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
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
3rd 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)