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Spiritual Enrichment Lecture Series

Our inspirational online talks are designed to allow you to grow in your spirituality, from the safety and comfort of your own home. All courses will be streamed live and in many cases, you will have the opportunity to access the material after the talk. Participants will hear keynote speakers who will explore the practice of contemplative prayer and spiritual guidance in the Carmelite tradition.

These talks will be particularly suited to those who wish to know more about contemplative prayer or to deepen their experience of it. They will also be of great relevance to anyone whose ministry involves accompanying others in prayer and spiritual direction. We have lots of inspirational courses planned for this year so please check back regularly.

Praying in the Company of Mary

Starting 18th September 2021 In this online talk, we reflect on Mary’s place in the life of Christians (cf. John 19:26) with a view to responding to her inviting us to prayer (cf. Acts 1:14) and encouraging us to “ponder the Word” with her (Luke 2:19) and to be “obedient to the Word” (Luke 1:38; John...

Praying with Saint Paul

Starting 2nd October 2021 In this online talk, we learn about St Paul and his teachings on the importance of prayer life.

Distractions in Prayer

Starting 30th October 2021 In this online talk, we reflect on our struggles with prayer life and the fundamental question, however, is what meaning do distractions hold for our prayer and the spiritual journey as a whole?

Contemplative Reading: Lectio Divina

Starting 13th November 2021 In this online talk, we explore how to approach the scriptures in a prayerful way and allow the word of God to draw us deeper into the mystery of the Word among us.

Contemplative Vision: Praying with Art/Photography

Starting 27th November 2021 In this online talk, we will be invited to prayerful attentiveness to God’s presence in the ‘holy’ as well as in the ordinariness of our everyday lives – amidst the pots and pans as St Teresa puts it.

The Three Ways of the Spiritual Life and Prayer – The Fiery Nights

Starting 11th December 2021 In this online talk, we will be looking at St John of the Cross’ approach to the traditional concept of the three ways of the spiritual life - the purgative; the illuminative & the unitive, taking as a guiding image John’s use of the log in the fire.

The Living Flame of Love: Encountering the Mystery

Starting 21st December 2021 In this online talk, we will reflect on the works of St John of the Cross. His book, The Living Flame of Love, is both a hymn of praise to the Blessed Trinity, and a call to encounter God in life and prayer.

The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Prayer

Starting 8th January 2022 In this online talk, we will reflect on the Eucharist and its importance in Christian life.

Transformed by Prayer

Starting 22nd January 2022 In this online presentation, we will consider the purpose of prayer asking the important question: why pray? The spiritual disciplines and Carmelite values – silence, solitude, regularity, intentionality, availability – which support and nurture a life of prayer will be highlighted.