Carmelite Spirituality in the Teresian Tradition

by Paul-Marie de la Croix, Kathryn Sullivan (Translator)

Carmel is known above all for her priceless heritage of spirituality. For centuries, in the spirit of Elijah and the ancient prophets, Carmelites have sought to encounter the living God and to teach others the ways of prayer. In sixteenth-century Spain, Saint Teresa of Avila brought renewed vitality to this religious family by inaugurating a reform movement that became known as the Discalced Carmelites, a new and fruitful branch on an ancient vine. This book was first publish in English in 1959 and provides a concise and inspiriing overview of Carmel's spiritual heritage from a Teresian perspective. Renowned Discalced Carmelite author Paul-Marie of the Cross identifies the principal texts, themes, figures and teaching of Carmel: Elijah and Mary, the Rule of St. Albert and the Book of the Institution of the First Monks, The Carmelite understanding of contemplation and the degrees of prayer, the message of Saints Teresa, John of the Cross, and Therese of Lisieux. This classic essay, long out of print, is here updated and reprinted for a new generation of seekers longing to slake their spiritual thirst at the fount of Carmel

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality

99 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

October 2022: This makes my fifth read. I just noticed that I did not record the dates for my earlier read this year. And who knows how many times I have gone back to it for source information. An EXCELLENT book. There is a new version out which my formation director gave me a copy of, but I need to sit down and transfer all my notes and highlights still. That needs to wait till next year. Some in our community read this every year. I see why. I also found this book included in its entirety in a book on Catholic spirituality, as the definitive description of Carmelite Spirituality.

Jan 2022: rereading for at least the third time... I had to reread parts of it during 2020 in preparation for writing out my paper for Definitive Promise. Now, we will be discussing this over the next three month. I am really looking forward to this as when I was an Aspirant, my Formator did not really discuss or explain anything in here.

2021: Reread in preparation for becoming formator next year of the aspirants. This was a much richer read because after six years of Carmelite formation I have a better idea of the persons, their teachings and the other ideas discussed in here. It is good that new Carmelites are exposed to this book, but it should be strongly recommended that everyone reread this as it will fit the pieces back together again, those pieces accumulated over 6 years of prayerful reading and formation. Also, I expect this would be a good book to come back to in another 6 years or so as well.

2015: Paul-Marie of the Cross’s Carmelite Spirituality in the Teresian Tradition is required reading for Carmelite seculars in our province, but delightful none-the-less. It’s an excellent synthesis of Carmelite spirituality. As it says in the Preface, Steven Payne O.C.D. writes: “The tradition of Carmel is less about doctrines and ideas than a story of a vibrant spiritual family, a particular movement of the Spirit of Jesus among God’s people.” So, while the author of the Preface believes summarizing this tradition is foolhardy at best, this slim volume is a commendable effort. Those familiar with the giants of Carmelite mystical prayer, John of the Cross and Teresa of Jesus (or Ávila) will not only enjoy a refresher on their legacy but also learn about the origins and Rule of Carmel, her Elijan and Marian heritage, modern contributions of Thérèse of Lisieux and others, as well the Carmelite understanding of prayer and contemplation.

The book began as an article from the 1950s which nevertheless has ‘aged’ rather well, with a few caveats, especially with reference to the seculars and more recent saints, especially Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, (Edith Stein) and Teresa of the Andes.

[Carina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have decided I LOVE Carmelite spirituality! St. Therese has been a dear friend for many years, and my friendship with her only grows deeper with time. I’ve also grown interested in other Carmelite figures a lot over the last couple of years. This book was a great introduction to understanding the order’s history and charism of prayer. Can’t wait to learn more about Carmel!!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, one of the best I've ever read on the Carmelites. He beautifully summarizes and explains the deepest ideas of the Carmelite doctors and the overarching spirit in the order. The sections on St John of the Cross and St Teresa were particularly amazing, and simplified ideas which I found difficult to grasp and entirely put together until I read this. I will certainly revisit this book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice introduction to Teresian spirituality. Written pre-Vatican II. Has minor edits by the publisher - which are not always noted.

If you're into so called traditional Catholicism and traditional Carmelite
spirituality this is a good one to pick up.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous summary of the Carmelites and some of their great spiritual leaders....I will refer back to it frequently.

[Trinity Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful to my 19 year-old self for having bought this after a love affair studying the new Spanish convents and their traditions of nun portraiture. This was a wonderful introduction to the spiritual heritage of my confirmation Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Starting with the founder of the tradition, Elijah, we get a compassionate and thorough reading of the contemplative order of the Carmelites, the “desert” climate they maintain in their interior lives, and the presence to God which allows them to drink the life-giving water of direct and intimate encounter with the divine. I’m inspired to incorporate these ways into my own prayer life.

[Father Aaron Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very short, but I suggest that everyone who reads it take their time. My heart was enflamed with desire when reading the excerpts from Teresa, John, and Thérèse. Reading this, I realize I've only just begun to learn how to pray, but now I have a lot more direction! If you're struggling to learn what prayer should and could be, start here!

[Alex McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Carmelite spirituality and Sts. Teresa, John of the Cross, and Thérèse.

[Connor Helsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, tough to follow you could probably pick it up and only read the chapter on contemplation and find what you were looking for.