Mondays with the Mystics

What might the Catholic mystical tradition have to say to our spirituality in today’s modern world? Join Br. Joel Giallanza, CSC, at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church on select Mondays in January through May, 2022, to explore the spirituality of Catholic mystics such as St. John of the Cross and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Full schedule of dates and topics can be found below. Come in person (sessions will be held in the main church) or stream online at home.

Dates and Topics

• Monday, January 10 - St. John of the Cross - Download Program
• Monday, February 7 - St. Francis de Sales
• Monday, March 7 - St. Thérèse of Lisieux
• Monday, April 4 - Blessed Basile Moreau
• Monday, May 9 - St. André Bessette

St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross was the closest collaborator with St. Teresa of Avila in developing the Order of the Discalced Carmelites in 16th-century Spain. Like her, he is a Doctor of the Church. In particular, he took responsibility for the Carmelite men’s community. Though he had many supporters, he also encountered much opposition and even persecution from within the community; still, he remained faithful. His spirituality is especially rich in its articulation of the many ways that God works in a person’s life and of the development of the spiritual life from beginning to end.

St. Francis de Sales

Seventeenth-century France was rich in the development of spirituality and Francis is among the principal contributors to that. The advantages of being born into a noble family provided him with a fine education and many opportunities for professional development. God guided him toward the priesthood and eventually he became a bishop. As a preacher and spiritual director he emphasized the importance and possibility of a spiritual life for all people, regardless of their status in society. With St. Jeanne de Chantal, he founded the Visitation Sisters to serve in a variety of ministries. St. Francis is a Doctor of the Church.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Born in 19th-century France into a prosperous family, St. Thérèse was pampered and spoiled and could even be difficult as a child. As a teenager, she experienced what she called her ‘Christmas conversion,’ after which she matured rapidly. She entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery to which two of her older sisters already belonged. In her writings and her spirituality, she highlighted the importance of attentiveness to little things and to events in everyday life as a means to holiness. Having died at 24 years old, St. Thérèse is the youngest Doctor of the Church; her parents, Louis and Zélie, are both canonized.

Blessed Basile Moreau

Basile Moreau, founder of the Family of Holy Cross – Brothers, Priests, and Sisters – lived in 19th-century France. He was born into a peasant family, the 9th of 14 children. His studies and the support of several people led him toward the priesthood. Father Moreau was particularly concerned about the condition of schools and parish services, which had been devastated by the Revolution. The development of the Family of Holy Cross – the religious and their colleagues – was in response to that situation. They provided quality education and parish life. Moreau’s spirituality emphasizes the priority of conformity to Jesus Christ and the constancy of God’s presence and activity among all people.

St. André Bessette

André (Alfred by birth) was born into a large rural family. His parents died before he was 12 years old and he was not provided with any extensive education. He entered the Brothers of Holy Cross in Montreal, Canada and was assigned to a variety of simple tasks. He took the name Brother André. Early in his religious life, his gift of healing became evident. His devotion to St Joseph and his persistence to be of help to others in need led to the development of the major shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, the Oratory, in Montreal. He would say, “Go to Joseph,” trusting that whatever is needed would be provided. He died in 1937.

Watch previous Mondays with the Mystics presentations on YouTube using the links below or the YouTube playlist below.

Introduction

What is a Catholic mystic? And how might their lives speak to us today, generations later? Watch the introductory session from Brother Joel using the link below, and then watch the presentation on each mystic.

Watch on YouTube | Download Program

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi was born into a wealthy family during turbulent times in 12th-century Italy. His involvement as a soldier in a local war and an extended illness led him to reconsider his direction in life. Encountering a leper set him on a trajectory that changed his life and deepened his relationship with God. Others who joined in his work for the church came to be known as Franciscans. St. Francis has much to teach us even today about imitating and following Jesus through every aspect of our life, by caring for our world and in discovering God everywhere.

Watch on YouTube | Download the Program.

St. Catherine of Siena

Born in 14th-century Italy into a prosperous family, St. Catherine of Siena’s life reflects almost nothing of what was expected of a woman at that time. She chose not to marry and could not read or write until later in life. Though she was not a religious, she lived in the spirit of the Dominicans. Her love for and commitment to the church led her to become involved in the most pressing political, social, and ecclesiastical issues of her time. She became an advisor to nobles and to the pope. St. Catherine’s spirituality still calls us to seek union with God at all costs.

Watch on YouTube | Download Program

St. Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa of Jesus (of Avila) lived during Spain’s “Golden Age,” the 16th century. Though raised in a wealthy family, she choose religious life as a Carmelite Sister, and was instrumental in the reform of that community. Her writings and correspondence are extensive and reflect a disciplined and graced search for union with God. Her teachings are foundational for understanding the church’s mystical tradition and are filled with wisdom for developing and sustaining a loving relationship with God. Her perspectives on the spiritual life have guided countless people over the centuries.

Watch on YouTube | Download Program

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul was born into a poor family and grew up in 17th-century France. He wanted the “good life” to make up for all he did not have growing up. His encounter with the poor altered the values in his life. Men and women who came to assist him gradually developed into two religious communities. Besides working with the poor, he advocated for the rights and freedom of slaves. He was known as an outstanding preacher and writer, and was renowned for his generosity. His commitment and service to the poor continue to inspire many people.

Watch on YouTube | Download program