to those who would wear the habit, later the scapulary. All you had to do was wear this garment. Like a protective clothing, and stay faithful. This promise of our Lady boosted the Carmelites street cred. Our Lady became associated with one protecting. They'd emphasize Marian protection, her intercession, the importance of living a life of prayer and service. Music: Original track by Micheal Lee of Toronto.

You want to stop comparing yourself to others...but how? In this episode, Sr. Maria Goretti, Vocations Directress for the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, join Jessica to talk about comparison. Sr. Maria Goretti and Jess discuss:The effects comparing yourself to others has on your relationship with JesusHow to stop comparing yourself to othersThe importance of having a sense of humorSr. Maria Goretti has been a member of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles since 2010. She became the community's Vocations Directress is 2019. You can learn more about her community here.

5th June, 2024 – Join Sabrina as she talks about the life an impact of Blessed Anne of St. Bartholomew. Blessed Anne was wonderful to Saint Teresa of Avila. But most of all, we see how close Anne was to Jesus and Our Lady from a young age. Sabrina loves to talk about the Carmelites, […] The post E146 | Saint of the Week – Sabrina McKiernan – Divine Encounters: A Journey with Blessed Anne of St. Bartholomew and the Carmelite Spirit appeared first on Radio Maria Ireland.

Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter Saint of the Day: St. Simon Stock; as a young man, he went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he joined a group of Carmelites with whom he later returned to Europe; he founded many Carmelite communities, especially in university towns, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna; he was elected superior-general of the order in 1254; earlier, in 1251, received a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who held a brown scapular in one hand, and said, "He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire" Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/16/24 Gospel: John 17:20-26

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Second Week of Easter Lectionary: 269The Saint of the day is Saint Magdalene of CanossaSaint Magdalene of Canossa's Story Wealth and privilege did nothing to prevent today's saint from following her calling to serve Christ in the poor. Nor did the protests of her relatives, concerned that such work was beneath her. Born in northern Italy in 1774, Magdalene knew her mind—and spoke it. At age 15 she announced she wished to become a nun. After trying out her vocation with the cloistered Carmelites, she realized her desire was to serve the needy without restriction. For years she worked among the poor and sick in hospitals and in their homes, and also among delinquent and abandoned girls. In her mid-20s, Magdalene began offering lodging to poor girls in her own home. In time she opened a school, which offered practical training and religious instruction. As other women joined her in the work, the new Congregation of the Canossian Daughters of Charity—or Canossian Sisters—emerged. Over time, houses were opened throughout Italy. Members of the new religious congregation focused on the educational and spiritual needs of women. Magdalene also founded a smaller congregation for priests and brothers. Both groups continue to this day. Magdalene died in 1835. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1988. Reflection Let us pray to Saint Magdalene for the many young women who are caught up in the sex trafficking epidemic of our day. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Today's conversation features Jane Fitzpatrick, a contributing writer to Religion Matters who covers the intersection of religion and the performing arts, with a particular emphasis on the opera. Conversations about religion in the public square happen in all kinds of contexts. This episode considers the many ways that religion is both represented and critiqued in the high cultural form of the opera. We also consider storytelling within both the performing arts and religion, in particular the interpretation and reinterpretation of narrative that is a hallmark of both.Show Notes:"What we can still learn from Dialogues of the Carmelites" (LSE):(https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/religionglobalsociety/2023/10/what-we-can-still-learn-from-dialogues-of-the-carmelites/)"Religious Pluralism at the Opera" (The Interfaith Observer):(http://www.theinterfaithobserver.org/journal-articles/2023/10/2-religious-pluralism-at-the-opera)"The Show Must Go On For Boris Godunov" (Appreciate Opera):(https://www.appreciateopera.org/post/the-show-must-go-on-for-boris-godunov)

[@ 2 min] Ashlee couldn't get an interview with Kermit the Frog, but she does have a segment all about the intersection between the Muppets and opera! (Hot take: all the cool opera singers hang with Miss Piggy...) [@ 24min] In the ‘Two Minute Drill'… Like the finale to "Dialogues of the Carmelites", ENO musicians get their redundancy notices and sing all the way to the guillotine.... GET YOUR VOICE HEARD operaboxscore.com facebook.com/obschi1 @operaboxscore IG operaboxscore

What was it like to be discipled by Servant of God Michelle Duppong? In this episode, Sr. Gianna of the Resurrection Heinemann joins Jessica to share about her time in college when she was discipled by Michelle Duppong. Sr. Gianna and Jess discuss:As a student, Sr. Gianna was struck by Michelle's simplicity and her desire to win souls for ChristHow Michelle was a spiritual mother to souls as a missionary and during her sicknessHow Michelle overcame discouragement in her missionary work and in her illnessSr. Gianna's reaction when she heard that the diocese opened the investigation into Michelle's Cause of Canonization Sr. Gianna of the Resurrection Heinemann is a member of the Community of the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. She has been a member of the community for 14 years. Before she joined religious life, she was a student at South Dakota State University, where she was involved with FOCUS and discipled by Servant of God Michelle Duppong.You can learn more about the Carmelites of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles here You can learn more about Servant of God Michelle Duppong here

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 309The Saint of the day is Saint Marguerite BourgeoysSaint Marguerite Bourgeoys' Story “God closes a door and then opens a window,” people sometimes say when dealing with their own disappointment or someone else's. That was certainly true in Marguerite's case. Children from European as well as Native American backgrounds in 17th-century Canada benefited from her great zeal and unshakable trust in God's providence. Born the sixth of 12 children in Troyes, France, Marguerite at the age of 20 believed that she was called to religious life. Her applications to the Carmelites and Poor Clares were unsuccessful. A priest friend suggested that perhaps God had other plans for her. In 1654, the governor of the French settlement in Canada visited his sister, an Augustinian canoness in Troyes. Marguerite belonged to a sodality connected to that convent. The governor invited her to come to Canada and start a school in Ville-Marie (eventually the city of Montreal). When she arrived, the colony numbered 200 people with a hospital and a Jesuit mission chapel. Soon after starting a school, she realized her need for coworkers. Returning to Troyes, she recruited a friend, Catherine Crolo, and two other young women. In 1667, they added classes at their school for Indian children. A second trip to France three years later resulted in six more young women and a letter from King Louis XIV, authorizing the school. The Congregation of Notre Dame was established in 1676 but its members did not make formal religious profession until 1698 when their Rule and constitutions were approved. Marguerite established a school for Indian girls in Montreal. At the age of 69, she walked from Montreal to Quebec in response to the bishop's request to establish a community of her sisters in that city. By the time she died, she was referred to as the “Mother of the Colony.” Marguerite was canonized in 1982. Reflection It's easy to become discouraged when plans that we think that God must endorse are frustrated. Marguerite was called not to be a cloistered nun but to be a foundress and an educator. God had not ignored her after all. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

January 9 is already the second anniversary of the death of the iconoclastic (and iconic) Maria Ewing, who died of cancer in her home outside of her native Detroit on January 9, 2022. She was an artist both admired and derided during her lifetime, whose importance since her death has only become more apparent. It so happens that two of my most faithful listeners, Janet Williams and Paul Padillo, chose the episode that I published in her honor as their favorite episode. Paul is a passionate opera advocate who maintains a blog as well as a Facebook page in which he writes with extraordinary eloquence about the musical genre we all adore. Janet is celebrated throughout the world as one of the finest singers of her generation who has gone on to become one of the most important voice teachers in the world today, teaching, with compassion and common sense, a technique grounded in the essentials of bel canto. Their spoken introductions to the episode highlight different aspects of what made Ewing so special. For Paul, he became a lifelong fan after hearing her performance of Blanche de la Force in Poulenc's operatic masterpiece, The Dialogues of the Carmelites. For Janet, it was a shared provenance (both were natives of Detroit) as well as a common mentor, the late David Di Chiera, who founded and ran Michigan Opera Theatre, the company featured both Maria and Janet in some of their first operatic appearances. Maria's passing hit me particularly hard because at the time of her death, I was in the midst of creating a special episode in her honor and had been immersing myself in her fascinating performances, finding myself more and more in awe of her one-of-a-kind artistry. This tribute episode is simply not to be missed. Countermelody is a podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel's lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and journalist yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody's core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody's Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly support at whatever level you can afford.

Happy 2024! We start off the new year with the first podcast in the Female Christian Mystics series by looking at St. Teresa of Jesus, better known as Teresa of Avila. Teresa died in 1582 and was canonized a saint in 1622; she was made a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970. Teresa was a celibate nun, but had a deep erotic current that ran through her external and internal life, making her unintentionally a kind of Tantric saint. She is particularly remembered for a mystical event known as the transverberation, immortalized in art by Bernini as "the Ecstasy of St. Teresa." We look at Teresa's very unconventional life, the threatening combination of mystical experience and poverty, and that experience discussed in the Fourth Dwelling of her book The Interior Castle known as "The Prayer of Quiet."

In this conversation, we discuss the significance of St. John of the Cross and his relationship with St. Teresa of Avila.  Dr. Lilles will also shed some light on the relationship between the Carmelites and the Jesuits, as well as St. John of Avila. The post St. John of the Cross with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Beginning to Pray Special – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Friends of the Rosary: Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), a 16th-century Spaniarch Carmelite mystic and priest best known for reforming his order together with Saint Teresa of Avila, and for writing the classic spiritual treatise "The Dark Night of the Soul." A great contemplative and spiritual writer, he also wrote "The Ascent of Mount Carmel," "The Spiritual Canticle", and "The Living Flame of Love."  Honored as a Doctor of the Church since 1926, he is sometimes called the "Mystical Doctor," as a tribute to the depth of his teaching on the soul's union with God. Born in 1542 in Fontiveros near the Spanish city of Avila, as young he spent several years working in a hospital for the poor. He had been practicing severe physical asceticism even before joining the Carmelites and got permission to live according to their original rule of life, which stressed solitude, silence, poverty, work, and contemplative prayer. John received ordination as a priest in 1567. He was the spiritual director and confessor of the Carmelite nun Teresa of Avila. She persuaded him to remain in the order and help her in the reform of the Carmelites. Their reforming movement of the "Discalced Carmelites" grew quickly, but also met with severe opposition from opponents of the strict observance, who seized John and imprisoned him in a tiny cell. His ordeal lasted nine months and included regular public floggings along with other harsh punishments. Yet it was during this very period that he composed the poetry that would serve as the basis for his spiritual writings. John managed to escape from prison in August of 1578, after which he resumed the work of founding and directing Discalced Carmelite communities. Suspicion, mistreatment, and humiliation had characterized much of his time in religious life, but these trials are understood as having brought him closer to God by breaking his dependence on the things of this world. Only near the end of his life had St. John's monastic superior recognized his wisdom and holiness. Though his reputation had suffered unjustly for years, this situation reversed soon after his death. When Our Lord asked him what reward he would ask for his labors, John answered: "To suffer and to be despised for Thee." He died of a very painful skin infection disease, erysipelas, in December 1591, while embracing the crucifix. St. John of the Cross was beatified in 1675, canonized in 1726, and named a Doctor of the Church in the 20th century by Pope Pius XI. In a letter marking the 400th anniversary of St. John's death, Pope John Paul II – who had written a doctoral thesis on the saint's writings – recommended the study of the Spanish mystic, whom he called a "master in the faith and witness to the living God." In Sayings of Light and Love, 26-27, St. John of the Cross wrote: "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. What do you ask, then, and seek my soul? Yours is all of this, and all is for you. Do not engage yourself in something less or pay heed to the crumbs that fall from your Father's table. Go forth and exult in your Glory! Hide yourself in it and rejoice, and you will obtain the supplications of your heart." Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!St. John of the Cross, Pray for Us! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠December 14, 2023, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET