Spiritual Canticle by St. John of the Cross

Preparation for Temporary Promise-Year 2

Goal: To provide a strong foundation of Secular Carmelite daily life

To introduce St. John of the Cross.

Need: The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, (one volume) ICS

Publications, 1991 Edition. ISBN: 0-935216-14-6

Carmelite Studies VI, John of the Cross (handout)

Helpful:

The Impact of God: Soundings from St. John of the Cross, Iain Matthew, OCD. ISBN: 0-340- 61257-6. (ocds Library)

God Speaks in the Night: The Life, Times, and Teaching of St. John of the Cross. ISBN: 0-935216-16-2, ICS Pub. Co.

1. Before each meeting read the assigned chapters. Keep a notebook.

2. Write down answers for questions or discussion for each chapter.

3. Bring your notebook and textbook to each meeting.

Aug Study Guide, Unit I (Available in group)

John of the Cross General Introduction, Read: pgs. 9-38

John of the Cross: The Person, His Times, His Writings,

Michael Dodd, OCD. In Carmelite Studies VI

Sep Read poetry pp. 41-60

Read glossary of Terms, pp. 767-777

Oct Study Guide Spiritual Canticle Part 1

Spiritual Canticle Introduction, Prologue, Poem, Stanzas 1-3. pp. 461-493.

Major Prose Works, Carmelite Digest. handout

Nov Study Guide Spiritual Canticle Part 2

Stanzas 4-13, pp. 494-524

Dec Study Guide Spiritual Canticle Part 3

Stanzas 14-18, pp. 524-548

Jan Study Guide Spiritual Canticle Part 4

Stanzas 19-25, pp. 549-574

Feb Study Guide Spiritual Canticle Part 4

Stanzas 26-33, pgs. 574-604

Mar Study Guide Spiritual Canticle Part 6

Stanzas 34-40, pp. 605-630

All: Schedule interview with Council for

Formation Review for Admission to Temporary Promise.

2^nd Year Beginner:

At interview submit letter of Intention for Promise

Taking a Name in Carmel. handout

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

Self Evaluation for Candidates to Temporary Promise

May Who was St. John of the Cross? Lawrence Cunningham. America Magazine Jan 30, 2006. handout

Read Embodied Love in John of the Cross, Richard P. Hardy in Carmelite Studies VI

Jun TBA

Jul Ceremony. Accepted Novices make Temporary 3 Year Promise

“Who can describe in writing the understanding He gives to loving souls in whom he dwells? And who can express with words the experience He imparts to them? Who, finally, can explain the desires He gives them? Certainly, no one can! Not even they who receive these communications. As a result these persons let something of their experience overflow in figures, comparisons and similitudes, and from the abundance of their spirit put out secrets and mysteries rather than rational explanations.” (SC: Prologue 1)