Carmelite Conversations

At the request of one of our listeners, Mark and Frances chose to have a conversation about one of the most important Carmelite Saints in the recent history of the Church, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, or Edith Stein. After a brief biographical sketch, Mark and Frances discuss a very special, but lesser known work of St. Teresa Benedicata of the Cross, a Lecture she offered to a group of Cath...

This program originally aired just after the first Sunday of Advent. Here Frances and Mark explore a little about the meaning of Advent and the Liturgical Calendar for the Season. They discuss each of the four weeks of Advent and their individual focus on some aspect of preparing for the arrival of Christmas. They also offer a somewhat more challenging message about the coming of the Lord from a r...

Have you ever asked yourself if Heaven is for real? With the popular book, and now movie, out by that same name, many may actually stop to ponder whether Heaven really is for real and if it is possible for someone to have a private revelation of Heaven. Frances Harry interviews special guest Deacon (and Dr.) Tracy Jamison, OCDS about what our Catholic teaching tells us about Heaven and also about...

Although St. Teresa of Avila said she was NOT a writer, she has a compilation of writings that would dwarf many an author today. Special guest, Lisa LaRosa, tells us about St. Teresa’s writing starting with an early novel as well as her four most famous major works. Additionally, St. Teresa’s minor works cover a vast terrain from biblical commentary to post-communion reflections and meditations, t...

Have you wondered what some of the key themes are for Pope Francis? Well he is certainly interested in the needs of the poor, and we know that he has some very specific ideas about economics and the need to pursue peace in the midst of political conflicts. However, if there is one consistent theme that Pope Francis has continued to focus on, it is the Mercy of God. In this particular conversation,...

“The Holy Father just released a book entitled “The Church of Mercy.” In this particular conversation, Mark and Frances begin a series of discussions on the importance of the message of Mercy in the Church today. They begin by focusing on the upcoming event of Divine Mercy Sunday, and then move forward in time to both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II and what they both had to say about the gi...

In this second program on Blessed Titus Brandsma, a Dutch Carmelite Friar who ultimately was martyred during WWII, Mark and Frances continue the discussion of Titus’ contribution to the history of Mysticism. They discuss some of his more significant writings, his theology regarding the importance of creating a sacred space within our hearts, our cell, his political activities against Nazi tyranny,...

“The Carmelite Order has no shortage of martyrs, especially during the Second World War, and one of the most well known is Titus Brandsma. Fr. Titus Brandsma was a renowned professor of Philosophy, very active in the development of Catholic education, and a significant contributor to the field of journalism on behalf of Catholic causes. In this conversation Mark and Frances discuss Titus’ early li...

“This program is the third in a three part series on the life of Hermann Cohen, the renowned piano player who converted to Catholicism and eventually became a Carmelite Friar. Fr. Cohen’s life was a remarkable witness to the power of the Eucharist and the power of prayer. In this third conversation on Hermann Cohen’s life, Mark and Frances discuss his close relationship with the famous Franz Liszt...

We can never hear enough about the power of the Eucharist and the influence it can have on people’s lives. In this compelling program, Mark and Frances discuss the life of Hermann Cohen, a famous pianist who converted to Catholicism and eventually became a Carmelite Hermit. This is a fascinating story with three central characters, Hermann Cohen, the Blessed Mother, and our Lord, in the form of th...

In this conversation Mark and Frances continue with the second part of a three part series on conforming our will to the will of God. They are using a text from Carmelite Friar Father Wilfrid Stinissen entitled “Into your Hands, Father.” After finishing up the last section of the first part of Fr. Stinissen’s book, which concluded with the role of the memory and the practice of the virtue of Hope,...

All of the spiritual masters have told us that on the journey we must learn to follow God’s will. But that always leaves us with that compelling question – how do I come to know God’s will for me. In this conversation Mark and Frances explore the writings of the Carmelite Saints to help provide some understanding on how we can approach this challenging issue. They identify that we must begin from...

The original founders of the Order of Carmel found it necessary to identify a Rule by which they could conduct their daily activities and stay focused on what was most important. This is no less important for us today. We all need to have some basic guidance that helps stay focused and make progress along the Spiritual Journey. In this conversation Mark and Frances discuss the elements of what sho...

Many people are familiar with the Devotion to the Infant of Prague, but what not many people know is that this devotion actually began with the Carmelites. In this particular program, Mark and Frances discuss the history of this wonderful devotion and its association with the Carmelite Order. They also discuss the blessings and promises the Lord has made to those who practice this devotion. The Ch...

How are these two homeschooling moms using the Carmelite Saints in teaching their children? Host Frances Harry interviews guests Colleen Sollinger and Connie Rossini about this topic. Colleen is a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites and has had a long term interest in sharing Carmelite Spirituality with her family as well as in developing a “Carmelite Spirituality Youth Group.” Con...

Frances and Mark continue their conversation about Mark’s recent trip to Spain. While there he was able to visit some of the most important sites for the founding of the Discalced Carmelite Order. Frances continues this interview by asking Mark what he read while he was on the trip and how that might have both prepared him and affected him while visiting this important locations. Frances draws out...

During this spirited conversation, France turns the mike on Mark and interviews him about his recent pilgrimage to Spain. While there Mark was able to visit many of the most important sites associated with the Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross’ Reform of the Carmelite Order. He began the trip in Avila where the pilgrims spent most of the 11 days. While there they also traveled to Alba de Tomas...

We are all familiar with the Rosary, but do we all understand its history or the importance so many Saints have place on reciting it daily. In this informative and inspiring program, Mark and Frances discuss the origins of the prayer of the Rosary. They touch on the details of our Lady having shared this prayer with St. Dominic. They also discuss the importance it played in bringing about a great...

“Quotable Quotes of St. Teresa of Avila, #1″ with host, Frances Harry, along with Guest, Chris Cotter, OCDS. We will be focusing on some of our favorite quotes of St. Teresa of Avila. Some topics to be covered: St. Teresa ‘s conversion story from the “Book of Her Life,” important points about prayer, what she says about “the cross,” her approach to Confession, the importance of “Love, Detachment,...

Continuing on the theme from the previous program, Mark and Frances reiterate the importance of community, and the need to participate in community as a way to continue to grow. Again, echoing the ideas of St. Teresa of Avila, they outline the important elements that must be found in community. The virtues of kindness, compassion, patience, openness, trust and of course humility are all important....

During this program Mark and Frances continue on the theme of Mary and the work of Evangelization. Here they discuss a presentation by Carmelite Friar and General Delegate to the OCDS, Fr. Debastiani, on our Carmelite call to mission. The presentation begins by reflecting on the contemplative nature of the call to Carmel. The importance of encountering the living God in the intimate experience of...

Mark welcomes Mary Pyper, Treasurer for Radio Maria US, into the studio to discuss some recent work she has been doing around a school of Evangelization and the role of Mary in the work of Evangelization. Acknowledging Mary’s role in both bringing our Lord into the world, and in being the one who initiated His public ministry at the wedding in Cana, this conversations centers around the role of Ma...

In this particular program Frances invites Tammy Jetton to discuss Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified. Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified was noted for her exceptional humility, simplicity and candor as well as her intense devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit, and great love for the Church and the Pope. She encountered and overcame many obstacles and adversities in her life. She was a...

This particular conversation picks up on the theme of Mary and her role in helping us develop a deep interior life. Moving from the previous conversation, which focused largely on her earthly life, this particular program moves to an understanding of Mary’s role in heaven. Mark and Frances explore what is unique about the Church’s teaching on Mary’s powerful intercession. They also propose the com...

What is the role of Mary, the Mother of God, in helping to form us in our interior life. This is a question so central to Catholic teaching and the spiritual life, but yet there is still relatively little instruction on just how we can work with the Blessed Mother to assist us and help us along our journey. In this conversation, Mark and Frances explore the writings of the famous Dominican, Fr. Ga...