Certificate 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 focuses 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.