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.
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.” This episode highlights some of the big issues and what's needed to move forward into the higher mansions, and features Theresa Rittenhouse, OCDS and Frances Harry, OCDS.
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.
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.
“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?
Faith Is not a zero-sum game, with Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS
What are some of the misconceptions people have about this journey of faith? What will inspire us on this journey? Deacon Mark Danis shares what is of immense value to us beyond the purification and healing of our souls.
Lenten thoughts & resources for 2023
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?
Interior Castle (part 2): Image of the Soul in the First Dwelling Place
Guest, Theresa Rittenhouse, OCDS, joins host Frances Harry in a Carmelite Converstion on the first dwelling place/mansion of St. Teresa of Avila’s classic masterpiece, “The Interior Castle.”
St. Therese’s Influence on a Priest’s Vocation
What a joy it is to hear how a Saint has particularly influenced someone! Today’s Carmelite Conversation details how St. Therese of Lisieux helped a priest in his vocation.
A Soul of Silence: Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity
Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS, shares reflections about the short book, A Soul of Silence: Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity.
Interior Castle (part 1): The Our Father Prayer
St. Teresa of Avila, in her classic masterpiece, The Interior Castle, teaches us how to become more intimate with God by journeying through the seven mansions/dwelling places of this interior castle of our soul.
Replay: St. Teresa Margaret and the Practice of the Presence of God
This episode is a replay of a popular episode from 2019. One of the single most important disciplines we can adopt is the continual practice of the presence of God in our lives.
Christ Made Manifest (Epiphany)
This homily by Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, was given during Evening Prayer for the Dayton Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites on Feast of the Epiphany in Jan 2023.
Rejoice and Be Light (Homily by Fr. John MacQuarrie)
It was during the Advent season when the Dayton OCDS Community gathered together for the Rite of Making the Promise/Vows. The Spiritual Assistant of the community, Fr. John MacQuarrie, delivered a homily touching on many Carmelite themes.
Replay: The Christmas Grace and Epiphany of St. Therese of Lisieux
This episode is a replay of a popular episode from 2017. St. Therese of Lisieux is a Giant Soul among the Saints being one of the Doctors of the Church.
“God, Be Yourself My Sanctity.” (Part 2) St. Therese of Lisieux
In this presentation, Frances Harry, OCDS, speculates on what it looks like when God is our sanctity, especially as seen in the life and words of St. Therese of Lisieux.
“God, Be Yourself My Sanctity” (Part 1) St. Therese of Lisieux
Frances Harry, OCDS, discusses, “God, Be Yourself My Sanctity," a phrase used by St. Therese of Lisieux in her famous prayer, “The Act of Oblation to Merciful Love,” found in her book, “Story of a Soul.
The Beatitudes Connection to the Ten Commandments (and Carmel)
Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, shares a homily about the Beatitudes connection to the Ten Commandments. To help us grow in love of God and neighbor, the Lord has given us the Ten Commandments as well as the Beatitudes.
A Model for Parents: Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin
Tim Bete, OCDS, interviews Annette Goulden, OCDS, about her book, Rooted in Love: Louis and Zélie Martin: Models of Married Love, Family Life, and Everyday Holiness.
Replay: Testing and Discerning a Vocation to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites with Guest, Colleen Sollinger, OCDS
This episode is a repeat one of our most-popular program from 2017. Who is called to be a Secular Discalced Carmelite? How do you distinguish between those who are called and those who are not called? What are some principles that you to discern?
An Analogy of Spiritual Childhood and a Reflection on the Rosary, with Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS
Discusses the analogy of Spiritual Childhood of St. Therese of Lisieux. Offers an analogy that we can quickly identify with that will help us go deeper into understanding St. Therese’s great leap of faith into God.
Detachment: An Essential for Divine Intimacy, with Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS
One aspect of what is needed to experience Divine Intimacy is “detachment.” This presentation will focus on what detachment is, and what it is not…with the goal of understanding and incorporating detachment into who we are.
The Prophetic Life and the Call of Discalced Carmelite Seculars to the Living Flame of Love, Homily by Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS
Members from several communities of the Order of the Discalced Carmelite Seculars gathered for a yearly retreat at the Maria Stein Spiritual Center in Ohio in August 2022. The Sunday Mass fell on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time in Year C.
Homily for the feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with Deacon Rusty Baldwin
Homily for the feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with Deacon Rusty Baldwin