The Carmelite Directory of the Spiritual Life

by Austin Chadwell

One of the modern masterworks of Carmelite Spirituality, The 'Spiritual Directory' is the most comprehensive accumulation of the spiritual traditions, experiences and practices of the Carmelite Order. Drawing heavily on the spiritual lives and works of many Carmelite Saints (Mary Magdelene De Pazzi, Michael of St. Augustine, John of St. Sampson, Father Dominic of St. Albert, Father Maurus of the Child Jesus, Father Michael de la Fuente, as well as Theresa of Jesus, and John of the Cross), the Directory was prepared as a tool for preparing and training novices in the Order, but more than a practical training manual, it captures the essence of living the Carmelite way of life and stands alone as a unique work in understanding Carmelite Spirituality. If one wants to know what it means to be 'Carmelite' this is the place to begin.

602 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2014

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written in 1940 in Latin for O.Carm. Novices and translated into English in 1951 is a comprehensive catechesis on Catholicism and the spiritual life. As a secular Carmelite OCDS, I recommend this to everyone whether O.Carm, discalced or other. It is very rich teaching everything from faith to the stages of the spiritual life to aid in understanding of the how one grows.

[Paul Baker]

It's probably a bit insane to enjoy books like this but I did. Of course the desire to become a Lay Carmelite probably has a lot to do with that. I would love to read this again (maybe yearly?) but I'm not sure if I will. I put it on my mind map for January 2027 so maybe. There were quite a few Carmelite saints I had not heard about quoted in the book. I attempted to find books by them but did not have much luck. There were a ton of things that Carmelites do and I made note of some to possibly implement into my life. One of those ideas was focusing on a single virtue or vice each month - to grow in the virtue or fight the vice. Found a prayer in the book that I started praying each day (yes, well found many prayers in the book but only one have I added to my daily routine). Tons of highlights and deep thinking on several throughout the journey. Definitely recommend to those desiring to grow spiritually especially in the Carmelite way.

[booklady]

Another book I will be reading in preparation for becoming a Formator for our Aspirants in 2022.