Preparation for Definitive Promise Year 1

The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

Preparation for Definitive Promise, Year 1

Goal: To understand St. Teresa’s model of the soul The Interior Castle

Needed:

1. The Interior Castle Study Edition. ICS Publications

2. I Consider the Labor Well Spent, Joel Giallanza, C.S.C. Edizione Carmelitane (Rome)

3. Study Guide: Questions for discussion for students and main points for teacher.

4. Handout- Regions of the Soul

Helpful: Distractions in Prayer: Blessing or Curse?:St. Teresa of Avila’s Teachings in The Interior Castle, Sr. Vilma Seelaus, OCD. ISBN: 0-8189-0985-4 Alba House, Pub. hard to find

Before each meeting read the assigned chapters and write answers for study guide. Keep a folder for your Study Guide and Reference papers.

Bring your folder/notebook and textbook to each meeting.

Discuss Study Guide Questions each month.

Supplement text Dwellings places with reading commentaries of corresponding Mansions in Labor Well Spent.

Aug Interior Castle, Introduction & Prologue; pp. 1-32 Castle Imagery

Sep Int. Castle, First Dwelling Places, Chap. 1 and 2, pp. 33-63

Characteristics of Dwelling Places

Diagram , Description of Dwelling Places. Vilma Seelaus OCD

Oct Int. Castle, Second Dwelling Places, Chap. 1, pp. 65-80

Int. Castle Overview of Dwelling Places.

Nov Int. Castle, Third Dwelling Places, Chap. 1-2, pp. 81-106

Dec Int. Castle, Fourth Dwelling Places, Chap. 1-3, pp. 107-158

Jan Int. Castle, Fifth Dwelling Places, Chap. 1-4, pp. 159-216

Regions of the Soul, Reid Wagner. handout

Feb Int. Castle, Sixth Dwelling Places, Chap 1-6, pp. 217-307

Mar Cont. Sixth Dwelling Places, Chap, 7-11, pp. 308-383

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 Int. Castle, Seventh Dwelling Places, Chap. 1-4, pp. 385-455

Jun TBA

Jul Ceremony.

Accepted Temporary Promised make Definitive Promise

“…It is that we consider our soul to be like a castle made entirely out of a diamond or of very clear crystal, in which there are many rooms…Insofar as I can understand that the door of entry to this castle is prayer and reflection.” (The First Dwelling Place, Chapter 1)