Join our online
Carmelite Reading Circle

Welcome to the “Carmelite Reading Circle,” a sanctuary for those seeking profound spiritual exploration and communal sharing of insights drawn from sacred texts. Rooted in the rich Carmelite tradition of contemplation, this reading club offers an immersive journey into the depths of spirituality, mysticism, and the human soul. Through a curated selection of texts from Carmelite mystics like St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and other luminaries, members embark on a transformative quest to understand the inner workings of the spiritual life.

Each session of the Carmelite Reading Circle is an opportunity for participants to delve into timeless writings, exploring themes of prayer, solitude, divine intimacy, and the transformative power of love. Facilitated discussions foster an environment of shared inquiry, inviting diverse perspectives and personal reflections that enrich the collective understanding of these profound spiritual teachings.

The Carmelite Reading Circle through the ancient practice of spiritual reading in common fosters a sense of community and support among its members. It serves as a space where individuals can share their spiritual journeys, struggles, and triumphs, finding solace and guidance in the collective wisdom of the group. Through this shared exploration of Carmelite spirituality, participants not only deepen their understanding of these timeless teachings but also cultivate a sense of connection, empathy, and spiritual growth.

Every year there are opportunities to join different reading circles. So watch out for books that interests you and join one of our reading circles. The Carmelite Reading Circle welcomes you to join in this transformative journey in the company of fellow pilgrims and friends.

Online Carmelite Reading Circle 2026:

The Triple Way to Transformation

Join the Carmelite Friars of Oxford and Dr. Susan Muto for a year-long journey into The Triple Way to Transformation — a contemplative path of purifying formation, illuminating reformation, and unifying transformation.

Together, we’ll explore how the Holy Spirit cleanses our hearts, enlightens our faith, and unites us more deeply with God and others, guided by the wisdom of St. John of the Cross in this centenary year of his being declared Doctor of the Church. Let the Spirit renew your heart.

Register now for this sacred journey of transformation …

DATES AND THEMES

PROGRAMME DETAILS

FACILITATOR

2026 Dates

January 27

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February 24

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March 31

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April 28

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May 26

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June 30

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July 28

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August 25

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September 29

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October 27

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November 24

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December 29 (conclusion)

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Topics: The Way of Purifying Formation

Purifying Illusions of Self-Sufficiency

Cleansing Our Interiority

Receiving Classical Wisdom from the Spiritual Masters

Entering into the Paschal Mystery

Trusting in the Providence of God

Following the Lead of Grace

Embracing the Cross

Approaching Scripture with Purity of Heart

Topics: The Way of Illuminating Reformation

Confirming Our Faith

Witnessing to Gospel Values

Being Guided by Divine Directives

Embodying the Peace and Joy of Jesus

Staying With Grace

Developing Dispositions of the Reformed Heart

Returning to the Depths of Silence

Praying Always

Topics: The Way of Unifying Transformation

Beseeching Christ to Heal Our Wounded World

Becoming Another Christ

Solitary Union With God as the Ground of Solidarity With Others

Transforming Encounters With the Sacred

Cultivating Hallmarks of a Transformed Heart

Integrating Contemplation and Action

Fostering the Fruits of Unifying Transformation

Living the Truths That Set Us Free

Upon registration you’ll receive an introductory email to the programme.

At the beginning of each month in the year 2026, we will read selected chapters from Susan’s book, titled, The Triple Way to Transformation. Accompanying the selected readings will be questions for reflection. You may want to respond to them, perhaps by dialoguing with them in a meditative reading journal, kept over the year. At the end of each month on the last Tuesdays and over Zoom at 7pm (UK time), we meet to share our thoughts on these readings and respond to further questions people may have.

All sessions will be recorded so no one misses anything.

Each session will be a time for reflection, friendship and prayer.

Pursuing the way of purifying formation, the way of illuminating reformation, and the way of unifying transformation, offers us an unprecedented opportunity for spiritual direction in common under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Because the 2026 Reading Circle will unfold in detail the three-fold path of purgation, illumination, and union, it will also offer us a way to honour the 2026 centenary of St. John of the Cross being declared a doctor of the Church.

Who better than St. John to purify our hearts from the illusion of self-sufficiency; to illumine our life of faith by returning us to the depths of ceaseless prayer in solitude; and to orient us to union with God as the ground of solidarity with and service to others.

To obtain your copy of The Triple Way to Transformation, please visit Carmelite Book Service here (UK / Europe) or Epiphany online bookstore here (US / North America)

Susan Muto, Ph. D., is executive director of the Epiphany Association and dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. She holds a doctorate in English literature from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Muto has been teaching the literature of ancient, medieval, and modern spirituality for over forty years.

Past readings …

If you wish to gain access to any of these readings, please email admin@carmelite.org.uk

Sayings of Light and Love

In this monthly online reflection series, Dr. Susan Muto and the Carmelite friars in Oxford will explore with you the precious jewels of insight and experience from The Sayings of Light and Love by St. John of the Cross. Over these twelve months, we will become companions on a faith journey, led by none other than the saint who wrote these Sayings, in his own hand. Each thread he weaves in this tapestry of truth illumines our union with God. Each merits our willingness to let their wisdom take root in our heart, all the while knowing, as our dear Master says, that without God we can do nothing. Let yourself be guided through out 2023 by the words and wisdom of Saint John of the Cross, the great master of the spiritual life.

Enter the Narrow Gate

On this journey we will draw for guidance upon Chapter 7 of the Rule of Saint Benedict in which he traces the twelve steps of humility. Each of them merits our awe-filled attention as we appraise their wisdom and allow it by the grace of God to take root in our heart. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bypass the road to perdition and follow Jesus to new life (Matthew 7:13-14). Let yourself be guided through 2024 by the classical Christian insights of Saint Benedict of Nursia and the guidance of your facilitators, Dr. Susan Muto author of Enter the Narrow Gate, and the Carmelite friars of Oxford. Together let us learn what it means to evade the seductive claims of the wide road and enter the way described by Jesus as the path to heaven. 

Transform Your Heart

Are you ready to deepen your faith and transform your heart? In 2025, the Carmelite Friars of Oxford, in collaboration with Dr. Susan Muto of Epiphany Institute of Formative Spirituality, invite you to embark on a life-changing spiritual journey through the Twelve Little Ways to Transform Your Heart, a book authored by Dr. Muto and inspired by the wisdom of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Over twelve months, starting in January 2025, this online reading circle will guide you through one “little way” each month, offering you an opportunity to grow closer to God, cultivate a grateful and trusting heart, and embrace simplicity and love in your daily life. Let yourself be guided through 2025 by the wisdom of Saint Thérèse.