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

A New Beginning to Pray

How much time should we take in beginning to pray? What happens when human liberty is raised by grace? Discover how Dr. Anthony Lilles reflects on these mysteries.

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A Contemplation that Hears Heaven

How does contemplation hear heaven? How does it reflect joy? What form does it take? Find out how Dr. Anthony Lilles describes the gift of contemplation and how it is safeguarded by the Church against charlatans.

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How Do We Know God’s Will?

How Do We Know God’s Will? Many people after discovering the faith soon realize that it is sometimes difficult to discern God’s will in a given situation.  Most people think that knowing God’s will is impossible.  After all, He gave us our natural capacity to reason and He has revealed Himself to us – so

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To Satiate the Thirst of Jesus

To Satiate the Thirst of Jesus Editor’s Note:  Dr. Anthony Lilles gives us a lot to consider during these hot summer months, especially for those of us who live with and/or serve the sick, suffering and dying. When we begin to pray, we implicate ourselves in the plight of others, especially those who are suffering.

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Holy Fear

Holy Fear We find in the writings of the great mystics, especially of those who have been recognized as “Doctor of the Church,” a certain unanimous consent concerning the importance of holy fear if we are to grow in our life of prayer. They have a sense that it is a fearful thing to stand

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How are We Able to Hold Fast to Our Faith? He is Risen!

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! How are We Able to Hold Fast to Our Faith? He is Risen!   In the midst of our busy lives, it is easy to be overwhelmed and to feel overcome by difficult circumstance. For those who strive to pray, Christ risen from the dead allows us to taste this only

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Christ and the Confidence that Comes From the Holy Spirit

Christ and the Confidence that Comes from the Holy Spirit Christ baptizes in the power of the Holy Spirit and his fire animates the Christian life with hope.  The Holy Spirit who moved over the waters of creation, who overshadowed the Virgin Mary, who descended on Christ at his Baptism, who carried the Crucified’s last

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The Lord is Coming — Take Him to Your Heart

The Lord is Coming – Take Him to your Heart “Take Him to your heart… keep Him in you as in a sanctuary… live with Him in intimacy.”  This was advice offered to a new religious sister just beginning her life as a nun.  The beauty of this message only fully discloses itself when we

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