Contemplation and Castanets: Carmelite Spirituality

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: Meditation 2 – An Invitation to Sanctity (Part 1 of 2) As we begin the holy season of Advent, we focus on awakening from spiritual sleep and preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming, Join us as we journey through Advent, seeking to grow in holiness and intimacy with God, while preparing to celebrate the Mystery of the Incarnation. Resources: Divine Intimacy: Meditat...

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: Meditation 1 – The Lord Comes from Afar (Part 3 of 3) In this final episode of a three-part series, we reflect on the First Sunday of Advent using  Divine Intimacy  Meditation No. 1, “The Lord Cometh From Afar,” by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD. As we begin the holy season of Advent, we focus on awakening from spiritual sleep and preparing our hearts for...

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: Meditation 1 – The Lord Comes from Afar (Part 2 of 3) In this second episode of a three-part series, we reflect on the First Sunday of Advent using  Divine Intimacy  Meditation No. 1, “The Lord Cometh From Afar,” by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD. As we begin the holy season of Advent, we focus on awakening from spiritual sleep and preparing our hearts for...

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: Meditation 1 – The Lord Comes from Afar (Part 1 of 3) In this first episode of a three-part series, we reflect on the First Sunday of Advent using  Divine Intimacy  Meditation No. 1, “The Lord Cometh From Afar,” by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD. As we begin the holy season of Advent, we focus on awakening from spiritual sleep and preparing our hearts for...

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: An Introduction to a New Podcast Series (Part 3 of 3) Welcome to our new podcast series! We will explore Divine Intimacy, the spiritual classic by Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. This book is a collection of daily meditations rooted in Carmelite spirituality. It is designed to help you grow in your relationship with God through prayer and reflection. D...

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: An Introduction to a New Podcast Series (Part 2 of 3) Welcome to our new podcast series! We will explore Divine Intimacy, the spiritual classic by Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. This book is a collection of daily meditations rooted in Carmelite spirituality. It is designed to help you grow in your relationship with God through prayer and reflection. D...

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: An Introduction to a New Podcast Series (Part 1 of 3) Welcome to our new podcast series! We will explore Divine Intimacy, the spiritual classic by Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. This book is a collection of daily meditations rooted in Carmelite spirituality. It is designed to help you grow in your relationship with God through prayer and reflection. D...

Reflections on Divine Intimacy: Meditation 362 - Union of Will This excerpt from the spiritual text Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen explores the concept of union of will  with God, emphasizing that the  ultimate goal of spiritual life is the complete conformity of one's will to God's will . It presents this union as a transformative process achieved through love, where the i...

In the Arms of Jesus In this episode, we reflect on In the Arms of Jesus , a moving passage from Manuscript C, 35v-37r, where St. Thérèse of Lisieux meditates on the intimate relationship between the soul and God. Through her profound imagery of being “drawn” into the flames of Christ’s love, Thérèse illuminates the transformative power of surrender and trust. We discuss her insights on prayer, th...

The Power of Prayer In this episode, we explore The Power of Prayer , a profound reflection by St. Thérèse of Lisieux on the nature of prayer as “an aspiration of the heart” and “a simple glance directed to heaven.” Join us as we discuss Manuscript C, 24v-26r, where Thérèse shares her experience guiding a novice and reveals the strength found in small, heartfelt prayers. Discover how her approach...