Carmelite Conversations

In this program, Mark and Frances will begin a series on the "Last Converstions" 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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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

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.

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.

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

"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."

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

"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."  

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