Carmelite Conversations

Carmelite Conversations

The Carmelite Conversations podcast discusses Carmelite Spirituality and its application to our busy, modern lives. The podcast provides counsel on how to live the Carmelite call to combine contemplative prayer with service to the Church, while at the same time providing guidance on how to make progress in holiness. Carmelite Conversations is of particular interest to Secular Carmelites as it is produced by the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites Community of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Dayton, Ohio. read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

Interior Castle (part 11): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 10-11: Preparing to Enter the Kingly Chambers
Oct 27 2023
Interior Castle (part 11): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 10-11: Preparing to Enter the Kingly Chambers
In the final rooms of the 6th Dwelling Place of the Interior Castle, St. Teresa teaches us about some special favors our Lord gives to prepare the soul with wedding garments for entrance into His Kingly Chambers, the Throne Room.  The Lord gives us the light to know we are in God and God is in us and how damaging it is for us to sin in God.    In order to go forward, the soul must also understand that God is Truth, the Light of Truth.  St. Teresa clarifies that to walk in truth is to walk in humility.  In the final chapter of the 6th Dwelling Place, we enter the room of the Fire of Love and the ardent anguish souls experience in their uncontainable desires for full union with God in Spiritual Marriage.  Despite the great pain, much joy and great benefits are experienced.   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 Word of the Lord:  Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings, Year A” by John Bergsma; Emmaus Road Publishing.
Interior Castle (part 9): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 4-6: Mansion of Spiritual Betrothal & Mystical Communications
Sep 12 2023
Interior Castle (part 9): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 4-6: Mansion of Spiritual Betrothal & Mystical Communications
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.
Interior Castle (part 8): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 1-3: Greater Trials & Greater Favors
Jul 19 2023
Interior Castle (part 8): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 1-3: Greater Trials & Greater Favors
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.