Carmelite Conversations

How to Introduce Contemplative Prayer to Children With Guest: Colleen Sollinger, OCDS

Parents have a very important obligation to teach their children how to pray. Secular Discalced Carmelite, Colleen Sollinger, has much to share with us on this topic. She is a mother of 6 and has homeschooled all of them. 2 of the 6 are in college now. She is also a formatter for the OCDS Community in Dayton. She shares tips on how to set the stage for prayer, providing opportunities for children to pray, and ways to make it personal and relative to their lives. She also gives ideas on how t...

Catholic Apps with guests, Jennifer Kane, OCDS and Tim Bete, OCDS

People have access to an amazing amount of technology thru their computers, tablets, and smartphones. How can this technology be used to help us grow in our spiritual life? How can it help us grow in prayer? How can we use it so it enhances our growth rather than becoming a distraction? How can it help those with a vocation to the Carmelites? CatholicApptitude.org Founder, Jennifer Kane has much to share with us. Tim Bete, techno guru, helps Carmelite Conversations’ host, Frances, interview ...

Humility: the Bedrock of Prayer and Spiritual Growth, Part Three

The conversation on humility continues in this 3rd program of 3. Why is “humility” such an important virtue among all the other virtues? What does a humble soul really look like? What characteristics does a truly humble soul have? What can help motivate us to want to grow in humility? How can we conquer our natural and sinful inclinations so as to grow in humility? What are some images that serve as models of humility to motivate us? What are the rewards of humility? Finally, what are the fa...

Humility: the Bedrock of Prayer and Spiritual Growth, Part Two

Guest: Chris Cotter, OCDS Without the virtue of humility, the house of our interior life falls, as humility is the bedrock foundation on which to build. Guest, Chris Cotter, continues the conversation about humility because of its great importance in our growth. Pope Francis said recently at the World Youth Day in Poland: “Thus, contrary to our expectations and perhaps even our desires, the kingdom of God, now as then, ‘does not come in a way that attracts attention’ but rather in littlenes...

Humility: the Bedrock of Prayer and Spiritual Growth, Part One

St. Teresa of Avila said: “There is more value in a little study of humility and in a single act of it than in all the knowledge in the world.” With that in mind, we begin a “little study of humility.” We begin with St. Teresa’s quote: “Humility is to walk in truth.” We must walk in the truth of who we are and who we are before God. To walk in truth is to act in justice. What does St. Teresa teach us about true humility? What signs indicate true humility versus false humility? What signs can...

The Grace of Contemplative Prayer, Part Three of Three

In the final segment of the three part series, Mark and Frances start with St. John of the Cross’s counsel on the attitude the soul should take during the transition to the beginning of the supernatural gift of contemplation. We then discuss different metaphors that may help one to understand what this is like. We then bring up descriptions of contemplation by our saints and others. Finally, what is the key sign that a soul has experienced the gift of infused contemplation? What are the gene...

The Grace of Contemplative Prayer, Part Two of Three

In this segment, Mark and Frances delve into more of the particulars of the transition from active mental prayer to passive contemplative prayer. We start with a discussion of how to prepare for the gift of infused contemplation. St. Teresa of Avila recommended the practice of the prayer of recollection. What do we need to do to get recollected? What does the transition from the active prayer degrees to the passive contemplative prayer degrees look like? What signs does St. John of the Cross...

The Grace of Contemplative Prayer, Part One of Three

Join Mark and Frances on an introduction and discussion on contemplative prayer. We start by defining the words: prayer, grace, and contemplation. The word “contemplation” means many different things depending on the context and culture it is used. There is much misinformation regarding different aspects of this word. Mark and Frances talk about what contemplation is NOT as well as how it is compared to New Age practices. We then go into both the natural and supernatural modes of contemplati...

Silence and Poetry

In this second of a two part series, Mark and Frances continue a discussion of the important role of silence in our contemplative prayer life, and in our daily life. Building on the more objective list of the twelve degrees of silence they discussed in the previous program, this week they introduce the writings of Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified, a Carmelite Saint who was Canonized in 2015, where Jesus Himself instructs the Saint on how to practice silence. The Lord uses very powerful poetic i...

The Role of Silence in Prayer

Here Mark and Frances reintroduce a topic they believe does not get enough attention in our discussion of contemplative prayer or even in conversations about the spiritual journey. The topic is the important role of silence in our daily prayer and in our daily lives. Mark and Frances begin by explaining that the spiritual definition of silence goes well beyond the simple absence of noise, and they readily admit that our human language always falls short when trying to adequately explain what...

An interview with Fr. and Carmelite Friar Don Brink OCD

In this conversation Mark and Frances invite Fr. Don Brink into the studio for a lively conversation on a range of topics, all things Carmel. Fr. Don reflects on the different stages of Contemplative prayer and how we might identify some of the elements of our progression through these stages. He also discusses the sometimes difficult balance individual souls must attempt to find between our lives of prayer and our call to active ministry in the world. Fr. Don makes very clear, consistent wi...

The Marian Devotion of St. Teresa of Avila

How did St. Teresa of Avila express her Marian devotion and how might we imitate her? Although St. Teresa did not write a major work on the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is no doubt the importance she played in St. Teresa’s life, from her youth up through her founding many monasteries. One may ask, what place did the rosary have in her prayer life? What was the importance of the Virgin Mary in St. Teresa’s prayer? Did she have some mystical encounters involving the Blessed Mother? And, for toda...

MAY 17 2016: Mary as Our Principal Intercessor to Receive the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Docility to the Holy Spirit.

In this second of a two part series on the Holy Spirit, Mark and Frances speak about the work of the Holy Spirit in our individual souls. After providing a brief list of the names given to the Holy Spirit, the conversation moves to a deeper exploration of role of the Holy Spirit in the work of our sanctification. As the Church teaches this all a work of Grace, so Mark and Frances take the time to describe the two elements of Grace and how they each play a unique role in our sanctification. A...

Preparing to Receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

By studying the book of Acts, one may learn a great deal about the Holy Spirit. Of great importance to each person is the way to prepare to receive the Holy Spirit. The earlier verses from Acts give us lots of indicators on how the Apostles prepared and thus set the example for how we may prepare. This conversation covers a list of 9 simple steps to get ready for Pentecost. Resources Scripture Passages: Jn 14:26, Acts 1:8, Lk 12:12; Jn 14:16-17; Jn 16:13, Mt 4:5, Mt 5:35, Ps. 46:10, Is 40:...

The Virtue of Hope: Drawn from “Divine Intimacy” and Pope Benedict XVI’s “On Christian Hope”

Books:  “Divine Intimacy” by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD; Tan Books. “Prayers of Hope” by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan; Pauline Books & Media Documents: “On Christian Hope” encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI. Scripture Passages: Romans 8:24a Romans 8:24b 1 Corinthians 2:9 Hebrews 13:14 Matthew 7:7-11 1 Timothy 2:4 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Luke 17:10 Practical Ways to Increase Hope: 1.     Pray, pray, pray! 2.     Change your thoughts into positive thoughts. 3. ...

Introduction to the Virtuous Life and Spiritual Insight of Madame Barbara Acarie/Blessed Mary of the Incarnation, OCD

What a difference one soul can make! If it weren’t for Madame Barbara Acarie, who later in life became Blessed Mary of the Incarnation, we might not have had the likes of St. Therese of Lisiuex, St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, or Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, all of whom were Discalced Carmelites in France. This daughter, wife, mother, mystic, and Discalced Carmelite Nun, gives an example of how to live the “interior life” at all stages of life. Through her openness to God’s call in her lif...

Great Books

Mark and Frances took this opportunity to discuss some of their recent and favorite “Great Books.” The definition of Great refers to any of a number of Spiritual books that help to lead the reader into a deeper appreciation for and experience of the Living God. The 13 books discussed in this conversation fall into a short list of categories. There are those are intended to provide some intellectual insight and analysis of a particular topic of faith, for example the meaning and value of Huma...

A Reflection on Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation has rightly been called by a number of names, including confession, the Sacrament of forgiveness, and the Sacrament of healing. It is less well known by what is perhaps its most important name, and its most important benefit, and that is the Sacrament of conversion. In this conversation on the Sacrament, Mark and Frances explore the historical context, benefits and means of preparation. They discuss how God not only wants to grant us His forgiveness and Mercy ...

The Remarkable Mercy of God (2 of 2)

In this second in a series of two programs on the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Mark and Frances continue their conversation on a book by the Holy Father entitled “God’s Name is Mercy.” In this follow-up conversation, they reiterate the importance of the scripture story of the woman caught in adultery, and how the Holy Father uses this story to demonstrate that Christ does not just apply justice, nor does He merely forgive sin, but indeed, He goes beyond that and actually “forgives with a caress” a...

The Remarkable Mercy of God (1 of 2)

The Holy Father recently declared this year an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. There are a number of celebration and activities planned for this year, and there are many graces and blessings available for those who take up the Holy Father’s call to seek God’s Mercy. As part of his effort to communicate the importance of this message of Mercy, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, granted an interview with a journalist and commissioned the publication of a book entitled, “The Name of God is Mer...

The Way of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints

The Way of the Cross is a remarkably powerful and grace filled devotion, one we should certainly find time to practice during the Season of Lent. In this particular program Mark and Frances draw from the writings of the great Carmelite Saints to provide a complete reflection on each of the Stations of the Cross. Each reflection includes a brief statement on the significance of a particular Station, a verse from the Bible that enhances and expands our understanding of that Station, and then a...

Provoking Contemplation—Who are these Contemplatives Anyway?

In this last in a series of five conversations on a book entitled 'Contemplative Provocations," by Fr. Donald Haggerty, Mark and Frances conclude their earlier discussion on how Christ hides Himself in and among the Poor. This is an important discussion to reflect on as we continue through this Extraordinary Year of Mercy. Indeed, we are all called to not only to receive Mercy, but also to share it with others, even those who may have offended us. Mark and Frances then go on to discuss the v...

Provoking Contemplation—Suffering Trials, the Poor and Contemplation

The single most difficult aspect of the journey of prayer are the times of suffering and trial. Just when we believe we have launched on the correct path to holiness and are responding to God in the way that He desires, we seem to be met with no end of trials and setbacks. In this open but difficult conversation on this topic, Mark and Frances reveal the hard truth of the journey of the soul that desires to arrive at union with God. To be sure, there are many graces and blessings along the w...

Provoking Contemplation—Poverty, Self Denial and Trial

This is the third in a series of conversations reflection on the work by Fr. Donald Haggerty entitled "Contemplative Provocations." During this conversation Mark and Frances begin by cautioning against what Fr. Haggerty refers to as 'Aberrations.'' By this he means the pursuit of a spirituality without a firm foundation in the Dogmatic Teaching of the Church. Such pursuits can lead the soul to pursue experiences in prayer, which can lead a person astray an seeking their own desires in the sp...

Provoking Contemplation au Deux

This particular program aired on the eve of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This feast recalls not only the Lord's arrival at the temple, but also the preparation of the two individuals who were able to recognize the Lord, Anna and Simeon. It is written that both these contemplative souls had prepared themselves well through prayer and fasting, and that they waited with heroic patience and perseverance for the arrival of the Lord. In a very real way they serve as models of the per...

Provoking Contemplation

This program originally aired on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. During this conversation Mark and Frances first discuss the event of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. What is most striking about this event is the presence of the unbearable light that Paul cannot view with his human eye. Instead, Paul is gifted with spiritual vision and provided an encounter with Christ that, in some way, we are all called to. We are called to this light because we are all called to ever de...

A Call to Carmel as an OCDS with Colleen Sollinger, OCDS

OCDS stands for Order of Carmel Discalced Seculars. Many have never heard of this 3rd part of the Order of Carmel. Guest, Colleen Sollinger, a professed Secular Discalced Carmelite, answers lots of questions on this topic. What is an OCDS? What kind of people are attracted to and suited for the OCDS? What happens at their meetings? How do you discern if you are being called to Carmel? What is required? This program sheds light on what one might expect when making their first visit to an OCDS...

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him

With these words St. Paul is intending to encourage and lift the spirits of the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 2:9) to whom he is writing in this letter from the New Testament. In this uplifting conversation about reflecting on the Glory of Heaven, Mark and Frances discuss what so many of the Saints have written and spoken about the remarkable joy that awaits us in our final home. After a brief explanation of the various definitions of what the Catholic Church teaches about the nature of Heaven ...

Pondering the Epiphany

In this first week of January in the year 2016 we will again celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. This is a celebration rich with Meaning for our individual spiritual lives, and it is important to understand some of the major symbols of this event, and also for us to each enter into a personal reflection of what the Epiphany means for us. In this conversation Mark and Frances begin by exploring some of more significant meanings around the Church's understanding of Epiphany, including Divine M...

In the Silence of the Night There is Music

The great philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once said, "The present state of the world and all of life is diseased. If I were a doctor and were asked my advice, I should reply: Create Silence! Bring men to Silence. The word of God cannot be heard in the noisy world of today. This conversation focuses on the celebration of the Feast of St. John of the Cross. We briefly discuss the theme of silence in John's own writings and the importance of it in his life, but then we go on to see how John's wri...

The Mystery of Christmas

At the request of one of our listeners, Mark and Frances chose to have a conversation about one of the most important Carmelite Saints in the recent history of the Church, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, or Edith Stein. After a brief biographical sketch, Mark and Frances discuss a very special, but lesser known work of St. Teresa Benedicata of the Cross, a Lecture she offered to a group of Catholic academics entitled, 'The Mystery of Christmas.' In this short but profound work, Edith Stei...

Advent

This program originally aired just after the first Sunday of Advent. Here Frances and Mark explore a little about the meaning of Advent and the Liturgical Calendar for the Season. They discuss each of the four weeks of Advent and their individual focus on some aspect of preparing for the arrival of Christmas. They also offer a somewhat more challenging message about the coming of the Lord from a reflection written by a woman who understood that there are two Comings of Christ, and each indiv...

Heaven is for Real

Have you ever asked yourself if Heaven is for real? With the popular book, and now movie, out by that same name, many may actually stop to ponder whether Heaven really is for real and if it is possible for someone to have a private revelation of Heaven. Frances Harry interviews special guest Deacon (and Dr.) Tracy Jamison, OCDS about what our Catholic teaching tells us about Heaven and also about private revelation.

“The Writing and Letters of St. Teresa of Avila #1″ with special guest Lisa LaRosa

Although St. Teresa of Avila said she was NOT a writer, she has a compilation of writings that would dwarf many an author today. Special guest, Lisa LaRosa, tells us about St. Teresa’s writing starting with an early novel as well as her four most famous major works. Additionally, St. Teresa’s minor works cover a vast terrain from biblical commentary to post-communion reflections and meditations, to spiritual challenges, satire, poems, instructional works, and more. Her personal letters, of w...

Themes for Pope Francis

Have you wondered what some of the key themes are for Pope Francis? Well he is certainly interested in the needs of the poor, and we know that he has some very specific ideas about economics and the need to pursue peace in the midst of political conflicts. However, if there is one consistent theme that Pope Francis has continued to focus on, it is the Mercy of God. In this particular conversation, Mark and Frances explore Carmelite perspectives on Mercy, largely through the writings of St Th...

The Church of Mercy

“The Holy Father just released a book entitled “The Church of Mercy.” In this particular conversation, Mark and Frances begin a series of discussions on the importance of the message of Mercy in the Church today. They begin by focusing on the upcoming event of Divine Mercy Sunday, and then move forward in time to both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II and what they both had to say about the gift of Mercy that we receive from God. They then discuss our current Holy Father’s book about Mer...

Fr. Titus Brandsma Part 2

In this second program on Blessed Titus Brandsma, a Dutch Carmelite Friar who ultimately was martyred during WWII, Mark and Frances continue the discussion of Titus’ contribution to the history of Mysticism. They discuss some of his more significant writings, his theology regarding the importance of creating a sacred space within our hearts, our cell, his political activities against Nazi tyranny, and the central role the virtue of Hope played in his life. Both Titus Brandsma’s teachings, an...

Fr. Titus Brandsma Part 2

“The Carmelite Order has no shortage of martyrs, especially during the Second World War, and one of the most well known is Titus Brandsma. Fr. Titus Brandsma was a renowned professor of Philosophy, very active in the development of Catholic education, and a significant contributor to the field of journalism on behalf of Catholic causes. In this conversation Mark and Frances discuss Titus’ early life, his call to Carmel, his growing reputation as a voice of reason against the backdrop of the ...

The Life of Hermann Cohen Part 3

“This program is the third in a three part series on the life of Hermann Cohen, the renowned piano player who converted to Catholicism and eventually became a Carmelite Friar. Fr. Cohen’s life was a remarkable witness to the power of the Eucharist and the power of prayer. In this third conversation on Hermann Cohen’s life, Mark and Frances discuss his close relationship with the famous Franz Liszt, and the role that Fr. Cohen played in bringing Liszt back to the faith. They also discuss the ...

The Life of Hermann Cohen Part 2

We can never hear enough about the power of the Eucharist and the influence it can have on people’s lives. In this compelling program, Mark and Frances discuss the life of Hermann Cohen, a famous pianist who converted to Catholicism and eventually became a Carmelite Hermit. This is a fascinating story with three central characters, Hermann Cohen, the Blessed Mother, and our Lord, in the form of the Holy Eucharist. Cohen’s story is one of faith and inspiration for anyone looking to find the c...

Conforming our will to the will of God – Part II

In this conversation Mark and Frances continue with the second part of a three part series on conforming our will to the will of God. They are using a text from Carmelite Friar Father Wilfrid Stinissen entitled “Into your Hands, Father.” After finishing up the last section of the first part of Fr. Stinissen’s book, which concluded with the role of the memory and the practice of the virtue of Hope, Mark and Frances move to the second section of the book. In this second section Fr. Stinissen s...

Carmelite Spirituality and God’s Will

All of the spiritual masters have told us that on the journey we must learn to follow God’s will. But that always leaves us with that compelling question – how do I come to know God’s will for me. In this conversation Mark and Frances explore the writings of the Carmelite Saints to help provide some understanding on how we can approach this challenging issue. They identify that we must begin from where we are. We must first recognize that God seldom asks us to make dramatic changes in the ex...

What Should Go Into A Rule of Life?

The original founders of the Order of Carmel found it necessary to identify a Rule by which they could conduct their daily activities and stay focused on what was most important. This is no less important for us today. We all need to have some basic guidance that helps stay focused and make progress along the Spiritual Journey. In this conversation Mark and Frances discuss the elements of what should go into a Rule of Life. They also discuss how the development of a Rule can be tailored to o...

The Infant of Prague

Many people are familiar with the Devotion to the Infant of Prague, but what not many people know is that this devotion actually began with the Carmelites. In this particular program, Mark and Frances discuss the history of this wonderful devotion and its association with the Carmelite Order. They also discuss the blessings and promises the Lord has made to those who practice this devotion. The Christmas Season seems a wonderful time to focus on the Christ Child, and the rich Devotion to the...

Homeschooling with the Carmelite Saints

How are these two homeschooling moms using the Carmelite Saints in teaching their children? Host Frances Harry interviews guests Colleen Sollinger and Connie Rossini about this topic. Colleen is a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites and has had a long term interest in sharing Carmelite Spirituality with her family as well as in developing a “Carmelite Spirituality Youth Group.” Connie Rossini is an author/writer as well as diocesan columnist and has a great blog at: www.conte...

Frances and Mark continue their conversation about Mark’s recent trip to Spain

Frances and Mark continue their conversation about Mark’s recent trip to Spain. While there he was able to visit some of the most important sites for the founding of the Discalced Carmelite Order. Frances continues this interview by asking Mark what he read while he was on the trip and how that might have both prepared him and affected him while visiting this important locations. Frances draws out some of the most important events from the trip and how those contributed to the graces Mark re...

Frances turns the mike on Mark

During this spirited conversation, France turns the mike on Mark and interviews him about his recent pilgrimage to Spain. While there Mark was able to visit many of the most important sites associated with the Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross’ Reform of the Carmelite Order. He began the trip in Avila where the pilgrims spent most of the 11 days. While there they also traveled to Alba de Tomas where St. Teresa is buried, and Segovia where St. John’s tomb is located. They also visited the...

Mary and the use of the Rosary

We are all familiar with the Rosary, but do we all understand its history or the importance so many Saints have place on reciting it daily. In this informative and inspiring program, Mark and Frances discuss the origins of the prayer of the Rosary. They touch on the details of our Lady having shared this prayer with St. Dominic. They also discuss the importance it played in bringing about a great military and spiritual victory in the Battel of Lepanto. Padre Pio of course was very dedicated ...

Quotable Quotes of St. Teresa of Avila, #1

“Quotable Quotes of St. Teresa of Avila, #1″ with host, Frances Harry, along with Guest, Chris Cotter, OCDS. We will be focusing on some of our favorite quotes of St. Teresa of Avila. Some topics to be covered: St. Teresa ‘s conversion story from the “Book of Her Life,” important points about prayer, what she says about “the cross,” her approach to Confession, the importance of “Love, Detachment, and Humility” for growth in the spiritual life, and why we should practice mortification.