Diploma in Spirituality (Carmelite Studies)

This module introduces students to the early history of the Carmelites, to explore the way in which the Carmelite charism was expressed in the Formula of Life given to the Carmelites by St. Albert, and to reflect on the way in which that Formula of Life was modified to become the Carmelite Rule. Its overall purpose is to outline the way in which these developments provide the foundations for the way in which the different branches of the Carmelite family (lay people, sisters, nuns and friars) share the one Carmelite charism and give expression to that charism in a wide variety of different contexts and circumstances.

This module introduces a major aspect of the Carmelite heritage, providing a confident grasp of the figures of Elijah and Mary in the Carmelite tradition along with a sense of its obscure origins and early development. The module delivers a heightened awareness of the importance of Carmelite writings before the 16th century reforms of St. Teresa of Avila as well as a knowledge of various ways in which Carmelite writers have looked on Mary and Elijah. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on texts of Carmelite saints and major authors and see the important developments about Mary and Elijah in the Carmelite Order after Vatican II.

This module brings the student on an historical journey dealing with Carmelite reform and renewal in the 16th century and its meaning for us today. Carmelite reform was not easily or quickly achieved. The single person from this period whose influence has been greatest has been St. Teresa of Avila and she has a central place in this module. The module will focus on St. Teresa, her reforming and founding intentions and how these developed. It also explores the sources of her ideas and her relationship to the culture of her time.

This module introduces one of the most important saints in Carmel, St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) a mystic and a doctor of the Church. By the end of the module students will have come to know this fascinating woman and been introduced to her major works. The module also considers 16th century Carmelite Reform from her perspective as well as her pedagogy and teaching on prayer. Students will be invited to consider her relevance as a spiritual teacher today.

This module on St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897), more popularly known as Thérèse of the Child Jesus or the Little Flower, offers a basic introduction to the life and spirituality of the youngest Doctor of the Church, one of the most popular saints and respected spiritual teachers of our time. This module introduces St. Thérèse personally as the great spiritual teacher that she is and glimpses the treasure of her spiritual wisdom. Students learn why she was named a Doctor of the Church and consider what makes her wisdom so relevant for the violent world of today.

This module introduces students to the life and spirituality of the World War II martyr, St. Titus Brandsma O.Carm (1881-1942), to explore the way in which Carmelite spirituality shaped his life and work, and to reflect on the significance of his martyrdom. The module covers the early life of St. Titus before he became a Carmelite, his early years as a Carmelite, his studies in Rome, and activities when he lived at Oss. It continues with his return to Holland until the Nazi invasion in 1940 and outlines the events leading up to the arrest of St. Titus, his time in prison, and the circumstances of his death. The final section of this module explores some of the significant aspects of the spirituality of St. Titus.

This module gives a general historical framework in which to understand the development of the Family of Carmel from its origins in the 13th century of hermits on Mount Carmel up to its present situation at the beginning of the 21st century. The module will enable students to understand how the Carmelite Family has evolved and developed, and hence to appreciate the values and heritage represented by its component parts. However, Carmel is not simply an organisation, but a family composed of individuals, past and present. We are all human and the members of the Family of Carmel are no different. Finally, there will be an opportunity to encounter – briefly – the writings and the teaching of some of the outstanding inspirational figures who have been members of the Carmelite Family.

This module focuses on the Carmelite charism and explores its riches in the light of the scriptures, especially the gospels. The Order of Carmel is deeply rooted in the Land of the Bible. As the name suggests, the Order originated on Mount Carmel itself – in the wadi ’Ain es Siah near the ‘Fountain of Elijah’; the first hermits of Carmel had come together just before the end of the 12th century and were given a rule by St. Albert, Patriarch of Jerusalem (1206-1214). So, it was here in the Holy Land that Carmelites learnt their first lessons in prayer. The module is designed for those who wish to understand, pray and live the scriptures in the spirit of Carmel.

This module is an introduction to the historical dispute about the origins and founders of the Carmelite Order. It traces the development of a 13th and 14th century tradition claiming that the Order began with the Old Testament prophet, Elijah, and continued through New Testament times and the first millennium of Christianity before receiving a Formula of Life from St. Albert of Jerusalem early in the second millennium. It also outlines the process by which the Order came to be recognised as having its true beginning in the early thirteenth century Formula of Life drawn up by St. Albert of Jerusalem and the gradual abandonment of the tradition claiming that the prophet Elijah was the founder of the Carmelites. These historical developments are interpreted in the light of the developments that have taken place in understanding the foundation of the different forms of Religious Life since Vatican II.

This module is an introduction to the origins, different forms, development, and history of female contemplative life in the Western Church. The development in the theological understanding of this form of Religious Life is indicated and an overview of the significance of enclosure in this way of life is suggested. The aims of this module are to sketch the history and development of the different forms of female Contemplative Religious Life in the Church (Monasticism; Canons Regular; Mendicants; Developments since the Council of Trent) and to outline an understanding of the developments concerning this form of consecrated life that have taken place since Vatican II.

This module is an introduction the Compiègne Martyrs who were sixteen French Carmelite nuns who died at the guillotine in 1794 having offered their lives for the Church and their country. Ten days after their death the reign of terror ended. In December 1902 Pope Leo XIII introduced their cause and in 1905 Pope Pius X promulgated them in 1906. The module explores the family origins and lives of the Martyrs before the French Revolution and includes a broad outline of the historical background to the French Revolution and its various stages which led to the arrest and martyrdom of the Carmelites.

This module is an introduction to some of the devotions, sacramentals, and popular piety found across the Carmelite Family from its origins to the present day. It outlines a contemporary, post-Conciliar approach to devotions in the light of renewed appreciation of popular piety. It covers the theology, development, and pastoral implications of ‘devotions’. Carmel’s devotion to major figures such as Elijah, Mary and other saints is also explored.

The overall aim of this module is to enable the learner to locate the history of the Carmelites since the Protestant Reformation within the broader perspective of the history of the Church and to cultivate the kind of historical consciousness that enables the history of the Carmelites to be interpreted in its proper historical context. It does this by focusing on the ecumenical councils of the Church after the Protestant Reformation, highlighting the historical context of each council, its teaching, and its impact, inviting the learner to recognise the organic development of Church teaching as a growing understanding that remains faithful to its original inspiration and expression and, on that basis, inviting the learner to recognise the history of the Carmelites as experiencing a similar kind of growth.