

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.


Pope Francis and the Pathway to Easter
Anthony Lilles
March 13, 2013
18 Comments
Pope Francis was just elected and we look forward

Gethsemane’s Night and the Hope of Christian Prayer
Anthony Lilles
March 9, 2013
13 Comments
Gethsemane: Those who enter into this hidden garden of

Charity’s Infinite Overflowing Flood in the Midst of Trial
Anthony Lilles
March 4, 2013
24 Comments
Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880 – 1906), a contemporary

Forsake Not the Discipline
Anthony Lilles
February 26, 2013
7 Comments
“Forsake not the discipline.” These words are reported as

Spiritual Liberty in the Night
Anthony Lilles
February 21, 2013
47 Comments
In order to secure our true liberty, even while

Nescivi – A Cry of A Heart in Love with God
Anthony Lilles
February 16, 2013
3 Comments
“Nescivi!” This is the Latin for what it seems

Love Songs in the Night
Anthony Lilles
February 14, 2013
12 Comments
With rich biblical imagery, St. John of the Cross

The Prayer that Blazes from the Deepest Center
Anthony Lilles
February 9, 2013
12 Comments
Christian prayer is meant to blaze forth from the

To Rejoice in the Truth
Anthony Lilles
February 2, 2013
23 Comments
In prayer, the Father speaks His Word to us.