Contemplative School of the Heart
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SEEKING MY LOVE

A STUDY OF THE SPIRITUAL CANTICLE
by ST JOHN OF THE CROSS

A series of six reflections led by
Julienne McLean and Viv Stacey

June 2008 – December 2008 in North London

 

THE TEXT FOR STUDY

Selected verses from the poem – The Spiritual Canticle by St John of the Cross with the commentary. Icons and music will be used to illuminate the insights of this great Carmelite teacher on the spiritual life from the Spanish golden age of mysticism.

THE DATES AND THEMES

Saturday mornings from 10.00am to 1.00pm (Fridays in June, Oct and Dec)

 

Friday
13th June

Introduction to the Spiritual Canticle
 

Saturday
19th July

Searching for the Beloved (1)
Stanzas 1-12
 

Saturday
20th September

Searching for the Beloved (2)
Stanzas 1-12
 

Friday
17th October

Preparation for Union (1)
Stanzas 13 -21.

 

Saturday
27th November

Preparation for Union (2)
Stanzas 13 -21.

 

Friday
12th December

Full Union
Stanzas 22-40
 

ABOUT THE STUDY

THE PURPOSE

o

To bring together and support those who are drawn to a contemplative spiritual path.

o

To make known writings and spiritual practices from the Spanish Mystical Tradition and explore with others their contemporary relevance

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To nurture the spirit of Teresa of Avila’s reform in establishing small spiritual communities – ‘small companies of friends’

THE NATURE OF THE COURSE

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The six sessions form an integrated series and we ask for a commitment to the whole course.

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In each session there will be interactive presentation of the text and experiential exercises. There will also be a psychological exploration of the symbols of transformation in the text from a Jungian perspective.

 

COURSE INFORMATION

A donation of £10 per session will be asked for. For more information, booking and directions to venue, please contact us.

 

COURSE LEADERS

Julienne McLean practises as a psychologist and Jungian analyst in North London, as well as being on the team at the St Marylebone Healing and Counselling Centre. She is also a spiritual director, who has had a lifelong involvement in the Christian contemplative tradition with a particular interest in the relationship between depth psychology and Christian mysticism. She teaches at Sarum College, Salisbury and co-leads pilgrimages to Spain. Her commentary on St Teresa of Avila’s classic text on prayer, The Interior Castle, which is entitled Towards Mystical Union was published by St Paul’s (2003)

Viv Stacey has wide experience in pastoral work and training as a hospital chaplain in South Africa. Currently she is involved in the work of spiritual direction and is on the pastoral team at St Columba’s Retreat House in Surrey. She has a special interest in the healing and formative role of creative ritual , and the place of the body in the spiritual life. Both in South Africa and in the UK she has facilitated local community creativity projects and spiritual formation groups. She brings poetic and liturgical gifts to workshops and retreats that offer resources from the Christian contemplative tradition.

 

ST JOHN OF THE CROSS

‘John feared and fought against a cheap god.. ..John sought the real God, the flame of love that burns and quenches the deepest yearnings of our wounded hearts.’

'Open up the door of your hearts. Let this Lover, this Tremendous Lover, into your being.' That is the message of John.
Jean Vanier, L’ARCHE

'Far beyond the boundaries of the Catholic Church, John of the Cross is recognised as one of the leading spirits, a reliable signpost, which no one who earnestly wishes to advance into the mysterious realm of the interior life may bypass. '
Edith Stein, Carmelite philosopher and martyr