The last dogma defined by the Church is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heavenly glory. This dogma is the gateway to answer one of the greatest problems that has ever faced the human race. What is the meaning of life? Is death the end of everything? Mary's Assumption tells us that eternal life with God is the final evolution of every man and woman who dies in the friendship of God. At the end of time all will be taken up and transformed, the body and the soul, the corporeal and the spiritual. For all that God created is sacred and loved. Where Mary is, all the elect will be. Whoever contemplates this mystery learns much about God, Christ, Mary, the Church and oneself. The Virgin Mary is one who walked in the darkness of faith and never despaired, one who obeyed and never deserted, one who loved and was never unfaithful. She is an example of the perfect disciple. Mary was Jesus' first and the most perfect disciple of Christ. The Virgin Mary, taken up into heaven after her earthly life, remains for us the symbol of all that we should be, and of all that we will be, if only we are faithful to Christ. She is the woman in the life of Christ and the woman in the life of all who follow him. On earth Mary was the mother of Jesus and his wholehearted companion, his comfort and joy. Now in heaven close to Jesus, she watches over us with a mother's care and intercedes for us. She is our life, our sweetness and our hope. She is our shining example. Where she is, we shall be. God knows we need the woman clothed in glory. The purpose of this book is to contemplate the Virgin Mary in her heavenly glory. The book's reflections go beyond the mystery of the Assumption in itself to contemplate the Mother of God in glory in relation to Christ and the Church. For Mary in glory is close to Christ and the people of God. We hope to penetrate more deeply this twofold mystery. To facilitate this task, the book is divided the study into two parts: The Assumption in the Mystery of Christ, and the Assumption in the Mystery of the Church. The first part follows the model of Chapter eight of the Constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council. There as here, Mary is considered first in the mystery of Christ and then in the mystery of the Church. The first part is actually a commentary on the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus that defined the dogma of the Assumption. It is here we perceive that the Assumption is not an isolated privilege granted to Mary, but one that is intimately joined with the person and mission of Christ. Her triumphal entrance into glory is part of Christ's victory over sin and death. The second part goes beyond the Constitution and ponders the Immaculate Virgin in heaven in relation to the mystery of the Church. The first consideration is Mary in heaven as the model, image and beginning of the pilgrim Church. This is followed by her relation to the suffering and heavenly Church. The final chapter ponders the texts of the liturgical feast of the Assumption. It is in the liturgy of the feast that we experience God's love for the human family; Mary's inseparable union with Christ her Son and Savior, and the joy that we are called to experience once our pilgrimage of faith is over. For, taken up to heaven we join Mary in the communion of saints in union with Christ our Lord.

The Assumption of Mary

History

Healy, Kilian John

World

Carmelite Media

This work is the history of the Carmelite Order, from its foundation in the 13th century until 1959. A life-long project of its author, Joachim Smet, O. Carm., this work provides the reader with a well researched documentation of the people, places and events which have marked the 800 year history of this religious Order of Catholic Church. Fr. Smet is recognized as one of the Order's premier historians. This book is a digest of The Carmelites, Darien, Ill, 1976-1988, 4 v. in 5. Footnotes have been omitted. The reader interested in sources may refer to the unabridged original. The title recalls a classic work in the historiography of the Carmelite Order: the Speculum carmelitanum (1686).

The Mirror of Carmel: A Brief History of the Carmelite Order

Smet, Joachim

The history of the Carmelite Order of the Catholic Church, founded in the 13th century, and now located on five continents. The author, a long time history teacher, uses the storytelling style of writing to bring the reader from the Order's humble beginnings on Mount Carmel in Palestine during the Crusades to today. Originally hermits, the members became part of the mendicant movement, spreading rapidly throughout Europe, preaching the Word of God, teaching in the major European universities, and, most of all, working with the ordinary people of the day. The centuries brought many challenges and new opportunities to the members of the Order in their search to serve God, the Church, and others seeking a deeper relationship with God. Today there are approximately 40,000 men and women around the world affiliated to the Order.

Desert Springs in the City

Leopold Glueckert

Although originally written for men preparing for solemn vows in the Carmelite Order, this Thirty-Day Retreat can be used for Carmelite nuns, sisters, and Carmelite laity with little or no adaptation. The individual Carmelite experiences the tremendous spiritual wealth of the Order during such a retreat. One's spiritual life will have the opportunity to grow and increase under the watchful eye of a seasoned Carmelite skilled to lead one on this pilgrimage of thirty days. The director will also experience the spiritual wealth of such a long in this pilgrimage of thirty days. Fortified in the faith and in the Carmelite traditions, these individuals can have an effect in their own Carmelite communities locally and in the ministries in which they are involved.

The Thirty-Day Retreat in the Carmelite Tradition

Marsh, Ivan Cormac

Religion & Spirituality

"Been There All Along" is Carmelite Tracy O'Sullivan's brave and fiercely honest reflection on his lifelong desire and struggle to be an authentic man of faith. He has been involved in some of the major civil and ecclesiastical movements of the 20th century. He was a part of the rise of the civil rights movement in Chicago and the heady days of the Second Vatican Council with its push for religious to be "in the midst of the people." His own struggles allowed him to discover the great strength in Carmelite spirituality. What gives his life meaning is the openness to an intimate relationship with God who has been there all along.

Been There All Along

O'Sullivan, Tracy

Christian Books & Bibles

With insight and hindsight the author presents a renewed vision of the Carmelite tradition of prayer and spirituality. This tradition presents an invitation to contemplation as the real conclusion of Christian maturity for all. Such a pastoral vision for parishes will raise the bar for all the members. The change means a progression in expectations for spiritual growth for each parishioner. The author focuses on one classic in the tradition, "The Interior Castle" of St. Teresa of Avila. Teresa describes most clearly our universal experience of God in the journey of life. Secondly, Vatican II called us to move away from a privatized approach to spirituality to an integrated approach that connects the search for God more closely to concern for justice in our world and our historical experience. The author develops a foundation for this integrated spirituality using Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation "The Joy of the Gospel."This book is highly recommended for parish councils and parish staffs, school boards and administrations, or to anyone seeking an understanding of the call to contemplation.

Pilgrimage to God: A Pastoral Theology of Contemplation for Pastors and Parishioners

Religious Studies

When Gods Die is a study that offers a unique insight for adult Christians seeking more substance in their spirituality. It provides an excellent summary of the major writings of St. John of the Cross: The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night, The Spiritual Canticle, and The Living Flame of Love. Author John Welch offers stimulating reflection by referring to Carl Jung, Bernard Lonergan, and James Fowler for further insight on the teachings of John of the Cross. In poetry and prose, John of the Cross, a 16th century Spanish Carmelite mystic, "articulates grief" in his expressions of loneliness, hurt, and the uncertainties of life. He writes of pain and confusion. He tells of times when he thought that even God had turned away. Yet, in his experience we find encouragement and acknowledgement-- we can learn how to live a more positive life with God at our center. But a true "life" only begins when our idols die. John speaks to adults who have become so enmeshed in daily life that they are slaves to unimportant things. John does not present programs, methods, or doctrines for growth. He speaks simply of God's healing presence in the midst of our sorrows. John encourages us to center our lives, let go of worldly idols, and free ourselves from this empty slavery. And, in the death of idolatry, our hearts will truly "live." We will then slowly begin to mature as our trust and patience develops. In this process, we are transformed and we can begin to view life with a "sensitivity" that comes only from a God-centered life.

When Gods Die: An Introduction to John of the Cross

Welch, John

This book is an exploration of Carmel and music. The major Carmelite composers and musicians (Bartonlino da Padova, John Hothby, Giovanni Bonadies, Manuel Cardoso, Benedictus Buns, and Herman Cohen) and those inspired by Carmelite history, spirituality, or even a particular Carmelite have been an inspiration to major composers (Francis Poulenc, Lennex Berkeley, John Tavener, George Handel, and Felix Mendelssohn) are discussed. The book is intended primarily for the general reader who is interested in exploring the topic of Carmel and music. It is remarkable that the Carmelite Order has produced several musicians of world standing and that its rich history and spirituality has been such an inspiration to first-rate composers in various ages.Music does seem to open our ears onto the transcendent and it does have the power to go deep within the heart and would appear, therefore, to go very well with the Carmelite charism with its emphasis on meeting God and the journey within.

Carmel and Music

Nolan, Simon

Over the eight centuries of Carmelite history, there have been countless men and women who have lived holy and exemplary lives but are still relatively unknown. This book brings together short reflective biographies representing a few of them, placed in the context of their own times and cultures. While many members of Carmel have been recognized for their holiness by the Church, this work brings together the second and third ranks of saints and blesseds who have wonderful stories, waiting to be told, savored, and appreciated. This volume is just the beginning.

The Springs of Carmel: An Introduction to Carmelite Spirituality

Slattery, Peter

Silent Presence: Discernment as Process and Problem

Larkin, Ernest E

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