“So we see that the old tree, transplanted to new ground, maintained its growth. That growth was influenced, of course by new conditions but it survived the storms and winters of its new environment. By its inner vitality and the care of the Heavenly Gardener, it struck its roots deep into the new soil. At …
“She also knows the image of the Bridegroom knocking at the door of our souls and waiting for admission. Remarkable also is the stress laid on the necessity of practising the virtues as a preparation, accompaniment and fruit of mystical life. They have in common the image of flying before the wings are fledged. By …
“Thus does Hane explain the coming of the Lord into the soul. He exclaims with St. Paul: ‘Rejoice, the Lord is at hand.’ St. Teresa is in remarkable agreement with Hane in many of the images which he uses; so much so that it would seem as if Teresa were familiar with his works. Like …
“In the sixth degree, not only does the light shine in the soul, but the soul is wrapped in the light. In the midst of this effulgence, the soul, like a precious stone, is pierced through and through with the brightness of the light and reflects itself in it and this light beams forth from …
“In the fifth degree there is complete union of the soul with God. God takes the form of the soul and the soul takes the form of God and is transformed in God. The heavenly light penetrates the soul entirely and in this heavenly light it sees itself. Air in the light of the sun …
“In the fourth degree, God releases enormous energies in the soul and the natural faculties of the soul are elevated and become supernatural and deified. In the effulgence of its new light the soul becomes keenly aware of its own natural infirmities, but God draws it above itself and in the realization of its own …
“The first degree is the opening of the soul to God: “Open to me, my beloved,” says the Bridegroom in Solomon’s Canticle. The second degree is reached when God – and here is meant the Holy Trinity – draws the soul up to himself and comes to dwell therein. God is born in the soul. …
“One of the great figures on whom St. Simon relied for the building up of Carmel in the West is Henry de Hanna or Henry Hane, an Englishman. He was a man who achieved fame not only in England but also on the Continent. He was St. Simon’s great collaborator, and his influence was tremendous. …
“The lives of these Carmelite Saints are a proof that contemplative and active life can be successfully combined and can lead to sanctity. They show us that religious were not unmindful of what constitutes the great essential character of our life in Carmel. It is because of this life especially that so many have asked …
“For predominant figures in the history of Carmel in the West, I need only point to five great saints who summarize in themselves the Order’s life. Three are from the 13th century and two from the 14th. The great Saints Berthold, Brocard, and Cyril are deeply contemplative souls, as one would expect of those who …