A clear and simple introduction to the life, writings, and message of the Mystical Doctor, stressing always the practical applications of his teaching and example for today’s Christians.

St. John of the Cross, great mystic of the Christian tradition, knew suffering firsthand: his personal “dark night” included exile, imprisonment, starvation, abuse. Yet sustained by tremendous faith and steeped in an enormous love for God and humanity, John surrendered to the Divine and was drawn through his experiences to a profound compassion for and solidarity with others. This engaging contemporary biography is the perfect introduction—or an enjoyable re-acquaintance—to a man whose life, writings, and spirituality have illuminated the Christian world. ICS Publications is pleased to have this this sought-after and highly acclaimed biography, out of print for a decade, among our titles. Includes a reading guide to the works of St. John of the Cross, a selection from his works, 24 pages of color photos and reproductions of masterpiece artwork, and an extensive bibliography and notes.

A thought for each day of the year from selected writings of St. John of the Cross.

This book is a revised edition of the classic overview of the principal texts, themes, and teachings of Carmel: Elijah and Mary, the Rule of St. Albert, the Carmelite understanding of prayer, and the message of Sts. Teresa, John of the Cross, and Thérèse. Carmel is known above all for her priceless heritage of spirituality. For centuries, in the spirit of Elijah and the ancient prophets, Carmelites have sought to encounter the living God and to teach others the ways of prayer. In sixteenth-century Spain, Saint Teresa of Avila brought renewed vitality to this religious family by inaugurating a reform movement that became known as the Discalced Carmelites, a new and fruitful branch on an ancient vine. Carmelite Spirituality in the Teresian Tradition, first published in English in 1959, provides a concise and inspiring overview of Carmel's spiritual heritage from a Teresian perspective. Renowned Discalced Carmelite author Paul-Marie of the Cross identifies the principal texts, themes, figures, and teachings of Carmel: Elijah and Mary, the Rule of St. Albert and the Book of the Institution of the First Monks, the Carmelite understanding of contemplation and the degrees of prayer, the message of Saints Teresa, John of the Cross, and Thérèse of Lisieux. This classic essay, long out of print, is here updated and reprinted for a new generation of seekers longing to slake their spiritual thirst at the fount of Carmel.

Enkindling Love chronicles the journey toward a living partnership with God, as articulated by two of Christianity's great mystical teachers. Excerpts from the seven moradas (dwelling places) of Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle are held together with selections from John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul, Spiritual Canticle, and The Living Flame of Love, in order to show stages of growth and transformation as this partnership moves from its nascent potential through deepening friendship and intimacy to the full fruition of the mystical life. Moving through the process via textual passages and commentary, readers are invited to consider God’s desire for partnership with us and how the love of God actively invites us into deeper relationship not only with God but also with self and other. Because Teresa and John experienced God’s love as a transforming power, they teach that it is a participatory reality that shapes and remakes us, even as if invites us to collaborate with God in the remaking of our world.

A skilled moral theologian, Benedictine Father Mark O’Keefe leads God-seekers to focus attention on St. John of the Cross’s teaching in The Ascent of Mount Carmel: The essence of the spiritual journey is union with God through the practice of the virtues, especially faith, hope, and love. It‘s virtuous living that enables us to truly love God and be conformed to God in divine union. For St. John, religious “experiences” are not the essence of the spiritual journey at all, nor is asceticism for its own sake. John’s emphasis on the nada is to lead us to liberating emptiness -- authentic human freedom-- that equips us to be filled with the divine life. At the journey’s summit, we find the God who is Love. This book is an insightful companion to The Ascent of Mount Carmel. Ideal for personal and group study, Carmelite formation, college courses, and a must for every library.

Prayer is not just time set aside for God or the use of certain techniques—it is primarily an intimate relationship with God the Beloved. If we hunger for a prayer that is deeper than words and that we can bring to every part of our lives, no matter what we are doing, then we can turn to St. John of the Cross as our guide. Retreat master and author Wayne Simsic insists that while it’s easy to write off this saint as an otherworldly ascetic and mystic, he was actually a down-to-earth and wise administrator, poet, and artist whose writings have great relevance for us today. In this book, Simsic helps readers discover the gift of contemplative prayer as unfolded by this Carmelite saint, whose longing for a deep intimacy and union with God can become our longing as well.