CarmelCast
Religion & Spirituality
About
Our goal here is simply to talk about the spiritual life from a Carmelite perspective - something that we already do in the monastery on a regular basis. Through this podcast, we hope to open the conversation up for you to listen and join in. We’re by no means experts on these topics, but we believe that our Carmelite tradition and saints have a lot to offer to those seeking to grow closer to God.
Episodes
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Brown Scapular
This episode explores the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, covering its history, spirituality, and common questions. It also mentions a new book, "Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular."
- The Marian Roots of Carmel
This episode of CarmelCast explores the Marian roots of the Carmelite Order, discussing how the order looks to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Prophet Elijah as its spiritual sources. It examines Mary's central role in Carmel's foundations.
- The Silence of Christ's Passion
In this CarmelCast episode, the silence of Christ's Passion is discussed as a profound element that requires deep listening. The episode also references the 2026 Online Carmelite Retreat.
- The Cost of Mary’s Yes
This episode of CarmelCast discusses the costly nature of Mary's 'yes' to God, examining her obedience from Simeon's prophecy to Calvary. It explores why she accepted a path of suffering and what her fiat means for personal faith and sacri…
- You Can't Do This Alone
This episode of CarmelCast, titled "You Can't Do This Alone," discusses the concept of true freedom through living in union with the Father rather than through self-reliance. It explores the spiritual life and confronts the root of struggl…
- Why Lent Feels Like a Maze
This episode of CarmelCast explores why Lent can feel like a maze and its purpose as part of a greater spiritual transformation. It discusses the role of Lent in the divine life and draws insights from Mary.
- Lent Feels Worse? That Might Be a Good Sign
This episode of CarmelCast explores why the discomfort experienced during Lent might be a sign of deeper spiritual work, rather than failure. It discusses how Lenten resolutions can lead to a feeling of being worse, suggesting this indicat…
- If Jesus Won… Why Am I Still Suffering?
This episode of CarmelCast discusses why suffering remains even after Christ's victory, drawing insights from St. John of the Cross and the mystery of the Crucified Christ. It explores how the Cross transformed weakness through love, offer…
- Lent Isn’t About Your Plan
This CarmelCast episode discusses Lent not as a self-improvement program, but as a preparation for Baptism and an invitation to follow Christ. It explores themes of letting go of personal will and trusting God, drawing insights from St. Jo…
- Misconceptions about St. Thérèse
This episode of CarmelCast examines popular misconceptions surrounding St. Thérèse. It aims to present a more accurate representation of her life and message, moving beyond common clichés.
- Relics and Miracles of St. Thérèse
This CarmelCast episode discusses the miracles associated with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the significance of relics in Catholic tradition, and her continued impact. It highlights how her intercession led to healings, conversions, and answere…
- St. Thérèse's Suffering and Death
This episode of CarmelCast discusses the final years of St. Thérèse's life, focusing on her physical, psychological, and spiritual suffering. It explores how these trials became integral to her deepest faith and trust in God.
- St. Thérèse's Spiritual Brother
ICS Publications editor Amelia Castro-Mendoza discusses the life of Maurice Bellière, a seminarian who became a correspondent and protégé of St. Thérèse of Lisieux during the final year of her life.
- The Trial of Faith of St. Thérèse
This episode explores the trial of faith experienced by St. Thérèse during the last 18 months of her life and discusses the spiritual lessons her experience provides. It also mentions the ongoing tour of her relics in the United States.
- The Confidence of St. Thérèse
This episode of CarmelCast discusses the confidence of St. Thérèse and her "Little Way." It also mentions the visit of St. Thérèse's relics to the United States.
- St. Thérèse and the Jubilee of Hope
This episode of CarmelCast explores St. Thérèse's teachings on theological hope. It also mentions the ongoing U.S. tour of her relics.
- Carmelite Q&A
In this episode, the hosts answer audience questions regarding Carmelite spirituality and the Carmelite saints.
- The Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne
Fr. John Sullivan, O.C.D. discusses the history of the sixteen Discalced Carmelite nuns who were martyred during the French Revolution.
- How to Read Spiritual Autobiographies with St. Edith Stein
This episode of CarmelCast discusses the significance of spiritual autobiographies and explores what St. Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) reveals about reading this genre.
- Blessed Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus
In this episode of CarmelCast, guest Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani discusses the life and teachings of the Carmelite friar, Blessed Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus.
- Scrupulosity & St. Therese
Fr. Marc Foley, O.C.D., discusses the experience and teachings of St. Therese regarding scrupulosity in this episode of CarmelCast.
- The Soul with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. joins CarmelCast to discuss the nature of the human soul and ways to grow closer to God.
- Spiritual Healing and St. John of the Cross
In this episode of CarmelCast, Fr. Daniel Chowning, O.C.D. discusses the teachings of St. John of the Cross regarding spiritual healing and contemplation. The conversation draws on themes from Fr. Chowning's book, Healed by Love.
- He Is Risen — But What If Lent Felt Like a Failure?
This reflection explores the Paschal mystery and the significance of the Resurrection, offering a perspective on finding joy and faith even when personal Lenten goals feel unsuccessful. It draws on the examples of Peter, John, and Thérèse…
- Finding Comfort in the Crucifix during Holy Week
This episode reflects on the meaning of the crucifix during Holy Week. It explores finding comfort in the image of the Crucified Christ, drawing on the perspective of St. Thérèse of Lisieux to view it as a symbol of victorious love rather…
- Break Free From Envy
This episode of CarmelCast explores how St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s teachings on God’s infinite love can help overcome envy. Through her garden imagery, the episode examines finding peace in one's unique place and rejoicing in the gifts of ot…
- Why give yourself completely to God?
This episode explores the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her emphasis on trusting in God's mercy. It examines her Act of Offering to Merciful Love as a way to understand complete surrender and confidence in God's love.
- How St. Thérèse Found God in the Desert
This episode explores the Lenten season of conversion through the transformative experience of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. It discusses her Christmas night encounter in 1886 and how listeners can seek a similar renewal of faith and love in the…
- St. Thérèse & The Holy Face: Finding Jesus in Hidden Places
This episode of CarmelCast explores St. Thérèse of Lisieux's devotion to the Holy Face. It examines her trial of faith and how her spiritual insights guide believers to recognize Christ in both suffering and daily life.
- St. Thérèse on Temptation: A Hidden Blessing?
This episode explores the perspective of St. Thérèse of Lisieux on how temptation can serve as a tool for spiritual growth and a deeper union with God. Through Scripture and the saint's own writings, it examines embracing trials with trust…
- Lent with St. Thérèse of Lisieux: A Path to Die of Love
This episode of CarmelCast explores the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, focusing on her "Little Way" of confidence and radical love. It examines her journey toward union with God and her ongoing influence as a Doctor of th…
- Mary, Thérèse, and the Power of Scripture
Br. Vladimir Guadalupe, O.C.D. discusses how Mary and St. Thérèse lived lives centered on Scripture as a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. The episode highlights how their example can deepen one's prayer life during the fourth week of…
- The Meaning Behind St. Therese's "Everything is a grace"
Br. Isaiah of the Holy Face, O.C.D. explores St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s teaching that everything is a grace. The episode focuses on her Little Way, Eucharistic spirituality, and finding hope during the Advent season.
- How St. Thérèse Found Strength in Her Littleness
Br. John-Magdalene, O.C.D. discusses how St. Thérèse of Lisieux found strength through humility and trust in God's love. This reflection, intended for the second week of Advent, explores her "little bird" metaphor to illustrate reliance on…
- St. Thérèse's Spiritual Childhood: Who's First?
This episode of CarmelCast explores St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus's concept of spiritual childhood and its foundation in Christ's relationship with the Father. Br. Nathanael of Jesus, O.C.D. discusses how this model informs contemplative…
- St. Teresa of Avila—Episode 7: Spiritual Writer
In this episode of CarmelCast, the hosts discuss the legacy of St. Teresa of Avila, focusing on her spiritual writings.
- St. Teresa of Avila—Episode 6: The Foundations
In this episode of CarmelCast, Fr. Celedonio Martinez, OCD joins the hosts to discuss the life and work of St. Teresa of Avila, focusing on her experiences founding monasteries throughout Spain.
- St. Teresa of Avila—Episode 5: The Beginnings of the Discalced Carmelites
In this episode of CarmelCast, Fr. Steven Payne discusses the foundations of the first Discalced Carmelite nuns and friars with a focus on the life of St. Teresa of Avila. This is the fifth episode in a series dedicated to the life of the…
- St. Teresa of Avila—Episode 4: Mystical Experiences and Spiritual Direction
In this episode of CarmelCast, Fr. Mark O'Keefe, OSB joins the program to explore the role of mystical experiences and spiritual direction in the life of St. Teresa of Avila.
- St. Teresa of Avila—Episode 3: Conversion
Fr. Daniel Chowning, OCD joins CarmelCast to discuss the role and importance of conversion in the life of St. Teresa of Avila. This episode is the third installment in a series exploring the life of the saint and founder of the Discalced C…
- St. Teresa of Avila—Episode 2: The Internal Struggle
Fr. Marc Foley, OCD joins CarmelCast to discuss how St. Teresa of Avila navigated 18 years of physical illness, worldly attachments, and challenges in her prayer life.
- St. Teresa of Avila—Episode 1: The Early Years
In this episode of CarmelCast, the life and background of St. Teresa of Avila are discussed, focusing on her childhood and her initial vocation to the Carmelite order.
- The Intimate Sharing of Friends: Saint Teresa of Ávila on Prayer
Fr. Mark O'Keefe discusses his new book, The Intimate Sharing of Friends: Saint Teresa of Ávila on Prayer. The episode explores the themes of Saint Teresa and prayer.
- Prayer as Transformation of Life
In this episode of CarmelCast, Fr. Daniel Chowning, O.C.D. discusses the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila on prayer as a means of transforming one's entire life rather than just a chapel-based practice.
- The Prayer of Loving Attention
This episode explores St. John of the Cross's definition of contemplation as an inflow of God into the soul. The discussion focuses on how individuals can respond to this invitation to contemplative prayer.
- The Beginnings of Contemplative Prayer
Fr. Mark O'Keefe, OSB discusses Saint Teresa of Avila’s teachings on prayer, with a focus on the beginnings of more passive forms of contemplative prayer. The episode also highlights the release of his new book, The Intimate Sharing of Fri…
- The Prayer of Recollection
In this episode of CarmelCast, Fr. Michael Berry, OCD explores St. Teresa of Avila’s teachings on the Prayer of Recollection to help listeners grow closer to Jesus during prayer.
- Difficulties in Prayer with St. Thérèse
Fr. Marc Foley, OCD discusses how St. Thérèse can help individuals navigate struggles in prayer, such as distractions, drowsiness, and dryness. The episode explores approaches to these common difficulties.
- The Practice of the Presence of God
In this episode of CarmelCast, Fr. Steven Payne, OCD, discusses the practice of remaining in God’s presence, drawing from the spiritual teachings of Br. Lawrence of the Resurrection. This conversation is part of a series focused on prayer…
- The Foundational Virtues of Prayer
In this episode of CarmelCast, the hosts discuss the definition of prayer and the fundamental virtues required for spiritual growth, in light of Pope Francis dedicating 2024 as a year of prayer.