Centered on prayer and contemplation, Carmelite spirituality seeks to awaken in its practitioners an intense thirst for an immediate and direct experience of God, from which can grow a deep and loving friendship with Him. Most fully developed by St. John of the Cross (d. 1591) and St. Teresa of Avila (d. 1582) and then further enriched by St. Thérèse of Lisieux (d. 1897), Carmelite spirituality flourishes in solitude and silence, nurtured by quieting external noise and turning away from interior distractions. Not at all limited to persons in monastic or convent life, Carmelite spirituality is meant for all who yearn for a deeper and sustained union with God. That is, it is meant for you. In this illuminating book, the Swedish Carmelite Cardinal Anders Arborelius shows you how, by praying, sacrificing, and meditating in your own particular circumstances, as the great Car

Cloister and Community is both a history of the Carmelite monastery of Indianapolis and an introduction to the Carmelites, a contemplative order of Roman Catholicism, founded in the 13th century and rededicated as a reform movement for women religious in the 16th century by Teresa of Avila. A key element of the order is that its nuns live an ascetic, cloistered life, but as Mary Jo Weaver demonstrates, the view that one must "leave the world" to find sacred space apart from it has evolved to embrace the notion that the world itself is a sacred space.Weaver focuses on a modern Indianapolis community and describes how the sisters incorporate Carmelite belief and practice into their daily lives. Cloister and Community is a beautifully written and handsomely produced book that offers readers a privileged view of the world of present-day contemplative spirituality.ALSO OF INTEREST Being RightConservative Catholics in AmericaEdited by Mary Jo Weaver and R. Scott Appleby0-253-32922-1 HB £34.500-253-20999-4 PB £15.50What's LeftLiberal American CatholicsEdited by Mary Jo Weaver0-253-21332-0 HB £30.500-253-21332-0 PB £14.50

There has recently been much discussion, indeed argument, regarding the suitability of the Rule of St. Albert for the Carmelite Laity. In the book, the author, former praeses of the Institutum Carmelitanum in Rome and lecturer in Carmelite history and spirituality, presents a powerful defense of the suitability of Albert's Pattern for Life for all Carmelites-- laity and religious alike. In both settting a historical context for the Rule and providing a practical commentary for the laity, the author demonstrates that it is adherence to the Rule that defines a Carmelite and gives each a Carmelite identity.

I Want to See God and its companion I am a Daughter of the Church are written works of Father Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus, O.C.D. A synthesis of rich doctrinal teachings with the sureness born of a deep contemplative experience, thus offering a vital doctrine to men and women. Bringing to light the dynamics of baptismal grace, Father Marie-Eugene opens up the paths of contemplation and holiness to all, in the midst of ordinary life. Both books illustrate the untiring search for God through time and the need for reliable spiritual Masters.

Thoroughly contemporary and pragmatic, this collection of essays provides a clear picture of Carmelite teaching while encouraging a journey of discovery and faith.

This book is a collection of Fr. Aloysius Deeney's conferences presented to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelite (OCDS) members worldwide. His practical and insightful talks are primarily directed to the members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites and others who are interested in the tradition of Discalced Carmelites. The author is notable for his extensive knowledge and understanding of the secular branch of the order and its unique lay vocation. As a result, OCDS members are the true beneficiaries of this book. This book is a “must read” for all members of the Secular Order and anyone interested in learning more about it. Father Deeney not only explores Carmelite spirituality but also addresses the practical aspects of the Secular Order vocation, from discernment about candidates to the function of the community council and the roles and importance of new OCDS legislation and Constitutions.

This is a very unique calendar featuring a quote each day from one of the Carmelite Saints or Blesseds, followed by a personal reflection on that quote. The nuns at that time wished to honor two significant dates; the first being the two hundredth anniversary of the arrival of four Carmelite Nuns who bravely set forth by ship from Belgium to found the first Carmel in America, in Port Tobacco, Maryland. The second date they were honoring was the 400th Anniversary of the holy death of St. John of the Cross in 1591, who accompanied and greatly helped St. Teresa of Avila in her foundations. These reflections are the fruit of prayer, spiritual reading and Lectio Divina of these Nuns, and are a wonderful way to become acquainted with the vitality and freshness of Carmelite spirituality. The Authors: the authors were the Nuns themselves of the Carmels that were members of the St. Teresa Association in 1990. At that time there were twelve Carmels, and each Carmel assumed responsibility for one month. Then the Nuns of that particular monastery would write up a quote from one of their Carmelite saints, and added their own personal reflection or meditation on that quote. So each day is entirely unique filled with the spirit and wisdom coming from those whose entire lives are suffused with the love of Carmelite spirituality.