Carmelite Conversations

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The Carmelite Conversations podcast discusses Carmelite Spirituality and its application to our busy, modern lives. The podcast provides counsel on how to live the Carmelite call to combine contemplative prayer with service to the Church, while at the same time providing guidance on how to make progress in holiness. Carmelite Conversations is of particular interest to Secular Carmelites as it is produced by the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites Community of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Dayton, Ohio.

Interior Castle (part 9): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 4-6: Mansion of Spiritual Betrothal & Mystical Communications
God continues to draw the soul closer to Him through the purification of the soul as well as mystical favors that may occur. In this episode, we talk about ecstasies, raptures, flights of the spirit, spiritual betrothal, gift of tears, and the praye...
The Active Night of the Purification of the Spirit
In this homily, Deacon Mark Danis asked himself what can souls do to prepare themselves in the Active Night to enter into the Passive Night of the Spirit, which St. John of the Cross discusses in his book, “Ascent to Mount Carmel” as well as in book,...
Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 4)
In the life of prayer, there are always transitions. We cannot remain static in our pursuit of God. In this particular program, Mark and Frances identify the seven vices that often hold us back from progressing into deeper, more interior stages of ...
The Third Spiritual Alphabet and St. Teresa of Avila
The 16th Century Spanish Franciscan Friar, Francisco de Osuna, was the author of a book considered to be a great masterpiece and spiritual classic called: “The Third Spiritual Alphabet,” which profoundly influenced the great Discalced Carmelite, St....
Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 3)
As we continue the journey with Fr. Haggerty, through the works of St. John of the Cross, we now wrestle with one of the least understood, and little practiced requirements for entry into contemplative prayer. This program focuses first on the practi...
Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 2)
In our first program on the topic of contemplation in St. John of the Cross, we discussed that we can expect to experience God’s concealment, which means we need to proceed in the darkness of pure faith. But this faith comes with its own measure of...
Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 1)
St. John of the Cross did not write for beginners in prayer. His works are for those who have been practicing prayer for some time and have begun to make progress on the spiritual journey. In this conversation, Mark and Frances discuss two of the m...
Interior Castle (part 8): Sixth Dwelling Place; Ch. 1-3: Greater Trials & Greater Favors
Here in the 6th Dwelling Place, the soul goes through an intensification of the Dark Night, specifically the Dark Night of the Spirit. It’s no surprise that St. Teresa of Avila begins in the first chapter with the trials and sufferings of this mans...
Interior Castle (part 7): Fifth Dwelling Place; Ch. 3 & 4: True Union with God
As we continue the journey through the interior castle, we grow deeper and deeper in our intimacy and relationship with the Lord. The 5th Dwelling Place/Mansion can be understood to be the deeper revelation of God to the soul and the joining of hand...
Evangelical Counsels and Perfection
What are the Evangelical Counsels and why are they important to Carmelites? This homily by Deacon Baldwin was given to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Dayton during a Community meeting Holy Hour.
Interior Castle (part 6): Fifth Dwelling Place; New Life in Christ, Fragments of Heaven
As we continue the journey through the interior castle, we grow deeper and deeper in our intimacy and relationship with the Lord. The 5th Dwelling Place/Mansion can be understood to be the joining of hands in spiritual courtship with our Divine Spous...
St. Therese: Being and doing for the Lord
St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, known as “the little flower,” was prophetically called by Pope Pius X, the “greatest saint of modern times.” Time continues to echo her greatness. As a Doctor of the Church, St. Therese continues to...
St. John of the Cross’ Light in the Dark
How does the teaching of St. John of the Cross help us to be “light” in the “dark” that surrounds us in our day? This presentation by Deacon Baldwin was given to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Dayton, OH for their Day of Recollection. ...
Interior Castle (part 5): Fourth Dwelling Place; Transition & Transformation
This is an exciting mansion as God begins to take the lead becoming much more active in the soul, while the soul becomes more passive and receptive to God, more fully surrendering to Him, especially in prayer. It is the beginning of the mystical lif...
Interior Castle (part 4): Third Dwelling Place; Pioneer or Settler?
In reference to the third dwelling place/mansion, St. Teresa of Avila tells us that she believes “that through the goodness of God there are many of these souls in the world.” Of course, that was in the late 1500s. The souls here are good practicing ...
The extraordinary--but ordinary--life of St. Joseph
In the month of March, the Church celebrates the feast of the great St. Joseph, Patron Saint of the Universal Church. He is also the Protector of the Discalced Carmelite Order. So often, one might think our Saints are so far above us in holiness tha...
Interior Castle (part 3): Second dwelling place, the seed is germinating, the battle intensifies
The Second Dwelling Place or Mansion pertains to souls who have already begun to practice prayer and have heard the calls of the Lord. Hence, the seed planted in the first mansion is now starting to germinate and sprout roots. The temptations are g...
“Nada, Nada, Nada” of St. John of the Cross
When a Carmelite hears the word, “Nada,” they automatically think of the great Discalced Carmelite Doctor of Love, St. John of the Cross. What does that word mean? Why is this word so deeply associated with St. John of the Cross? Is this a harsh c...
Faith Is not a zero-sum game, with Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS
What is this journey of faith? What are some of the misconceptions people have about this journey of faith? What will inspire us on this journey? Deacon Mark Danis details for us what is of immense value to us beyond the purification and healing of ...
Lenten thoughts & resources for 2023
This reflection is focused on the “why” of Lent. Why fast? Why pray? Why give alms? Why does the Church tell us to do these 3 things? Where does this come from? How do these 3 tactics form a strategic battle plan to conquer sin in our lives? How ...

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