What Catholic spirituality attracts and inspires you?

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Sister_Helena

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Spirituality is an age-old concept in the Catholic Church. Simply put, it means an attraction to a particular way of living your spiritual life or your relationship with God, which affects your attitudes and way of thinking. Some people get their inspiration from a particular Saint, taking the saint’s example and virtues, as a way to live their lives. God gave us canonized Saints to highlight their virtues for the faithful’s imitation. Some spirituality are inspired by a religious Order’s spirit and charism. What about you?
 
I just realized that this thread really should have been posted under Spirituality. If someone transfers it there, it 'll be okay with me!
 
I used to be attracted solely to the Carmelites, but after discerning with them and finding that my vocation was elsewhere, I started to notice that I am more attracted to the Franciscans. I visited the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal and I felt like I understood them more than I ever understood St. Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross. The greats of Carmel confused me because their mysticism was so far beyond my range of knowledge or understanding. St. Francis, however, is very simple and uncomplicated. When I explained this to the Vocation Director of the CFRs, she understood what I meant and said that was a very good sign that I might be called to the Franciscan spirituality. 👍

However, I am investigating the Dominican spirituality as well. I am really drawn to the order of preachers (O.P.) and their emphasis on study and preaching. They are a very Marian order (being that St. Dominic received the rosary from Our Lady).

I am hoping to visit a Dominican convent or monastery next to compare my experiences and see if I am more attracted to the Franciscans or Dominicans. Since I am unsure at this point, I just say I am Marian.
 
Hi Sister Helena,

Nice to see you again!

I’m attracted to Dominican spirituality, with its focus on learning and studying. For me, reading about an enormous or even infinite concept that makes me freeze with wonder is what most enhances my love for God. I l enjoy reading the great mystics on contemplation, but speaking personally, would rather worship God with my brain whirring into overdrive, trying to understand something beautiful which I can only touch the edges of.

I’d be interested to read other people’s responses: it’s a good question, Sister!
 
DaughterOfMary6 said:
I used to be attracted solely to the Carmelites, but after discerning with them and finding that my vocation was elsewhere, I started to notice that I am more attracted to the Franciscans. I visited the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal and I felt like I understood them more than I ever understood St. Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross. The greats of Carmel confused me because their mysticism was so far beyond my range of knowledge or understanding. St. Francis, however, is very simple and uncomplicated. When I explained this to the Vocation Director of the CFRs, she understood what I meant and said that was a very good sign that I might be called to the Franciscan spirituality. 👍

However, I am investigating the Dominican spirituality as well. I am really drawn to the order of preachers (O.P.) and their emphasis on study and preaching. They are a very Marian order (being that St. Dominic received the rosary from Our Lady).

I am hoping to visit a Dominican convent or monastery next to compare my experiences and see if I am more attracted to the Franciscans or Dominicans. Since I am unsure at this point, I just say I am Marian.
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Carmel is not all about Teresa and John. Carmel is primarily Mary and retain its deep Marian spirituality. It is also inspired by the prophet St. Elijah. From these two figures come the imprint of Prayer as the hallmark of Carmel. And from the notion of Prayer comes the two Masters of Prayer- Teresa and John- whose works in contemplative prayer are presented to us by the Church as solid doctrine and guide in spiritual life. But I agree that their reputations of soaring mysticism frighten and discourage many people.
St. Therese is a wonderful saint of Carmel because she puts together the ideals of Carmel into one attractive and down-to-earth way of approaching God. That is why people love her so.
 
Sister_Helena said:
Carmel is not all about Teresa and John. Carmel is primarily Mary and retain its deep Marian spirituality. It is also inspired by the prophet St. Elijah. From these two figures come the imprint of Prayer as the hallmark of Carmel. And from the notion of Prayer comes the two Masters of Prayer- Teresa and John- whose works in contemplative prayer are presented to us by the Church as solid doctrine and guide in spiritual life. But I agree that their reputations of soaring mysticism frighten and discourage many people.
St. Therese is a wonderful saint of Carmel because she puts together the ideals of Carmel into one attractive and down-to-earth way of approaching God. That is why people love her so.
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St. Therese is easily decipherable. She is one of my favorite saints. I also like St. Teresa of the Andes, but even she (like St. Teresa of Avila and St. John) can be a little bit confusing.

I am still open to the Holy Spirit leading me back to the Carmelites, but that hasn’t happened yet. 😉
 
Sister_Helena said:
Carmel is not all about Teresa and John. Carmel is primarily Mary and retain its deep Marian spirituality.
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:yup: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was one of, if not the first, apparitions of Mary I read about when starting to learn about the Catholic faith. I learned about the Brown Scapular, and the Rosary, too. I’ve been a Carmelite at heart ever since! (funny since my mom always says I look good in brown - carmelite color) I think Mary definately had a hand in my conversion. 👍
 
I’m very much a Dominican spirituality which is fitting because I’m about 99.999% sure that I’m going to enter the Dominicans. I’m also very much attracted to the Franciscan life, praticularly the view of being wed to lady poverty.

JMJ+
~Betsy

Totus tuus Maria!
 
The Passionists.

There is no greater love shown to sinful man than Christ Crucified. St. Paul Of The Cross, the founder of the Passionists, saw the Passion as being the most overwhelming sign of God’s love for us, and at the same time our best means for union with Him. May the Lord continue to bless this wonderful congregation and may we continue to keep the Passion of Christ in our hearts and on our minds…
 
I want to become a hermit.

Still investigating and have much to deal with before it can happen,
but am definately working toward it. 👍
 
I’m attracted to the Passionists because of their singular devotion to the Passion of Our Lord.

I’m also attracted to the Redemptorists (pre-Vatican II) because of their devotion to Jesus and Mary, as well as their strong preaching on the Last Things.
 
Confiteor75 said:
I’m attracted to the Passionists because of their singular devotion to the Passion of Our Lord.

I’m also attracted to the Redemptorists (pre-Vatican II) because of their devotion to Jesus and Mary, as well as their strong preaching on the Last Things.
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Would you be so kind as to expand on the part which I have emboldened.
 
Cowfold said:
Would you be so kind as to expand on the part which I have emboldened.
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I’m inspired by the Redemptorists who maintain the traditional habit, liturgy, and doctrine, rather than by those who go about in civvies and indulge in liberal doctrine. I’m especially inspired by the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, who are loyal to the Pope.while maintaining the traditional Redemptorist charism. Hope that answers the question.
 
Confiteor75 said:
I’m inspired by the Redemptorists who maintain the traditional habit, liturgy, and doctrine, rather than by those who go about in civvies and indulge in liberal doctrine. I’m especially inspired by the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, who are loyal to the Pope.while maintaining the traditional Redemptorist charism. Hope that answers the question.
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Thanks for that and all understood.
The reason for my asking is that in some areas much blame is ‘heaped’ upon the ‘dumbing down’ following VII. Take for example the recent best seller ‘An Infinitely of Little Hours’ by Nancy Kline Maguire.In the book the author claimed that the emphasis placed on austerity and severity of training of Carthusian Novices is somewhat less following VII. This is not at all true. Stat crux dum volvitur orbis is as good today as it has always been.
 
Can a person be attracted and inspired by more than one order or Saint? Curious that’s all. 🤷
 
goforgoal said:
Can a person be attracted and inspired by more than one order or Saint? Curious that’s all. 🤷
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Oh, yes! I am inspired by so many! 😉

Orders that I love:

Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites

Saints that inspire me:

St. Paul (my patron for 2010), St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Dominic, St. Catherine, St. Therese, and St. Teresa of the Andes

I am trying to figure out if I am called to the Dominicans or Franciscans or another order that doesn’t have a specific spirituality (like the Little Sisters of the Poor). I am VERY drawn to Marian orders like Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate. I still have a lot of discerning to do and time to do it in. 😊
 
I have been in love with the Franciscan way of life since I was a little girl.
 
goforgoal said:
Can a person be attracted and inspired by more than one order or Saint? Curious that’s all. 🤷
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Yes, but I believe that your preferences will following a definite leaning. Contemplatives, Mendicants etc.,
 
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