Left, Saint Teresa of Avila, whose heart was mystically pierced with a fiery arrow of divine love, author The Interior Castle (16th c, counter-Reformation Spain). Right, Saint Therese of Lisiux, “The Little Flower,” author of Story of a Soul (late 19th c France). Found at this link.
God loves you! That’s the main idea of the study women will be making together, of Saint Teresa of Avila’s The Interior Castle, a great classic book on growth in virtue and in prayer. This will be in the library at Holy Redeemer Church (Cathedral Parish) Monday evenings starting June 9 10th. Some will want to attend 5:15 Mass just before, and for convenience and socialization we are having a period of snacks (provided) or bring-your-own-dinner from 6-6:30, then put the food away and study from 6:30-7:30. This will be 8 sessions, running through the end of July. Questions? Leave a comment, or contact me via the “contact” form on my blog which sends me an email, or email me elizabethdurack at gmail dot com .
The book we will use is Volume II of the ICS Publications edition of the Works of Saint Teresa, which is the best translation today, and includes The Way of Perfection and the “Commentary on the Our Father”, in addition to The Interior Castle. I will have it available for $15, and a limited number of copies will be available free to poor women. This will be supplemented by insights from St John of the Cross and Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange (did you know The Three Ages of The Interior Life was translated into English by a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa? I’d say that is one of their great contributions to the Church). Reading between sessions is strongly encouraged but not obligatory–I want this opportunity to be accessible even to those who don’t have a lot of time, or don’t find it easy to understand the book.
This will dovetail perfectly with the parish pilgrimage to the beautiful Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, Holy Hill, which is run by Discalced Carmelite Friars, at the end of June–for which you can obtain a special Year of Faith plenary indulgence. The Holy Hill website is here.
The goal of our book study is to benefit from the very best and most authentic Catholic teaching on growth in the spiritual life, including what we do (ascetical) and what God does (mystical), so we can know friendship with Jesus and intimacy with God, and become holy.
Well, you know that I love St. Teresa of Jesus as my firstborn is named after her! 😉
PermalinkI don’t see how you could have time to come BobiBeth but you would be so very welcome!!
PermalinkThanks, Elizabeth but right, I can’t make it with all of the little ones during the week. Someday maybe!
PermalinkWish I could come, but my parents will be in town tonight.
PermalinkNext Monday is also a perfect time to start. Next Monday is when we really start discussing the beginning of the book.
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