Carmelite Conversations

May 13, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:47:42 +0000

May 06, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:27:09 +0000

April 29, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:43:36 +0000

April 22, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:26:43 +0000

In this particular program Mark and Frances discuss the reflections of a Carmelite Nun from England, Sister Mary McCormack. Sister McCormack has been a nun for forty years, and during that time she has served in a number of important positions, but none more important that that of Novice Mistress, where is was her responsibility to assist young postulants in learning the Carmelite way of life, especially prayer. She has written a wonderful book entitled “Upon this Mountain,” where she reflects on the most simple and yet most profound elements of what she has learned about prayer. She draws extensively on her own experience, but also on the writings of the two Masters of Carmelite prayer, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.

April 15, 2013

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:36:26 +0000

During this program Mark and Frances review the Carmelite Promise. This is the promise made by all Carmelites, after a specific period of formation, and relates to their commitment to both the Order, their brothers and sisters in Carmel and the Blessed Mother.
Mark and Frances discuss how important the need for both commitment and fidelity are in our modern society. At a time when we are seeing an increasing rate of divorce, broken families, and even departures from the priesthood and religious life, it is very important to understand the significance of making a commitment to others, and then fulfilling those responsibilities. The Carmelite Promise is just such a commtiment.

April 1, 2013

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:12:48 +0000

In this particular program Mark and Frances discuss the simply yet remarkable life of a Secular Carmelite from Spain named Josefa Naval Girbes who lived from 1820 – 1893. Blessed Josefa lived a perfectly simple life, opening her home as a school for embroidery. She used the quiet hours of labor to instruct her young female students about the Catholic faith. She was well known for instructing her girls that their primary mission in life should be to “sanctify yourself and sanctify others.” Despite her remarkable simplicity, she had a very disciplined approach to her pursuit of holiness, and is also remembered for her rather direct counsel to “Reach holiness, no matter what the Cost.” This simple woman, who chose to live in the world, perfectly fulfilled God’s will by living a life of holiness, but also by bearing remarkable fruit in helping so many others to pursue a life in Union with God.

March 18, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:09:18 +0000

During this conversation Mark and Frances discuss the March 19 Feast of St. Joseph and the devotion to him, which has grown so much in the past 100 years in the Church. St. Joseph is a great role model for husbands, and this Feast in his honor has a special significance for Carmelites. A little known fact is that St. Teresa of Avila is credited a good deal with helping to spread devotion to this great Saint. In fact, St. Joseph is the Patron of the Discalced Carmelite Order formed by St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross. St. Teresa recommended in her writings that everyone should turn to St. Joseph, as she herself often did, to help them overcome the difficulties of our earthly life. Since St. Joseph was put at that head of the Holy Family, and provided for all their earthly needs, we should all feel comfortable turning to him to assist us in our daily needs. Just as importantly, as St. Joseph is also the Patron of the Universal Church, and we should feel comfortable turning to him for all of our spiritual needs as well.

March 11, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:41:04 +0000

February 25, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:40:08 +0000

February 11, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:11:55 +0000

February 4, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:25:40 +0000

January 21, 2013

admin — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 22:25:52 +0000

During this conversation Frances Harry interviews Mark Olson, a member of the Dayton community of the Secular Order of Discaled Carmelites. This program in a continuation of the conversation on the article written by respected scholar and Carmelite Priest, Father Ernest Larkin, on St. Teresa of Avila on Prayer. Here Frances and Mark explore the goal of union with God (spiritual marriage, transforming union). The conversation focuses on “The Way” to the “Goal” via the mansions. Several points about the first 3 ascetical mansions are made which then reaches a transition point or bridge of the 4th mansion to the mystical mansions of the 5th, 6th and 7th mansions.

January 14, 2013

jleblanc — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:24:43 +0000

In this program Mark and Frances begin a series on the writings of Carmelite Priest and scholar Ernest Larkin. Father Larkin was a highly respected scholar in the field of contemplative prayer, the interior life, and most especially Carmelite spirituality. This particular conversation is a review of a very important article Fr. Larkin wrote about St. Teresa of Avila on prayer. The article loosely follows St. Teresa’s model of the Interior Castles, perhaps her greatest work. But here Fr. Larkin provides new insights and perspectives on how these various stages of development in prayer may be experienced, and what one can do to prepare themselves for this work that ultimately God must do in us.

November 19, 2012

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:23:56 +0000

During this program Mark and Frances complete the series of conversations on a work about the last months of the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, entitled, “Last Conversations.” This remarkable work, a true gift to the whole Church, is not as well known as St. Therese’s autobiography “Story of a Soul,” but none-the-less, offers very deep insights into what is most important in our life and our relationship with God. These are literally the last thoughts and commentary of a person who will go on to become one of the most loved and Saints in the history of the Church.

November 12, 2012

admin — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:19:40 +0000

In this program Frances Harry continues a discussion on St. Therese of Lisieux’s “Last Conversations.” This particular week she is joined by Colleen Sollinger, who is a member of the Dayton Community of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. Colleen, who herself has a great devotion to St. Therese, and has visited her childhood home, offers both an historical and a very personal perspective on these most important teachings from the last few months of St. Therese’s life.

November 05, 2012

jleblanc — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:15:00 +0000

This program is a conversation between Frances Harry and Lynn Bete. Lynn is a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Dayton OH. Lynn and Frances share their perspectives in insights on a wonderful work about the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, in a book entitled “Last Conversations.” This work, which is a collection of discussions and writings taken from the last months of St. Therese’s life, provide remarkable insight on the spiritual life and our complete dependence on God as Father. There is great consolation here for those struggling with trying to gain confidence in the belief that our Father will always watch out for us, especially in our darkest moments.

October 22, 2012 – the “Last Conversations” of St Therese of Lisieux

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:53:08 +0000

In this program, Mark and Frances will begin a series on the “Last Conversations” of St Therese of Lisieux. This is a collection of the statements and brief writings from her last months on earth. These reflections are very rich in spiritual depth and insight. St Therese seemed to want to impart the most important elements of her understanding of how God works with us, and how each and every soul might respond in order to pursue a genuine life of holiness. It is always so important to read the writings of the Saints, but perhaps never as important as reading and reflecting on what they have to share in the months and days before they are raised to Glory.

September 24, 2012 – St. Teresa of the Andes part 3

jleblanc — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:32:31 +0000

During this program Mark and Frances delve into the ‘Spiritual Diary’ which St. Teresa of the Andes kept from the age of 16. Along with her letters, this Diary represents the clearest picture we have of this young Saints interior life. It reveals both the great graces the Lord bestowed on her, but also the many trials and challenges she faced on her path to holiness. The Diary of St. Teresa of the Andes is a very revealing portrait of the path to holiness and the remarkable blessings our Lord chooses to share with those who truly seek to do His will.

September 17, 2012 – St. Teresa of the Andes part 2

jleblanc — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:29:50 +0000

This particular program is the second in the series on St. Teresa of the Andes. During this conversation, Mark and Frances explore what it was that made this young Chilean Carmelite so significant so quickly. They discuss some of the miracles associated with her and also spectacular events that began to happen right after her death. They also explore her great patronage to young people, to the work of the new evangelization and to the virtue of Joy. St. Teresa of the Andes is certainly a powerful Saint for our time.

September 10, 2012 – St. Teresa of the Andes

admin — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:20:59 +0000

This particular program is a conversation on one of the lesser known, but very important Carmelite Saints, St. Teresa of the Andes. In this conversation Mark and Frances discuss the earthly life of this wonderful Saint. St. Teresa of the Andes, who died in 1919 at the age of 19, is a model for young people. Her remarkable, although short, life, is a testament to how our young people today can begin to develop an intimate relationship with our Lord. Though she came from wealth, and had the benefit of a good Catholic family and education, St. Teresa’s life was not without pain and trial. Her dark times, however, only served to deepen both her relationship and love for the Lord. John Paul II said of her, “The secret of her perfection could be none other than love, a great love for Christ, and a filial love for the Virgin Mary.” She is truely a Saint for our time.

September 3, 2012 – Praying without Ceasing

admin — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:10:06 +0000

In this program, Mark and Frances discuss the prayer fo the Church, or the Liturgy of the Hours. They discuss a little about the history of the prayer, the different elements of the prayer, how it is prayed by the entire Church and some of the benefits of praying this prayer. They cover some of the differnet options for getting copies of the prayers, including sources on-line, and they also talk about the differences of praying this prayer in community or privately. This is a wonderful introduction to this most import form of “praying without ceasing.”

August 27, 2012 – Frances Harry

admin — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:09:10 +0000

This particular program is dedicated to Frances Harry’s recent trip to the Annual Carmelite Congress, held just outside of Boston. Frances discusses the them of the Congress, which was, “Do Whatever He Tells You.” She provides a synopsis of some of the major presenters including Fr. Calloway, who escaped a childhood of drugs and anger, as well as Archbishop O’Malley of Boston, whose personal motto is also, “Do Whatever He Tells You.”

August 20, 2012 – Marika Zimmerman

admin — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 22:33:58 +0000

During this program Mark interviews Marika Zimmerman, a member of the Secular Order of Carmel in Dayton, Ohio. Marika is preparing to make her temporary promise this year. Mark explores with her the details of her Catholic upbringing, what brought her to Carmel and a discussion about some of her favorite Saints. They also discuss the topic of prayer and how prayer matures as we begin to make progress in Carmelite Spirituality.

August 13, 2012

admin — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:00:15 +0000

August 3, 2012 – Mary in the life of St Raphael Kalinowski

admin — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 19:00:19 +0000

On this program Mark and Frances speak again about the importance of Mary in the life of St Raphael Kalinowski. They also discuss the role he played in helping to bring unity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox churches. Finally, they discuss how St. Kalinowski was actually a forerunner for the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Primarily his teaching on the significance of the Evangelical Counsels is explained. Furthermore, the importance of the Evangelical Counsels is discussed as a central theme in a life of holiness.

July 30, 2012 – Staint Raphael Kalinowski

admin — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 19:00:41 +0000

On this program Mark and Frances speak about the great Ploish Staint Raphael Kalinowski. St. Kalinowski was the boyhood hero of Pope John Paul II. He is noted primarily for his teaching on prayer and the need to find solitude in order to deepen our prayer life. St. Kalnowski spent 10 years in Siberia, as a result of his participation in a political uprising against Russia. This experience only deepened his understanding of the need for a personal and consistent prayer life. He also led efforts to rebuild the Carmelite Order in Poland.

July 23, 2012

jevans — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:26:34 +0000

On this program Mark and Frances speak about the great prophet Elijah. Elijah is identified as the Father of the Order of Carmel. They discuss how Elijah’s life and message serve as the perfect model of the Carmelite life and charism. They also discuss the importance of silence, living the interior life and how even the events of Elijah’s Old Testament story prefigures the importance of the future role of Mary in the Order of Carmel

July 2, 2012 – Spiritual Direction

jevans — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:19:07 +0000

“In this particular program, Mark and Frances explore the nature of Spiritual Direction and its importance in helping one achieve holiness. They first discuss the objectives of Spiritual Direction and the reasons why someone should engage with a Spiritual Director. They also discuss those instance that are not appropriate for Spiritual Direction. They also discuss the characteristics one should look for in a good Spiritual Director. Finally, they provide some good resources anyone can take advantage of if they cannot find a Spiritual Director.”

June 18, 2012 – The Holy Face Part 3

jevans — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:39:07 +0000

This is the third in a series of 3 that focuses on the Holy Face.

June 4, 2012 – Fr. Daniel Chowning

jevans — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:16:00 +0000

“This program is an interview with Fr. Daniel Chowning. Fr. Chowning is an internationally recognized speaker on Spirituality, Prayer and the Carmelite Order. In this particular program, Mark and Frances talk to Fr. Chowning about the importance of Silence and Solitude, and how to find these important elements in our modern busy world. They also discuss the importance on finding a contemplative spirit in the midst of a busy life.”

May 21, 2012 – The Holy Face Part 2

jevans — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:51:24 +0000

This is the second in a series of 3 that focuses on the Holy Face.

May 14 – Mary as Virgin

jevans — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:11:21 +0000

In this program we focus on Mary as Virgin, Mother, and Spouse. As Virgin, we are with her at the Annunciation and see anew her great purity of heart and her receptivity to the great news from St. Gabriel. Mary, with her “Fiat,” clearly emphasizes “Thy will be done.” Then, she “ponders” all these things in her heart. As Mother, we see Mary’s fruitful love. Her pure prayer leads to an abundance of graces poured out to all. As Spouse of the Holy Spirit, she is the perfect model for all who pray as we grow in our love relationship with Christ and become the Bride of Christ. Finally, we, in imitation of Mary, with Mary, through Mary, and in union with Mary, we may grow closer to Christ as we live a life of prayer.

May 7, 2012 – Devotion to the Holy Face Part 1

jevans — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:09:01 +0000

This particular program picks up on the series of Devotion to the Holy Face. Mark and Frances trace the history of this devotion within the Church, and then outline some of the key events which led to its reinstitution on a number of occasions. They also provide specific details on the lives of Sr. Mary of St. Peter, the Carmelite nun of Tours who received revelations from the Lord on this devotion, and also, Leo Dupont, who actively practiced the devotion for years, after Sr. Mary’s death, and long before it received official Papal recognition.

April 30, 2012 – Carmelite Books

jevans — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:24:17 +0000

On this program, Mark and Frances cover a list of their favorite Carmelite Books. This is a list of the less well known, but none-the-less very useful books on a whole range of Carmelite topics; including Carmelite spirituality, contemplative prayer, Mystical Theology and outlines of some of the key figures in the history of the Order. Each of the books presented have been read by one or both of the presenters, and Mark and Frances are able to offer their insights on how the texts can contribute to your own spiritual journey.

April 23, 2012 – Divine Mercy and the Carmelites, Part Two

jevans — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:49:29 +0000

“Carmelite Conversations” Host Frances Harry welcomes guest, Deacon Russell Baldwin back to the program to continue our conversation on “Divine Mercy and the Carmelites.” We focused on the 5 Stages of the Mercy of God with examples from our Carmelite Saints followed by deeper insights on “Divine Mercy” by St. Therese of Lisieux, the little flower. For her, confidence and trust in God’s divine and merciful love are foundational to her whole relationship with God and is evident in her practice of the “Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.”

April 16, 2012 – Divine Mercy and the Carmelites, Part One

jevans — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:19:34 +0000

“Carmelite Conversations” Host Frances Harry welcomes guest, Deacon Russell Baldwin to the program. The topic for this program is the “Divine Mercy Devotion” and the Carmelites. We discussed the 5 forms of Devotion to Divine Mercy as presented to St. Faustina from her Diary, now published and available to the public (“Divine Mercy in My Soul: the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska”). Our conversation continued with a comparison of St. Faustina with the well-known Carmelite, St. Therese of Lisieux, who sang the mercies of the Lord in her manuscripts which were compiled and put into book form, known as “Story of a Soul” by St. Therse of Lisieux.

April 9, 2012 – Devotion to the Holy Face – Part 1

jevans — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:14:26 +0000

This program began a four part series on the Devotion to the Holy Face. This remarkably powerful devotion was actually instituted by Veronica when she wiped the face of Jesus as He climbed to His crucifixion on Calvary. The program goes on to discuss four other instances in the history of the Church where this Devotion either gained great popularity or was actually re-instituted by Christ. The first was in the early 1840′s through the revelations to a Carmelite Sister named Mary of St Peter. The promises and the power of this devotion were offered to combat both blasphemy and the sins against the holy day of Sunday. The devotion was then reintroduced by St Therese of Lisieux around the late 1800′s, again in the mid 1940′s through an Italian Mother Pierina of the Immaculate Conception, and finally, in our own time through a man name Gordon Deery in Montreal, who carries on this world-wide ministry even today.

March 12, 2012 – Brother Lawrence’s Letters

jevans — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:56:32 +0000

This program draws from Brother Lawrence’s own letters to other religious who he maintained correspondence with in his later life. These letters represent the best source of information for understanding what Brother Lawrence himself had to say, not only about the Practice of the Presence of God, but just as importantly, how to overcome the difficulties that one might expect to encounter in making this practice a part of daily life.

March 5, 2012 – Brother Lawrence’s Teachings On Detachment

jevans — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:48:05 +0000

This program discusses Brother Lawrence’s basic teachings on detachment, the need for silence and the process for practicing the presence even in our daily life. The discussion focuses largely on the Spiritual Maxims, and Brother Lawrence’s “Conversations” with Fr. Beaufort. The program also discusses the evidence provided by Fr. Beaufort as to how Brother Lawrence lived out this practice in his own daily life.

February 27, 2012 – The Writings of Fr. Beaufort

jevans — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:34:01 +0000

This program is drawn from the writings of Fr. Beaufort, who wrote and delivered the eulogy at Brother Lawrence’s funeral. He drew from his own communication with Brother Lawrence to offer an objective review of the man’s life, his teachings and how he manifested them in his very person. He speaks about a man of great humility and also great faith.

February 6, 2012 – Introduction to Brother Lawrence

jevans — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:21:32 +0000

This program is the introduction to Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection’s life and biographical sketch. It details his early military experience and his failed effort to become a hermit. It ends with his entry into the Carmel in Paris where he spent the rest of his life.

December 19, 2011 – Elizabeth of the Trinity IV

jevans — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:25:35 +0000

“This conversation will address Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Last Retreat, offered not long before her death. The conversation focuses on Elizabeth’s sublime theology of how we must learn to rise above everything in our life that is not God, and how all that happens to us can truly be used to help us to enter into the center of our soul. Finally, we address the last stages of Elizabeth’s earthly journey and her passage to eternity.” cinnamon

December 5, 2011 – Elizabeth of the Trinity III

jevans — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:17:08 +0000

“This particular program deals with our univeral vocation in Christ. As baptized Christians, we are all called to Union with God through Christ. This conversation explores our call to build ourselves into Holy Temples where the Trinity might dwell and where we can participate in the very life of the Three Divine Persons. Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity explains how we can begin to build what St Augustine refers to as the City of God within our souls. This program builds on the theme of simplicity, solitude and silence in our prayer life.”

November 28, 2011 – Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity II

jevans — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:24:09 +0000

“This program picks up on the biographical sketch of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity after her entry into Carmel. It then goes on to explore some of her major writings, both her individual retreats and her letters. Blessed Elizabeth understood very clearly the need to dispense with anything that did not lead her to God, but she did not attempt to achieve this by simply leaving the world. Rather, she shows, through her writings, how the real objective must be to bring everything in a persons life under the submission of Christ. She speaks of the need to see with the “single eye” and practice the principles of silence, simplicity and solitude.”

November 21, 2011 – Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity I

jevans — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:15:19 +0000

“This program offers a brief biographical sketch of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity. Blessed Elizabeth was a Carmelite nun who lived in France and died in her early twenties, in 1906. Her remarkable writings are considered materpieces of spiritual insight, and they deal largely with the life of the Trinity dwelling within each of us. This program covers the major events of her life leading up to her entry into Carmel, and how the more significant events of her childhood served to form her and draw her into an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

November 07, 2011 – Purgatory

jevans — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:48:18 +0000

This program covers St Therese’s profound teaching on Purgatory. Begining with a brief explanation of the Church’s teaching on Purgatory, in this program we discuss how St Therese taught that we do not necessarily need to go to Purgatory. She argues there is a way to avoid it, and that is simply to have trust in our loving Father. Further, she argues, the real path is to simply become love throughout our life. Then, she says, there is nothing that the flames of purgatory, which are nothing other than the flame of God’s Love, can do to us. For we will have become that very flame of love.

October 24, 2011 – St. Therese

jevans — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:31:07 +0000

This program explores the details of the earlthly life of St Therese. Through Mark and Frances’ discussion with someone who has actully visited Lisieux and the childhood home of Therese and the convent where she lived the last stages of her young life, this conversation explores the real person of Therese. It discusses how the experiences of her life formed and shaped her into the future Saint who still teaches us so much today.

October 17, 2011 – St. Therese

jevans — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:24:04 +0000

This program covers St Therese’s mission of the little way and it is affected her prayer life. Mark and Frances discuss Therese’s desire to become a missionary and how, in many ways, she not only fulfilled that desire through her own life, but also through many souls who were impacted by the example of her life. In addition, her missionary work continues to this day.

October 10, 2011 – St. Therese – Suffering

jevans — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:44:32 +0000

This program discusses the reality of suffering in the spiritual life. More importantly, St Therese of Lisieux helps us understand the great value of accepting our everyday trials and sufferings, and how to transform them into a deeper experience of Love. This is the science of the saints, to use everything in our life, good and bad, to deepen or love.

September 26, 2011 – Changes to the Missal – Fr. Tony

jevans — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:11:03 +0000

This program covers the upcoming changes to the New Roman Missal. Fr Tony Geraci, is a scholar of the Roman Liturgy In this program he explains both the history of the current revisions and the motivation behind the specific changes to the language reflected in the new version. Fr. Tony helps us to understand how a return to a more authentic translation allows us to better understand the meaning and significance of the Missal.

September 12, 2011 – St. John of the Cross

jevans — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:29:06 +0000

This program deals with the last and most difficult of St John of the Cross’ four stages of the spiritual journey, the Passive Night of Sense. Here the Lord takes us through the later stages of interior prayer. This is where God takes us through the very painful experiences necessary to teach us that He will not be limited by our all too small perception of him.

August 29, 2011 – St. John of the Cross – Active night of the Spirit

jevans — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:41:09 +0000

This program provides an introduction St John of the Cross’ teaching on the four nights that he uses to describe the spiritual journey. This program introduces the Active Night of Spirit. Here the soul must take responsibility to begin to detach itself from even the spiritual consolations we experience along the journey. We must look beyond the simple consolations of prayer, so that we can reach the higher states of prayer.

August 22, 2011 – St. John of the Cross

jevans — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:04:25 +0000

This program provides an introduction to St John of the Cross’ teaching on the second of the four nights, the Passive Night of Sense. In this night the Lord begins to finish the work of detaching us from our over dependence on material comforts, supports and consolations.

August 15, 2011 – St. John of the Cross

jevans — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:49:53 +0000

This program provides an introduction to the teaching of St John of the Cross on the first of the four nights that John uses to describe the progress of the interior life. The first stage in this process is the Active Night of Sense. Here the soul must take the responsibility to begin to practice detachment from anything that does not lead to God.

August 8, 2011 – St. John of the Cross

jevans — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:45:33 +0000

This program provides a brief biographical sketch of the life of St Joh of the Cross. It covers the experiences of his early life which help to shape, direct and inform his future teaching on mystical theology and the interior life.

August 1, 2011 – The Brown Scapular

jevans — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:49:24 +0000

In this program, Mark Danis and his guest host discuss the Brown Scapular.

June 27, 2011 – Debbie Koch

jevans — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:30:25 +0000

On this program, Mark interviews Debbie Koch, past President of the Carmelite Community in Cincinnati Ohio. Debbie shares her journey leading to Carmel, her thoughts on the impact her devotion to Carmel has had on her life and considerable experience in leading a Secular Carmelite Community. She also shares information on the process of spiritual formation, the importance of community and her own thoughts on some of the leading spiritual figures in the history of the Carmelite Order

June 20, 2011 – The Interior Castles III

jevans — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:39:08 +0000

“In this program Mark and Frances continue their conversation on St Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castles. Here they will explore the latter part of the 6th Dwelling where the soul is encouraged to continue to reflect on the humanity of Christ, most especially His passion. This is also where the soul experiences God through intellectual visions which serve to transform the soul at its deepes core. They will also discuss the 7th Dwelling, where the soul begins to experience complete Transforming Union.”

June 13, 2011 – Reconciliation

jevans — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:52:50 +0000

“In this program Mark and Frances will explore the history, significance and the current environment in the Church surrounding the Sacrament of Pennance and Reconciliation. Their guest is Michele Foley who has done extensive research in the field of Reconciliation and the need for and benefits of frequent confession. This particular program challenges to the modern Catholic to “turn back” to the important Sacrament of Reconciliation and to see it as an integral part of Spiritual development.”

June 6, 2011- Spiritual Life

jevans — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Have you ever wish for mystical “flights of spirit?” have you wondered how the saints disposed themselves for intimate union with God? Listen into this interesting conversation on what a Doctor of the Church and a Master of prayer, St Teresa of Avila has to say about these any other topics in the spiritual life. Learn how we can begin to make real progress in our spiritual journey.

May 16, 2011 – Mary, Jesus, and Catholicism in Film

jevans — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:16:12 +0000

In this thought provoking program, Mark interviews Michael Duricy STL, from the International Marian Research Institute. Michael did his graduate research on Mary in Films. This particular conversation will focus on how Hollywood has portryed Mary, Jesus and Catholicism in general. It is an interesting exploration into both religious and secular culture as depicted in film.

May 9, 2011 – The Interior Castle II

jevans — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:24:22 +0000

Have you ever wondered if your prayer life was useful, and whether you were making progress. In this insightful program, Mark and Frances continue their conversation on Teresa of Avila’s “The Interior Castle.” They will discuss the need for and benefits of Spiritual Direction. They also discuss the role of dryness in prayer and offer insights on the signs that demonstrate when a person is making progress in their prayer life.

May 2, 2011- The Interior Castle I

jevans — Mon, 02 May 2011 20:24:23 +0000

Have you just begun to pray more seriously, or are you still struggling with finding the time and commitment. On this program Mark and Francis begin a discussion of St Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castles. Today they discuss the first three “Dwellings” or Mansions in St Teresa’s explanation of the Seven Interior Castles. If you are struggling with your prayer life, let a true master of prayer, St Teresa of Avila, conduct you along a smoother path

April 25, 2011- St Teresa of Avila

jevans — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:26:00 +0000

During this Conversation, Mark and Frances are joined by William Corey, President of the Cincinnati Community of Discalced Carmelites. They will discuss more about St Teresa of Avila’s teachings on the prayer of Recollection. They will also go through each of the verses of the “Our Father” and provide St Teresa’s insights on what she among others have referred to as the “perfect prayer.”

April 11, 2011 – St. Therese of Lisieux

jevans — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:18:12 +0000

This program focuses on St Therese of Lisieux. We explore the major events of her childhood, the events that led to her entry into Carmel and the significant contribution she made in her short life. We focus primarily on her most famous work, The Story of a Soul. From this work we will explore the teaching of Spiritual Childhood. We seek to understand our relationship to the Father through the eyes of this beloved French Carmelite. We also explore her teaching on prayer and suffering. Finally, we explore Therese’s mission to the rest of the Church and see how the life of Carmel can be so beneficial to those who are looking for spiritual assistance in their journey to the Lord.

March 21, 2011 – St Teresa of Avila’s Way of Perfection

jevans — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:20:11 +0000

A conversation about St Teresa’s guidance to her Carmelite Sisters on prayer and meditation.

March 14, 2011 – St. Teresa of Avila

jevans — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:16:54 +0000

This program introduces the life of St Teresa of Avila and her useful teachings on the Way of Perfection. This program focuses on the life of Teresa of Avila and her main teachings on prayer, community, sacrifice and entering in to relationship with the Lord. The principle texts for this program are her Way of Perfection and her Autobiography. There are some history of the reform initiated by Teresa, as well as her relationship with John of the Cross. The primary message of this program is to demonstrate how Teresa, in the midst of all that she accomplished in the world, was still able to achieve the highest levels of prayer and union with the Lord.

March 07, 2011 – Devotion to Mary

jevans — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:18:57 +0000

This program focuses on Carmel’s deep devotion to Mary and the role she plays in forming us spiritually. The program will focuses on Mary’s primary example to Carmel, her Purity of Heart and Simplicity of Life. The material covers Carmel’s special relationship to Mary and Marion devotions, as well as how Mary plays a personal role in forming each of us into the image of her Son.

February 28, 2011 – Living the Call

jevans — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:26:41 +0000

This program focuses on the basic elements of living the call to Carmel in our time. This includes a very brief introduction to The Rule written by St Albert, and the Constitutions of Carmel. We then discuss what is meant by “Carmel,” and how both the Rule and the Constitutions are supported by the Secular Communities. Again, the emphasis here is not on the history, but rather on how the structure of Carmel is designed to assist it members in pursuing holiness and living out the call to Christian Charity.

February 21, 2011 – Introduction

jevans — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:20:52 +0000

This program begins with a simple history of the Order and its foundation in our Father, Elijah. The primary text for this program is “Journey to Carith” and the ICS publication on entitled “Elijah.” This program provides a basic understanding of what led to the establishment of the Carmelite Order, and also profiles some of the key figures who will be presented in greater detail in later programs. The focus is to demonstrate how Elijah’s own life serves as a model for the today’s active contemplative who seeks above all else to do the will of God.