Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, STD, a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, completed his graduate and post-graduate studies in Rome at the Angelicum. His expertise is in Saint Elisabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church. He is currently a professor of spiritual theology at St Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, CA. Previously he was a founding faculty member of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, and afterwards an associate professor at St John’s Seminary for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 2012, Discerning Hearts published his book “Hidden Mountain, Secret Garden: A Theological Contemplation on Prayer,”. Through Emmaus Press, he and Dan Burke wrote “30 Days with Teresa of Avila”and Living the Mystery of Merciful Love: 30 Days with Therese of Lisieux. . And, his book “Fire from Above” was published in 2016 by Sophia Institute Press. Prof. Lilles assisted Dan Burke in founding the Avila Institute and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He podcasts at www.discerninghearts.com, offers retreats to religious communities, gives spiritual conferences and lectures on the Catholic Spiritual Tradition.

Articles By Anthony Lilles

The Spiritual Direction of Holy Week

“From this perspective, the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week live at the very heart of spiritual direction and unveil the ecclesial dimension of this ‘art of arts.’.” – Dr. Anthony Lilles

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The Holy Bible: Lenten Bread

“Because He dwells in us, the command of the Holy Bible that He held in his heart is offered to our own hearts. His understanding of the Scriptures becomes the language of our souls.” – Dr. Anthony Lilles

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Prayer and Perseverance

“The more powerless and hopeless a soul feels, the greater the gift the Lord intends to give.” – Dr. Anthony Lilles

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Hypostatic Union – Mystical Union

“Prayer that binds this poverty of spirit around itself like swaddling clothes gives God the space and freedom to manifest anew Divine Humility at work in humble humanity.” – Dr. Anthony Lilles

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A New Approach to Spiritual Theology

“Mystagogy is a moment of post-baptismal catechesis in which the sacramental encounter with Christ is deepened and one seeks spiritual maturity.” – Dr. Anthony Lilles

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The Living Bread

“Without the bread, without strength for the heart, the journey is too long.” – Dr. Anthony Lilles

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Renunciation and Praise

“(St. Elisabeth of the Trinity) understood the connection between renunciation and praise — Praise is the radiance of the splendor of God in a soul, the showing forth of His attributes in the world. In her thought, renunciation creates a precondition that allows such a collaboration with God to be realized.” – Anthony Lilles

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