Catholic spirituality

Spiritual Surgeons— Clean Out the Wounds of Your Soul with Teresa of Avila

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Saint Teresa of Avila

Editor’s Note: Article originally published in 2017.

Does Your Soul Need a Deep Clean?

My wife and I completed an intense bout of pre-spring cleaning (it was a mere 2 days before the official start of spring J) this past weekend. That coupled with a reference to avoiding desolation and clearing our soul from the “dustiness” of a dry spiritual life during my weekly parish men’s group influenced the title of this post and inspired me to write today.

I am a neat freak. In fact, one of the major three tenets my blog is based on is organization. I am passionate about decluttering, sorting, and cleaning dusty crevices in my house. Yet, when it comes to the spiritual life, why do I occasionally lack the same fervor that I have cleaning my physical house?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 797,

“What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the Body of Christ, which is the Church.”243 “To this Spirit of Christ, as an invisible principle, is to be ascribed the fact that all the parts of the body are joined one with the other and with their exalted head; for the whole Spirit of Christ is in the head, the whole Spirit is in the body, and the whole Spirit is in each of the members.”244 The Holy Spirit makes the Church “the temple of the living God”.

The Cleansing Power of the Holy Spirit

This imagery of the Holy Spirt being housed in the church is not new. St. Paul clearly states this in 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:16 to name just a couple verses. However, it was through the intercession of St. Teresa of Avila’s writing that I especially encountered this truth recently.

She begins her greatest work, Interior Castle, with the following divinely inspired words, “ I thought of the soul as resembling a castle, formed of a single diamond or a very transparent crystal and containing many rooms, just as in heaven there are many mansions.”

Teresa’s description of the soul is easy for me to understand yet at the same time illustrates the complexity of our human condition.

Throughout the Interior Castle the doctor of the Church takes readers on a spiritual journey by examining how in navigating through the castle of our soul we are able to grow in closer union with God.

Saint Teresa of Avila Pray for Us

Without a thorough examination of oneself and spiritual guidance we are not able to recognize the graces God grants us daily and gives ways for us to clear out the “dustiness” of our soul. Just like how my home needs frequent seasonal cleanings, the Church in Her wisdom has seasonal cleanings as well for us to grow in holiness.

My goal is to take a few minutes each week to reflect on St. Teresa of Avila’s words in Interior Castle. I hope you all prayerfully consider to join me in this journey and cleanse your own soul of the “dustiness” of sin and temptation.

spiritual surgeons

Related Links

Spiritual Surgeons—Saint Catherine of Siena

Spiritual Surgeons— Saint Isidore of Seville

Doctors of the Catholic Church: Definition and Complete List

Spiritual Surgeons— Alphonsus Liguori

Spiritual Surgeons—St. Lawrence of Brindisi

 

 

Thank you for sharing!

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 153

/ chicoinematt

Hope you had a blessed Sunday! 🙏

Time for another Catholic Meme Monday.

🐋🐟🙏😅
😅😅😅
Inspired by listening to Fr. Mike’s commentary of Jeremiah 2:26 in the BIAY podcast. 🙂😅🙏
P.S. Phineas and Ferb is an awesome show! 🦆🦫🕵️‍♂️
🤼‍♂️🪽😅
Accurate!
😅😅😅
Amen! 🙏
Saint Lawrence pray for us! 🔥🙏😅
🙏🙏🙏
Since he is the patron saint of comedians I feel like Saint Lawrence would approve of this meme. 😅🔥
Happy Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary!
Amen!! 🙏🙂
😅😅😅
Congrats to one of my IG followers @landon_h.o.scale on winning this week’s edition of “Catholic Caption This Meme Template”.
🏃‍♂️🙂🙏

That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.

P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.

Thank you for sharing!

Reflections on the National Eucharistic Congress: Faith, Healing, and Revival

/ chicoinematt

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Over 50k Catholics were in attendance across the United States. Eucharistic Adoration, daily Mass and a line-up of speakers headed by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Bishop Robert Barron were the highlights (but to be honest the entire week was a highlight).

The experience was truly transformative, filled with moments of profound joy and palpable movements of the Holy Spirit. As I reflect on those days, I’d like to share some of the most impactful insights I gained.

The Joy of Christian Community

One of the first things that struck me was the overwhelming sense of joy that permeated the entire event. As I sat in the conference hall during supper, I couldn’t help but notice the many small groups of two or three people scattered throughout the room. In those moments, I felt certain that Jesus was present among them, fulfilling His promise: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

A Powerful Encounter

While waiting in line for the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit (a popular attraction with over an hour and a half wait), I had a life-changing encounter. I met Emilio, a gentleman from California, whose story deeply moved me. Emilio shared how he had been involved in gang activity from a young age and had even taken a life at 22, resulting in a life sentence. Eventually, a combination of legal changes and Emilio’s profound spiritual transformation led to his release.

Emilio and I waiting in line to see the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit.

His journey of repentance and renewal in prison led him to give his life to Jesus. Emilio’s wife, who accompanied him, emphasized that she felt the Eucharistic Congress was specifically for him. This reminded me that while we were blessed to attend, the Eucharistic Revival is for all baptized Catholics – we are all called to share the Gospel and live sacramentally.

The Power of Jesus’ Name

Another powerful realization came during Dr. Mary Healy’s talk on healing and prayer. The healing service she conducted with Fr. Mathias Thelen felt biblical in its intensity, reminiscent of Jesus’ own ministry. During this service, I experienced firsthand the power of prayer and the name of Jesus.

Jesus is Lord. 🍞🍷✝️🙏

Despite initial doubts about whether my relatively minor headache was worthy of divine intervention, I prayed, “Lord, help my unbelief” – echoing the father in Mark 9:24. To my amazement, as the service concluded, I realized my headache had disappeared. This experience reinforced the truth that Jesus has the power to heal us physically, mentally, and spiritually – just as He did in biblical times. Jesus is the Divine Physician and He desires to heal all our wounds.

The Importance of Repentance

A recurring theme throughout the Congress was the significance of repentance. According to Fr. Mike Schmitz, “If this is going to be a revival, if it’s going to be a real revival, here’s the reality. In the history of Christianity, you can never have a revival without repentance.”

To fully receive the graces available in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we must approach it with hearts open to God’s mercy. But this mercy is not forced upon us. We have to repent of our sins. The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way, “Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (CCC 1427).

This emphasis on repentance serves as a powerful reminder of our continual need for God’s mercy and our call to ongoing conversion.

Go Forth and Preach the Gospel

The National Eucharistic Congress was a profound reminder of the living presence of Christ in our midst, particularly in the Eucharist. It reinforced the power of community, the importance of personal testimony, the reality of divine healing, and the necessity of repentance in our spiritual lives.

As we move forward in this Eucharistic Revival, may we all be renewed in our commitment to Christ, open to His healing power, and ready to share His love with the world. The revival is not just for those who attended the Congress – it’s for every baptized Catholic. We are all called to live out our faith in a sacramental way, drawing strength from the Eucharist and sharing the Good News with those around us. I will see you all in the Eucharist!

Share Your Eucharistic Encounter

These testimonials offer just a glimpse of the countless ways Jesus touched hearts during the Congress. If you attended the National Eucharistic Congress, I invite you to continue this chain of witness:

Take a moment to reflect on your experience. How did you encounter Jesus during the Congress? What moment stands out as particularly meaningful or transformative?

I encourage you to write a short paragraph (100-200 words) sharing your personal encounter with Jesus at the Congress. You might consider:

  1. A specific event or talk that moved you
  2. A moment of prayer or adoration that was especially powerful
  3. An unexpected encounter or conversation that touched your heart
  4. How the Congress has changed your perspective on the Eucharist
Thank you for sharing!

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 150

/ chicoinematt

Hope you had a blessed Sunday! 🙏

Time for another Catholic Meme Monday. Today we will have a mega-sized issue to celebrate the big 1-5-0 and the National Eucharistic Congress that ended yesterday. 🍞🍷☀️✝️

We are called to be Eucharistic Missionary Disciples. 🙏🍞🍷☀️
The Church is our guide, protector, and our help. 🙏
😄😄😄
Jesus is the Light of the World. ☀️🙏
“Film Jesus” believes in the Real Presence. 🙏
Way too accurate. 😄😀🙏
Amen! 🙏
This will be how I sign off on most emails. ✉️ 🍞🍷
Listen to your mom! 😀😄🙏
It was a great joy to be at the National Eucharistic Congress. So much prayer and adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ. 🙏
Not a meme but couldn’t help but share my encounter with Lego Priest! 😀
😄😄😄
This happens to me all the time during baseball season. 😀🙏⚾
Saint Teresa of Avila is a good driver to holiness. 😄
My eyes leaked joy often this past week. 🙏
My bank account is in need of a miracle! 😄
Guilty of this! 😄🤦‍♂️
😄😄😄
Gotta end on a Eucharistic meme! 😀😄🙏

That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.

P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.

I will see you in the Eucharist! 🍞🍷🙏✝️

Thank you for sharing!

How the Sweetness of Our Lady of Mount Caramel Increases Your Spiritual Life

/ chicoinematt

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on July 15, 2022.

Incredible saints have come from the Carmelite religious order: Saints John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Therese of Lisieux represent this Catholic spirituality. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Spiritual Mother of the Carmelites.

The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16th. During the late 14th century, St. Simon Stock received a vision of Mary who advised him to wear a scapular as a sign of her protection.

Before I go further, I have to clarify something to avoid getting a ticket from the grammar police. I am aware I misspelled Carmel in the title (who hasn’t said caramel in place of carmel 😊 at least once?). I did not know much about the Brown Scapular (or any for that matter—there is blue, green, and white too!) until a few years ago. This Catholic devotion provides a sweet win over sin. However, God planted many hints of this devotion in my childhood.

Before my son’s First Communion earlier this summer, we showed him some sacramentals I received for my First Communion and on the top right of the felt-laden box was a brown scapular. My mother also made it a point to frequent the local Carmelite monastery when Mass was open to the public.

Sacramental, Not Magic

The Brown Scapular is not a talisman—it does not bestow magical protection for the wearer. According to the Catholic of the Catholic Church paragraph 1677, “Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare men (and women) to receive the fruit of the sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life.”

Brown Scapular

While Mary promised protection (and salvation) to all wearing the Brown Scapular upon death, the sacramental is a sign pointing at sacramental living. I had a priest bless my Brown Scapular. It is suggested you make a consecration to Mary as well.

Initially, Marian consecration seemed excessive (I already pray the Rosary). But the more I petition Our Spiritual Mother for guidance the closer I am to Her Son. St. Louis de Montfort wrote, “We never give more honor to Jesus than when we honor his Mother, and we honor her simply and solely to honor him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek—Jesus, her Son.”

We Give Titles to People We Honor

I have learned that the more a person learns about a subject or person there exists a direct correlation in an increased amount of titles or synonyms to describe them. For example, I had a lot of nicknames as an infant and toddler because of my parent’s love toward me. I have inherited that same knack to create multiple monikers for my children as well.

Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Within the Catholic Church, our honor toward Mary, the Mother of God, lends itself to a burgeoning of titles to reference her too. She has over 2,000 titles! Her title Our Lady of Mount Carmel reminds us that closeness to Mary is closeness to Jesus. Mary’s promised Simon Stock, “Whosoever dies in this garment shall not suffer eternal fire.” Again, the Brown Scapular is not a lucky charm or talisman. Instead, it is an outward sign of an interior lifestyle. The principles of Carmelite spirituality include:

  • Frequent participation in the Mass and reception of the Eucharist
  • Frequent reading of and reflections on the Word of God in Sacred Scripture
  • The regular praying of at least part of the Liturgy of the Hours
  • Imitation of and devotion to Mary, the woman of faith who hears the Word of God and puts it into practice
  • The practice of the virtues, notably charity, chastity (accordion to one’s state of life), and obedience to the will of God.

 Mount Carmel—A Place of Sweet Victory

Another interesting fact about the Carmelites is Mount Carmel is the same mountain where the Old Testament prophet Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Ba’al. Elijah lived during a time when Israel succumbed to idol worship. His complete trust in God allowed him to be an instrument for God’s power and majesty (1 Kings 18: 20-39).

Our Lady of Mount Carmel testifies to the power of God in an even better way than Elijah. Mary’s total obedience to God the Father’s will led the birth of Jesus Christ—our savior. The Blessed Mother of God leads us to the Son. You will battle sin all your life. Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel protects us and leads us to victory (through trusting in Jesus) over sin.

Related Links

History of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Priceless Treasure of Carmelite Spirituality

Information about the Brown Scapular

Thank you for sharing!

What God Taught Me in 2014 to Prepare for My Current Suffering

/ chicoinematt / 2 Comments

Life was a maelstrom for my family in 2014….

and it’s trending that way in 2024.

Ten years ago my family dealt with my son getting abused at daycare, a miscarriage, and the first of four ear surgeries for our daughter.

This year opened with my wife hurting her knee and ankle. 

Then my daughter had to go to the ER a couple times in addition to a hospital stay for GI issues.

And on top of it she has her fourth ear surgery in February.

Our vehicle had to be repaired while we had these medical issues going on.

But 2014 prepared me for a year like 2024.

It taught me that God is with you even if you don’t feel His Presence.

All things work for the good. Yes, even the horrific and confusing suffering you endure.

I started my freelance writing journey 10 years ago as a means to deal with the grief of losing my unborn child.

Mettle. Persistence. Call it what you will.

God gave me fortitude to continue when I wanted to give up all hope.

He has opened up so many doors with my writing work.

God is good all the time.

And that’s it’s okay to laugh and be joyful in the midst of struggle.

I wish I knew this fully in 2014.

I know this now in 2024 and if you are struggling with doubt, grief, suffering in your faith life please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Share your intentions in the comments section or email me at chicoine.matt@live.com how I may pray for you. 🙏

Thank you for sharing!

A 437 Word Interview with Father Richard Libby

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Father Richard Libby via phone call on August 23rd, 2023. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any  integrity of the answers given.

Father Richard Libby

Today’s topic is sacramentals and Catholic saints and devotions attached to them. I had the pleasure of interviewing Father Richard Libby about his experience with sacramentals and how they impacted his spiritual life.

Thank you for meeting with me again Father Libby. 🙂

Happy to talk with you Matthew!

What’s a sacramental?

An object that leads us to greater devotion. Items like the Rosary, the scapular, and the medal. They are intended to stir up our devotion.

Has your mindset towards sacramentals change much since you were ordained a priest?

There wasn’t much of a change in my attitude over the sacramentals since becoming a priest. But I have seen more and more how sacramentals are instruments to help us our journey. I have developed a new appreciation.

What sacramentals have you used during your priesthood most often?

The Rosary and the Brown Scapular. I’m also developing a greater appreciation of the Saint Benedict Medal and the Holy Face Medal.

Holy water is a sacramental and some people don’t see it as a sacramental. I like to do the rite of sprinkling once a month at my parish. I enjoy having it in the Epiphany Blessing. Holy Water is recommended in blessings such as the investiture of the Brown Scapular.

Describe a bit of your spirituality.

I was a devotee of the Brown Scapular. Since becoming a priest, I have have the opportunity to visit a Carmelite hermitage and developed friendships with them.

Which Catholic saint has had the biggest impact on your spiritual life?

The Blessed Virgin Mary and Her Rosary. I try to make it a point to pray it daily. While it’s not a required devotion, it’s such a part of our life it’s hard to imagine a Catholic without a rosary.

The three popes (John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis) I know the best in my lifetime have had a notable devotion to Mary.

John Paul II had a year of the Rosary during his pontificate. JPII wrote a document on the Rosary. He was influenced by Saint Louis de Montfort. Perhaps there is no more noteworthy child of Mary, in recent history, than John Paul II.

Benedict XVI’s devotion was a bit more reserved than JPII’s. However, he did dedicate his Pontificate to Mary, so there’s no question the Blessed Virgin Mary was influential on his papacy.

Pope Francis goes to the Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome anytime he goes on a major trip.

Any last words of advice, for new Catholic converts in terms of beginning or learning about a sacramental and devotion.

Meet with your parish priest and ask them for guidance. They should be able to connect you with resources about sacramentals.

Thank you for your time, Father Richard! It was great chatting with you. 

You’re welcome! Great talking with you too.

About Father Richard Libby:

Father Richard Libby is a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, where he serves as pastor of St. Helena Parish and as the chancellor of the diocese.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, writing poems and short stories, and birdwatching.

Thank you for sharing!