Preparation for Definitive Promise Year 2

The Ascent of Mount Carmel by St. John of the Cross

Goal: To understand St. John of the Cross’ concept of the Soul’s Purification and Spiritual Journey culminating in the Living Flame of Love

Need: The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, ICS Pub. 1991 Edition., ISBN 0-935216-14-6 paper, 0-935216-15-4 hardback

The Ascent of Mount Carmel: Reflections , Marc Foley, OCD, ISBN: 978-1-939272-11-9

Free to Love: Negation in the Doctrine of John of the Cross, Daniel Chowning, OCD. ICS Pub. CD: 102-U; In Carmelite Studies VI, ICS (out of print: available in group)

Commentary on Ascent by Fr. Steven Payne for teacher or email attachment. Handout

Aug General Introduction, pp. 9-38 (Biographical Sketch, Chronology, The Writings, and Drawing of Christ Crucified

Sep Introduction to The Ascent of Mt. Carmel. pp. 101-118

The Sketch of the Mount, The Treatise, Book One, Books Two and Three, and Prologue

1979 Edition on Introduction to Ascent, pp. 43-54. Handout

Oct Book 1, Sensory Part (Active), Chapters 1-8, pp. 118-137

Nov Chapters 9-15, pp. 137-153

Dec Book 2, Spiritual Part, deals with active purification of intellect through pure faith (the first theological virtue). Chapters 1-10, pp. 154-179

Jan Chapters 11-21, pp. 179-229

Feb Chapters 22-32, pp. 229-266

Mar Book 3, Spiritual Part, deals with Memory and Will

Active purification of memory through hope (the second theological virtue).

Chapters 1-15, pp. 267-291

All: Schedule interview with Council for

Formation Review for Admission to Definitive Promise

3^rd Year Temporary Promised: at interview submit Letter of Intention for Definitive Promise

Apr Review Constitutions, Section II: Beatitudes, Promises, as you prepare to make or renew your Promise in May.

Self Evaluation for Candidates to Definitive Promise

May Active purification of will through charity,

(the third theological virtue). Chapters 16-38, pp. 291-337

Jun Purification of Will, continued. Chapters 39-45, pp. 339-349

Jul Ceremony.

Accepted Temporary Promised make Final Promise

“It was a sheer grace to be placed by God in this night that occasioned so much good.” (Ascent, Book 1, 1:5)

“God sustains every soul and dwells in it substantially, even though it may be that of the greatest sinner in the world. This union between God and creatures always exists.” (Ascent, Book II, 5:3)