Cardinal Van Thuan of Vietnam didn’t always think of his physical and spiritual trials as blessings. Find out more about this holy man who was declared “Venerable” by Pope Francis yesterday.
Today, Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss how this life can feel like both a desert and an exile at times and how God gives us the strength to persevere through difficulty.
Dan Burke, Melissa Elson, and Dr. Lilles explore the meaning of the dark night of the soul and St. Therese of Lisieux’s experience transitioning to deeper union with God.
Listen in this week as the gang discusses St. Therese’s journey through the dark night of the soul and the intense suffering that it caused her.
Servant of God Archbishop Luis Martinez reflects on the virtue that may flourish after experiencing spiritual desolation.
Can the desert be a place of encounter with God? Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles reflect on the possibilities.
What might the dark night look like for a priest? For that matter, what might the dark night look like for anyone? Find out in this profoundly moving video “The Cross of Father DiAngelo” by Richard K. Carlton, on this memorial of St. John Vianney, patron of priests, confessors and pastors.
Curious about the difference between aridity and desolation in the life of prayer? Listen as Dan and Melissa discuss on this week’s episode.
What are the three signs of aridity that come from God and lead to initial contemplation? Find out when Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen teaches and reflects, an excerpt from the Carmelite meditation classic “Divine Intimacy”.
A comprehensive listing of SpiritualDirection.com posts, and their links, on aridity and dryness in prayer (and a few posts on the dark night that touch on aridity and dryness).
