“Holy Trinity, Whom I Adore” a prayer of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (translated by Dr. Anthony Lilles and offered by Miriam Gutierrez)
Holy Trinity, Whom I Adore
O My God, Trinity whom I adore, help me to forget myself entirely so as to be established in you as still and as peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity. May nothing be able to disturb my peace, nor make me depart from you, o my Unchanging One, but may each moment carry me further into the depths of your Mystery. Pacify my soul: make it your heaven, your beloved abode, your resting place. May I never leave you there alone, but may I be entirely present, my faith completely ready, wholly adoring, fully surrendered to your creative action.
O my beloved Christ, crucified by love, I would like to be a bride for your heart. I would like to cover you with glory, I would like to love you… unto death. I feel my powerlessness, however, and I ask you to clothe me with yourself, to identify my soul with all the movements of your soul, to overwhelm me, to invade me, to substitute yourself for me, that my life might be but the radiation of your Life. Come into me as Adorer, as Healer, as Savior.
O Eternal Word, Word of my God, I want to spend my life listening to you. I want to be completely docile, ready to learn all from you. Then, through all nights, all voids, all weakness, I want always to fixate on you and to remain under your great light. O My beloved Star, fascinate me to the point that I could not forsake your shining light.
O Consuming Flame, Spirit of love, come over me until my soul is rendered into an incarnation of the Word; may I be for Him another humanity in which he renews His whole Mystery.
And you, O Father, bend over your little creature, cover her with your shadow, and in her only the Beloved in whom You are well-pleased.
O my Three, my All, my Beatitude, Infinite Solitude, Immensity in which I lose myself, I surrender myself as prey. Bury yourself in me in order that I might bury myself in you while waiting to contemplate in your light the immeasurable depths of your grandeur
Episodio 2 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 2 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes
Este episodio con el Dr. Anthony Lillis y Kris McGregor se centra en las reflexiones espirituales de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad, concretamente en su retiro “El Cielo en la Fe” y su aplicación a la vida de oración. El debate se centra en la integración de la vida cotidiana con la oración constante, inspirada en la segunda oración del primer día del retiro. Esta oración, profundamente arraigada en los escritos de Santa Isabel, hace hincapié en la llamada a «permanecer en mí» expresada por Jesús, abogando por una morada perpetua y habitual en la presencia de Dios.
Las reflexiones de Santa Isabel, exploradas por la Dra. Lillis, subrayan la importancia de incorporar temas de meditación a lo largo del día, una práctica que se alinea con los ejercicios espirituales desarrollados por San Ignacio de Loyola. Este método de reflexión, que incluye oraciones matutinas y vespertinas seguidas de meditación, tiene como objetivo fomentar una comunión más profunda con el amor transformador de Cristo. Los escritos de Isabel sirven de guía para que su hermana y otros creyentes interioricen las enseñanzas divinas y las apliquen a sus vidas, cultivando así una conciencia continua de la presencia de Dios.
El Dr. Lillis desarrolla la profunda comprensión de Isabel del “Permanecer” en Dios, que no se limita a momentos fugaces, sino que se extiende a un estado permanente y habitual de estar con Dios en todos los aspectos de la vida. Este enfoque tiene sus raíces en las experiencias personales de Isabel de la presencia divina y su contemplación de las Escrituras, en particular su meditación sobre la simple pero profunda línea de las Escrituras, “permanece en mí”. Las enseñanzas de Elizabeth abogan por una vida en la que cada acción y relación esté impregnada de la conciencia de Dios, animando a los creyentes a mantener la alegría en Su presencia en medio de los desafíos cotidianos.
La conversación también profundiza en los fundamentos teológicos de las ideas de Isabel, destacando la inhabitación de la Trinidad y el viaje transformador que supone reconocer la propia miseria y la nada ante la misericordia de Dios. Los escritos de Isabel revelan un camino hacia la transformación espiritual a través de la aceptación de nuestras debilidades y fracasos, donde los encuentros con la misericordia de Dios conducen a una vida de amor y gracia.
Día 2 – Segunda oración
3. “Permaneced en Mí». Es la Palabra de Dios quien da esta orden, expresa este deseo. Permaneced en Mí, no unos instantes, unas horas que deben pasar, sino «permaneced…” permanentemente, habitualmente, Permaneced en Mí, orad en Mí, adorad en Mí, amad en Mí, sufrid en Mí, trabajad y actuad en Mí. Permanece en Mí para que puedas encontrarte con cualquiera o con cualquier cosa; penetra aún más en estas profundidades. Esta es verdaderamente la «soledad a la que Dios quiere atraer el alma para hablarle», como cantaba el profeta.
4. Para comprender este dicho tan misterioso, no debemos, por así decirlo, detenernos en la superficie, sino adentrarnos cada vez más en el Ser divino por medio del recogimiento. “Sigo mi camino”, exclamó San Pablo; así debemos descender cada día por esta senda del Abismo que es Dios; deslicémonos por esta pendiente en confianza totalmente amorosa.”Abismo llama a abismo”.Es allí, en lo más profundo, donde se produce el impacto divino, donde el abismo de nuestra nada se encuentra con el Abismo de la misericordia, con la inmensidad del todo de Dios.Allí encontraremos la fuerza para morir a nosotros mismos y, perdiendo todo vestigio del yo, seremos transformados en amor. . . . “¡Bienaventurados los que mueren en el Señor!
Isabel de la Trinidad. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Obra completa de Isabel de la Trinidad) (pp. 94-95). ICS Publications. Edición Kindle.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Encuentro personal con la presencia de Dios: Reflexiona sobre tus propias experiencias de la presencia de Dios en tu vida.
¿Recuerdas momentos en los que te hayas sentido particularmente cerca de Dios, semejantes a las experiencias de Santa Isabel? ¿Cómo influyen esos momentos en tu deseo de “permanecer en Él” continuamente?
Integración de la oración en la vida cotidiana: Santa Isabel subraya la importancia de permanecer habitualmente en la presencia de Dios, no sólo durante los momentos formales de oración, sino a lo largo de todo el día.
Reflexiona sobre los retos y las oportunidades que se te presentan a la hora de integrar la oración y la conciencia de Dios en tus actividades cotidianas. ¿Cómo puedes hacer que cada acción y relación sea un reflejo de tu comunión orante con Dios?
Encontrar a Dios en la debilidad y la miseria: El podcast analiza el concepto de encontrar la misericordia de Dios en medio del reconocimiento de nuestra propia miseria y debilidad.
Reflexiona sobre cómo el reconocimiento de tus debilidades y fracasos puede ser un camino para experimentar más profundamente la misericordia y el amor de Dios. ¿Cómo cambia esta perspectiva tu forma de entender el crecimiento y la transformación espirituales?
Práctica del recogimiento: Santa Isabel habla del recogimiento como un volver el corazón y la mente a Dios.
Reflexiona sobre la práctica del recogimiento en tu propia vida espiritual. ¿Qué pasos prácticos puedes dar para cultivar esta disciplina, asegurándote de que tu conciencia de Dios impregna todo lo que haces?
Vivir una vida transformada por el amor: El objetivo último de las reflexiones de Santa Isabel es ser transformados en amor por la gracia de Dios.
Reflexiona sobre lo que significa para ti ser “transformado en amor”. ¿Cómo puedes vivir más plenamente esta transformación en tus relaciones, decisiones y acciones?
Nos gustaría dar las gracias a Miriam Gutiérrez por proporcionar “la voz” de Santa Isabel para esta serie.
Para ver otros episodios de la serie, visite la página Corazones Perspicaces del Dr. Anthony Lilles.
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., ha servido a la Iglesia y ayudado en la formación del clero y los seminaristas desde 1994. Antes de llegar a San Patricio, trabajó en seminarios y casas de formación de la archidiócesis de Denver y la archidiócesis de Los Ángeles. Hijo de un granjero californiano, casado y con hijos adultos jóvenes, es licenciado en Teología por la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville y posee tanto la licencia eclesiástica como el doctorado en Teología Espiritual por la Universidad Pontificia Santo Tomás de Aquino de Roma (el Angelicum). Experto en los escritos de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad y de los Doctores Carmelitas de la Iglesia, es cofundador del Instituto de Formación Espiritual de Ávila y del Programa de Alta Vocación para vocaciones sacerdotales. También fundó el Centro Juan Pablo II para la Cultura Contemplativa, que organiza simposios, retiros y conferencias. Además de sus publicaciones, tiene un blog en www.beginningtopray.com .
Episodio 1 – El Cielo en la Fe Día 1 Oración 1 por Santa Isabel de la Trinidad – Comenzando a orar con el Dr. Anthony Lilles – Podcast Corazones Discernientes
El primer episodio del podcast, presentado por Kris McGregor con el Dr. Anthony Lilles, profundiza en el retiro El cielo en la fe de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad. El Dr. Lilles, experto en espiritualidad carmelita, destaca la importancia de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad, una mística carmelita de Dijon, que hizo hincapié en la oración profunda y en un encuentro transformador con Cristo accesible a todos los católicos. El retiro de Santa Isabel, destinado a su hermana, es una guía para fomentar una relación profunda y personal con Dios a través de la oración, que consiste en reflexiones diarias para la contemplación.
San Juan Pablo II, notablemente influido por Isabel, ejemplifica su amplio impacto, mostrando su papel en la profundización de la vida espiritual de muchos, incluida la suya propia. A pesar de su limitado acceso a la Biblia completa, las reflexiones de Isabel demuestran un profundo compromiso con las Escrituras, semejante a la Lectio Divina, mostrando su profunda comprensión e integración de las Escrituras en sus reflexiones sobre la oración y la comunión con Dios.
La primera reflexión de Elizabeth se centra en el deseo de Jesús de que estemos en comunión con Él y con el Padre, destacando el aspecto personal y relacional de la oración. Elizabeth explica que experimentar el cielo, o vivir en comunión con Dios, no se limita al más allá, sino que comienza en el presente a través de la fe y la oración. Insiste en la llamada universal a la santidad, afirmando que todos los cristianos, independientemente de las circunstancias de su vida, están invitados a compartir esta comunión con Dios, que se alcanza dando prioridad a la oración en sus vidas.
Este episodio sienta las bases de una serie que promete explorar las profundidades de la espiritualidad carmelita y las profundas ideas de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad sobre la oración, la comunión con Dios y la búsqueda de la santidad en la vida cotidiana.
Día 1 – Primera oración
1. “Padre, quiero que donde yo estoy estén también conmigo los que Tú me has dado, para que contemplen mi gloria que Tú me has dado, porque Tú me has amado desde antes de la creación del mundo». 1 Tal es el último deseo de Cristo, su oración suprema antes de volver a su Padre. Quiere que donde Él está nosotros estemos también, no sólo por la eternidad, sino ya en el tiempo, que es eternidad comenzada y aún en curso. Es importante, pues, saber dónde debemos vivir con Él para realizar su sueño divino. «El lugar donde está escondido el Hijo de Dios es el seno del Padre, o la Esencia divina, invisible a todo ojo mortal, inalcanzable para todo intelecto humano»,2 como dijo Isaías: «Verdaderamente Tú eres un Dios oculto». 3 Y, sin embargo, su voluntad es que estemos establecidos en Él, que vivamos donde Él vive, en la unidad del amor; que seamos, por así decirlo, su propia sombra. 4
2. Por el bautismo, dice San Pablo, hemos sido unidos a Jesucristo. 5 Y además: «Dios nos sentó juntos en el cielo en Cristo Jesús, para mostrar en los siglos venideros las riquezas de su gracia». 6 Y más adelante: «Ya no sois huéspedes ni forasteros, sino que pertenecéis a la Ciudad de los santos y a la Casa de Dios». 7 La Trinidad: ésta es nuestra morada, nuestro «hogar», la casa del Padre que nunca debemos abandonar. El Maestro dijo un día: «El esclavo no permanece en la casa para siempre, pero el hijo 8 permanece allí para siempre» (San Juan). 9
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
¿De qué manera la forma en que Santa Isabel de la Trinidad entiende la oración desafía tu enfoque actual de la oración y de la relación con Dios?
Reflexiona sobre la idea de que el cielo no es sólo un estado futuro, sino una experiencia accesible en el presente a través de la fe y la oración. ¿Cómo cambia esta perspectiva tu visión de la vida cotidiana y de la práctica espiritual?
Santa Isabel subraya la importancia de las Escrituras para profundizar en nuestra relación con Dios, incluso sin tener pleno acceso a la Biblia. ¿Cómo puedes integrar más plenamente las Escrituras en tu vida de oración para fomentar una comunión más estrecha con Dios?
Teniendo en cuenta el deseo de Jesús de estar en comunión con nosotros, tal como lo destaca Santa Isabel, ¿cómo podrías responder más plenamente a este deseo en tu propia vida de fe y oración?
Las reflexiones de santa Isabel pretendían guiar a su hermana, una madre ocupada, en la profundización de su vida espiritual. ¿De qué manera habla esto de la posibilidad de una profunda profundidad espiritual en medio del ajetreo de tus responsabilidades diarias?
Nos gustaría dar las gracias a Miriam Gutiérrez por proporcionar “la voz” de Santa Isabel para esta serie.
Para ver otros episodios de la serie, visite la página Corazones Perspicaces del Dr. Anthony Lilles.
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., ha servido a la Iglesia y ayudado en la formación del clero y los seminaristas desde 1994. Antes de llegar a San Patricio, trabajó en seminarios y casas de formación de la archidiócesis de Denver y la archidiócesis de Los Ángeles. Hijo de un granjero californiano, casado y con hijos adultos jóvenes, es licenciado en Teología por la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville y posee tanto la licencia eclesiástica como el doctorado en Teología Espiritual por la Universidad Pontificia Santo Tomás de Aquino de Roma (el Angelicum). Experto en los escritos de Santa Isabel de la Trinidad y de los Doctores Carmelitas de la Iglesia, es cofundador del Instituto de Formación Espiritual de Ávila y del Programa de Alta Vocación para vocaciones sacerdotales. También fundó el Centro Juan Pablo II para la Cultura Contemplativa, que organiza simposios, retiros y conferencias. Además de sus publicaciones, tiene un blog en www.beginningtopray.com .
Episode 20 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 10 Prayer 2 – “A praise of glory is a soul that lives in God”
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s concept of becoming a “praise of glory” for the Holy Trinity; surrendering completely to God’s will, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform one’s soul into a reflection of God’s love and glory. This transformation involves living in pure love, silence, and faith, gazing upon God and allowing Him to radiate through oneself.
True prayer is not about achieving mental states or experiences but about surrendering to Christ and allowing His life to animate one’s own; asking for intercession to deepen one’s prayer life and encounter with God and cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead one to the depths of prayer and spiritual growth.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 2”:
“We have been predestined by the decree of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we may be the praise of His glory.”
It is St. Paul who tells us this, St. Paul who was instructed by God Himself. How do we realize this great dream of the Heart of our God, this immutable will for our souls? In a word, how do we correspond to our vocation and become perfect Praises of Glory of the Most Holy Trinity?
“In Heaven” each soul is a praise of glory of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, for each soul is established in pure love and “lives no longer its own life, but the life of God.” Then it knows Him, St. Paul says, as it is known by Him. In other words “its intellect is the intellect of God, its will the will of God, its love the very love of God. In reality it is the Spirit of love and of strength who transforms the soul, for to Him it has been given to supply what is lacking to the soul,” as St. Paul says again. “He works in it this glorious transformation.” St. John of the Cross affirms that “the soul surrendered to love, through the strength of the Holy Spirit, is not far from being raised to the degree of which we have just spoken,”180 even here below! This is what I call a perfect praise of glory!
A praise of glory is a soul that lives in God, that loves Him with a pure and disinterested love, without seeking itself in the sweetness of this love; that loves Him beyond all His gifts and even though it would not have received anything from Him, it desires the good of the Object thus loved. Now how do we effectively desire and will good to God if not in accomplishing His will since this will orders everything for His greater glory? Thus the soul must surrender itself to this will completely, passionately, so as to will nothing else but what God wills.
A praise of glory is a soul of silence that remains like a lyre under the mysterious touch of the Holy Spirit so that He may draw from it divine harmonies; it knows that suffering is a string that produces still more beautiful sounds; so it loves to see this string on its instrument that it may more delightfully move the Heart of its God.
A praise of glory is a soul that gazes on God in faith and simplicity; it is a reflector of all that He is; it is like a bottomless abyss into which He can flow and expand; it is also like a crystal through which He can radiate and contemplate all His perfections and His own splendor. A soul which thus permits the divine Being to satisfy in itself His need to communicate “all that He is and all that He has,” is in reality the praise of glory of all His gifts.
Finally, a praise of glory is one who is always giving thanks. Each of her acts, her movements, her thoughts, her aspirations, at the same time that they are rooting her more deeply in love, are like an echo of the eternal Sanctus.
In the Heaven of glory the blessed have no rest “day or night, saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. . . . They fall down and worship Him who lives forever and ever. . . .”
In the heaven of her soul, the praise of glory has already begun her work of eternity. Her song is uninterrupted, for she is under the action of the Holy Spirit who effects everything in her; and although she is not always aware of it, for the weakness of nature does not allow her to be established in God without distractions, she always sings, she always adores, for she has, so to speak, wholly passed into praise and love in her passion for the glory of her God. In the heaven of our soul let us be praises of glory of the Holy Trinity, praises of love of our Immaculate Mother. One day the veil will fall, we will be introduced into the eternal courts, and there we will sing in the bosom of infinite Love. And God will give us “the new name promised to the Victor.” What will it be?
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 165-167). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Embracing the Concept of “Praise of Glory”: How do you understand the concept of being a “praise of glory” for the Holy Trinity, as described by Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity?
Surrendering to God’s Will: Reflect on the idea of surrendering completely to God’s will. How does this concept challenge or resonate with your own spiritual journey?
Living in Pure Love and Silence: How can we cultivate a life of pure love and silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our souls? What practical steps can we take to foster this transformation in our daily lives?
Gazing Upon God in Faith: Elizabeth speaks of gazing upon God in faith and simplicity. How do you currently practice this in your prayer life? What obstacles do you encounter in maintaining this gaze?
Relationship with Christ: Reflect on the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ in deepening your prayer life. How can you strengthen this relationship in your daily activities and spiritual practices?
Asking for Intercession: Do you believe in the power of asking for intercession from saints like Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity? How might you incorporate asking for her help in deepening your prayer life?
True Prayer vs. Mental States: Consider the distinction made between true prayer, focused on surrendering to Christ, and the pursuit of mental states or experiences. How can you ensure that your prayer life remains centered on Christ rather than on personal experiences or achievements?
Cultivating Intimacy with Christ: What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead you to the depths of prayer and spiritual growth?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
Episode 19 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 10 Prayer 1 – “If you knew the gift of God”
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on the teachings of Elizabeth, emphasizing the importance of not returning to “life as normal” after the retreat but instead allowing it to initiate a new beginning marked by a deeper connection with God by using the example of Mary, highlighting her profound surrender to God’s will and her unwavering trust, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges.
Through St. Elizabeth’s writings, Dr. Lilles explores the idea that true devotion to Christ is not an escape from responsibilities or difficulties but rather an empowerment to face them with grace and love. Mary’s life becomes a model for interior souls who seek to nurture the presence of God within them and radiate His love outwardly, even in the midst of daily tasks and challenges.
With the necessity of humility and trust in the spiritual journey, contrasting it with the tendency to manipulate spirituality for personal gain or control. As well as the importance of embracing God’s presence fully, allowing it to transform one’s life and perspective, leading to a deeper understanding of God’s love and a willingness to surrender completely to His will; embracing a contemplative way of life, rooted in prayer and trust in God, which leads to a profound transformation of the self and enables one to become a beacon of God’s love and compassion for others.
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 1”:
“Si scires donum Dei. . . .” “If you knew the gift of God,” Christ said one evening to the Samaritan woman. But what is this gift of God if not Himself? And, the beloved disciple tells us: “He came to His own and His own did not accept Him.” St. John the Baptist could still say to many souls these words of reproach: “There is one in the midst of you, ‘in you,’ whom you do not know.”
“If you knew the gift of God. . . .” There is one who knew this gift of God, one who did not lose one particle of it, one who was so pure, so luminous that she seemed to be the Light itself: “Speculum justitiae.” One whose life was so simple, so lost in God that there is hardly anything we can say about it.
“Virgo fidelis”: that is, Faithful Virgin, “who kept all these things in her heart.” She remained so little, so recollected in God’s presence, in the seclusion of the temple, that she drew down upon herself the delight of the Holy Trinity: “Because He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed!” The Father bending down to this beautiful creature, who was so unaware of her own beauty, willed that she be the Mother in time of Him whose Father He is in eternity. Then the Spirit of love who presides over all of God’s works came upon her; the Virgin said her fiat: “Behold the servant of the Lord, be it done to me according to Your word,” and the greatest of mysteries was accomplished. By the descent of the Word in her, Mary became forever God’s prey.
It seems to me that the attitude of the Virgin during the months that elapsed between the Annunciation and the Nativity is the model for interior souls, those whom God has chosen to live within, in the depths of the bottomless abyss. In what peace, in what recollection Mary lent herself to everything she did! How even the most trivial things were divinized by her! For through it all the Virgin remained the adorer of the gift of God! This did not prevent her from spending herself outwardly when it was a matter of charity; the Gospel tells us that Mary went in haste to the mountains of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Never did the ineffable vision that she contemplated within herself in any way diminish her outward charity. For, a pious author says, if contemplation “continues towards praise and towards the eternity of its Lord, it possesses unity and will not lose it. If an order from Heaven arrives, contemplation turns towards men, sympathizes with their needs, is inclined towards all their miseries; it must cry and be fruitful. It illuminates like fire, and like it, it burns, absorbs and devours, lifting up to Heaven what it has devoured. And when it has finished its work here below, it rises, burning with its fire, and takes up again the road on high.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 163-165). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Embracing Transformation: How can we ensure that our encounters with God, whether through retreats or personal prayer, lead to genuine transformation rather than simply returning to “life as normal”?
Surrendering to God’s Will: Reflecting on Mary’s example, how can we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when faced with uncertainty and challenges?
Authentic Devotion: In what ways do we sometimes manipulate spirituality for personal gain or control? How can we ensure that our devotion to Christ remains genuine and rooted in humility?
Living Contemplatively: How can we incorporate a contemplative approach to our daily lives, ensuring that prayer and trust in God inform our actions and interactions with others?
Becoming Beacons of God’s Love: Reflecting on the priest’s example, how can we surrender ourselves completely to God’s will, allowing His love to transform us into instruments of His compassion and grace for others?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
Episode 18 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 9 Prayer 2 – “God who is rich in mercy, impelled by His exceeding love, even when we were dead because of our sins, has brought us back to life in Christ Jesus”
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discussing the significance of sin and divine mercy in the context of prayer, based on the teachings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity of the transformative power of confession, where sins are entrusted to God and forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. Reminding us of the importance of humility, true conversion, and reliance on God alone; as well as the connection between suffering and humility in the spiritual life and suffering can deepen one’s reliance on God and lead to a restoration of blessings in a more profound way.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 9 Prayer 2”:
“God who is rich in mercy, impelled by His exceeding love, even when we were dead because of our sins, has brought us back to life in Christ Jesus. . . .” “Because all have sinned and have need of the glory of God, they are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ, whom God has set forth as a propitiation for sins, showing both that He is just and that He makes just him who has faith in Him” (St. Paul).
“Sin is such a terrifying evil that in order to seek any good whatsoever, or to avoid any evil whatsoever, no sin should be committed.” “Now we have committed very many.” How can we keep from “fainting in adoration when we plunge into the abyss of mercy and the eyes of our soul are fixed upon this fact: God has taken away our sins.” He said so Himself: “I will blot out all their iniquities and I will no longer remember their sins.”
“The Lord, in His mercy, willed to turn our sins against themselves to our advantage; He found a way to make them useful for us, to convert them in our hands into a means of salvation. But do not let this diminish in any way our horror of sinning, nor our sorrow for having sinned. But our sins” “have become a source of humility for us.”
When the soul “considers deep within itself, its eyes burning with love, the immensity of God, His fidelity, the proofs of His love, His favors which can add nothing to His happiness; then, looking at itself it sees its crimes against this immense Lord, it turns to its own center with such self-contempt that it does not know how it can endure its horror.” “The best thing for it to do is to complain to God, its Friend, of the strength of its self-love which betrays it by not letting it place itself as low as it would wish. It resigns itself to the will of God, and in self-abnegation, finds true, invincible, and perfect peace, which nothing can disturb. For it has plunged into such a deep abyss that no one will seek it there.”
“If anyone should affirm to me that to find the bottom of the abyss is to be immersed in humility, I would not contradict him. However, it seems to me that to be plunged into humility is to be plunged into God, for God is the bottom of the abyss. That is why humility, like charity, is always capable of increasing.” “Since a humble heart is the vessel needed, the vessel capable of containing the grace God wants to pour into it,” let us be “humble.” “The humble can never rank God high enough nor themselves low enough. But here is the wonder: their weakness turns into wisdom, and the imperfection of their acts, always insufficient in their eyes, will be the greatest delight of their life. Whoever possesses humility has no need of many words to be instructed; God tells him more things than he can learn; such was the case with the Lord’s disciples.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 162-163). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Sin and Mercy: How does the discussion about sin and divine mercy deepen your understanding of God’s love and forgiveness?
The Role of Confession: Reflect on the transformative power of confession as discussed in the podcast. How does confession enable us to entrust our sins to God and experience His mercy?
Humility and Conversion: In what ways does humility play a crucial role in the spiritual life, according to the insights shared in the episode? How does true conversion lead us to rely more deeply on God?
Suffering and Grace: Consider the relationship between suffering and humility discussed in the podcast. How does suffering have the potential to deepen our reliance on God and lead to a restoration of blessings in our lives?
Personal Examination: After listening to the episode, take time to examine your own heart. Are there sins you need to confess and entrust to God? How can this act of confession lead to a deeper experience of God’s love and mercy in your life?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
Episode 17 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 9 Prayer 1 – “God has predestined us to the adoption of children through Jesus Christ”
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss deepening one’s understanding of Christ’s mystery in prayer, focusing on predestination as experiencing God’s blessings in the present and trusting surrender to Jesus, with practical steps like dedicated prayer time and acts of mercy.
Silence in prayer allows for enjoying God’s presence, fostering intimacy. Prayer is about allowing God to delight in us, leading to a reciprocal experience of His love.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 9 Prayer 1”:
“God has predestined us to the adoption of children through Jesus Christ, in union with Him, according to the decree of His will, to make the glory of His grace blaze forth, by which He has justified us in His beloved Son. In whose blood we have redemption, the remission of our sins, according to the riches of His grace, which has abounded beyond measure in us in all wisdom and prudence. . . .” “The soul now a true daughter of God is, in the words of the Apostle, moved by the Holy Spirit Himself: ‘All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.’” And again: “We have not received a spirit of slavery to be still led by fear, but the spirit of adoption as children in which we cry out: Abba, Father! The Spirit Himself gives witness with our spirit that we are children of God. But if we are children, we are heirs as well; I mean heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ if only we suffer with Him so as to be glorified with Him.” “It is to bring us to this abyss of glory that God has created us in His image and likeness.”
“See,” says St. John, “what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. . . . Now we are the children of God, and we have not yet seen what we shall be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him makes himself holy, just as He Himself is holy.”
This is the measure of the holiness of the children of God: “to be holy as God, to be holy with the holiness of God”; and we do this by living close to Him in the depths of the bottomless abyss “within.” “Then the soul seems in some way to resemble God Who, even though He delights in all things, yet does not delight in them as much as He does in Himself, for He possesses within Himself a supereminent good before which all others disappear. Thus all the joys which the soul receives are so many reminders inviting her to enjoy by preference the good she already possesses and to which nothing else can compare.” “Our “possesses.” Father Who art in Heaven. . . .” It is in “this little heaven” that He has made in the center of our soul that we must seek Him and above all where we must remain.
Christ said one day to the Samaritan woman that “the Father seeks true adorers in spirit and truth.” To give joy to His Heart, let us be these true adorers. Let us adore Him in “spirit,” that is, with our hearts and our thoughts fixed on Him, and our mind filled with His knowledge imparted by the light of faith. Let us adore Him in “truth,” that is, by our works for it is above all by our actions that we show we are true: this is to do always what is pleasing to the Father whose children we are. And finally, let us “adore in spirit and in truth,” that is, through Jesus Christ and with Jesus Christ, for He alone is the true Adorer in spirit and truth.
Then we will be daughters of God; we will “know with an experiential knowledge the truth of these words of Isaiah: ‘You will be carried at the breast and He will caress you on His knees.”’ In fact “God seems to be wholly occupied with overwhelming the soul with caresses and marks of affection like a mother who brings up her child and feeds it with her own milk.” Oh! Let us be attentive to the mysterious voice of our Father! “My daughter,” He says, “give Me your heart.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 160-162). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Understanding Predestination: How does the discussion on predestination reshape your understanding of God’s plan for us, particularly in relation to experiencing His blessings in the present?
Trusting Surrender: Reflect on your own ability to surrender to Jesus in trust, especially in times of uncertainty or difficulty. How can you deepen your trust in Him?
Practical Application: What practical steps can you take to nurture your relationship with God on a daily basis, such as dedicated prayer time or acts of mercy?
Embracing Silence: How do you currently approach silence in prayer? Reflect on the role of silence in allowing God to delight in your presence and fostering intimacy with Him.
Reciprocal Experience: Consider the concept of prayer as giving God permission to enjoy your presence. How does this idea change your perspective on prayer and your relationship with God?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
Episode 16 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 8 Prayer 2 – “For love of Him I have forfeited everything.”
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the theme of identification with Christ. They delve into St. Paul’s words about forfeiting everything for the excelling knowledge of Christ and sharing in his suffering. The retreat’s purpose is to become more like Christ and be so united with him that his life becomes ours, and the importance of studying Jesus and imitating him, not just externally, but by opening our hearts to his presence and listening to his word.
The realism of Christianity in facing life’s challenges but also the courage and strength found in surrendering to God’s will, which enables one to sing praises even in difficult circumstances and letting the life of Christ inform their daily lives, standing firm with courage and bravery in a world that needs strong Christian witness.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 8 Prayer 2”:
“It seems to me that all is loss since I have known the excelling knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For love of Him I have forfeited everything. I have accounted all else rubbish that I may gain Christ. What I want is to know Him, to share in His sufferings, to become like Him in His death. I pursue my course striving to attain what He has destined me for by taking hold of me. My whole concern is to forget what is behind and to strain forward constantly to what is ahead. I run straight to the goal, to the vocation to which God has called me in Christ Jesus.” That is: I want only to be identified with Him: “Mihi vivere Christus est,” “Christ is my life!”
All the intensity of St. Paul’s soul is poured out in these lines. The object of this retreat is to make us more like our adored Master, and even more, to become so one with Him that we may say: “I live no longer I, but He lives in me. And the life that I now live in this body of death, I live in the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Oh! Let us study this divine Model: His knowledge, the Apostle tells us, is so “excelling.”
And when He first came into the world what did He say? “You no longer delight in holocausts; so I have assumed a body and I come, O God, to do Your will.” During the thirty-three years of His life this will became so completely His daily bread, that at the moment of handing over His soul into His Father’s hands, He could say to Him: “All is accomplished,” yes, all Your desires, all have been realized, that is why “I have glorified You on earth.” When Jesus Christ spoke to His apostles of this food which they did not know, He explained to them “that it was to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Also He could say: “I am never alone. He who sent Me is always with Me because I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.” Let us lovingly eat this bread of the will of God. If sometimes His will is more crucifying, we can doubtless say with our adored Master: “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by,” but we will add immediately: “Yet not as I will, but as You will”; and in strength and serenity, with the divine Crucified, we will also climb our calvary singing in the depths of our hearts and raising a hymn of thanksgiving to the Father. For those who march on this way of sorrows are those “whom He foreknew and predestined to be conformed to the image of His divine Son,” the One crucified by love!”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 158-160). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Identification with Christ: How does St. Paul’s fervent desire to know Christ and share in his suffering resonate with your own spiritual journey?
Surrendering to the Father’s Will: Reflect on the idea of surrendering to the Father’s will with love and obedience, even in the face of suffering. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s plan for your life?
Studying Jesus: In what ways can you deepen your study and imitation of Jesus in your daily life? How can you open your heart more fully to his presence and listen attentively to his word?
Concrete Application: Consider how you can make the concept of identification with Christ more concrete in your life. How can you embody Christ’s love and courage in your relationships and daily interactions?
Standing Firm in Faith: Reflect on the call to stand firm in faith, especially in the midst of challenges and cultural pressures. How can you be a strong witness to Christ’s life in a world that needs it more than ever?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
Episode 15 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 8 Prayer 1 – “Those whom God has foreknown, He has also predestined to become conformed to the image of His divine Son.”
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the theme of predestination and its spiritual significance, particularly through the lens of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s writings. St. Elizabeth’s deep understanding of predestination is rooted in her profound prayer life and contemplation of Christ. Predestination is not merely a theological doctrine but a dynamic invitation to live in Christ and receive the Father’s blessings.
St. Elizabeth’s insights challenge listeners to move beyond intellectual abstraction and encounter Christ personally in prayer. She encourages a continual contemplation of Christ’s image and radiance, which leads to a deeper understanding of God’s plan to restore all things in Christ and the transformative power of encountering Christ’s love in prayer, which enables us to live a life of praise and glory to God despite struggles and weaknesses.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 8 Prayer 1”:
“Those whom God has foreknown, He has also predestined to become conformed to the image of His divine Son. And those whom He has predestined, He has also called; and those whom He has called He has also justified; and those whom He has justified He has also glorified. What then shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will separate me from the love of Christ?” This is how the mystery of predestination, the mystery of divine election appeared to the enlightened gaze of the Apostle. “Those whom He has foreknown.” Are not we of that number? Cannot God say to our soul what He once said through the voice of His prophet: “I passed by you and saw you. I saw that the time had come for you to be loved. I spread my garment over you. I swore to you to protect you, and I made a covenant with you, and you became mine.”
Yes, we have become His through baptism, that is what Paul means by these words: “He called them”; yes, called to receive the seal of the Holy Trinity; at the same time we have been made, in the words of St. Peter, “sharers in the divine nature,” we have received “a beginning of His existence.” Then, He has justified us by His sacraments, by His direct “touches” in our contemplation “in the depths” of our soul; justified us also by faith and according to the measure of our faith in the redemption that Jesus Christ has acquired for us. And finally, He wants to glorify us, and for that reason, says St. Paul, He “has made us worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light,” but we will be glorified in the measure in which we will have been conformed to the image of His divine Son. So let us contemplate this adored Image, let us remain unceasingly under its radiance so that it may imprint itself on us; let us go to everything with the same attitude of soul that our holy Master would have. Then we will realize the great plan by which God has “resolved in Himself to restore all things in Christ.”
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 157-158). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Understanding Predestination: How does St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s understanding of predestination challenge common misconceptions about this theological concept, particularly in relation to judgment and spiritual pride?
Encountering Christ in Prayer: Reflect on the significance of Dr. Anthony Lilles’ assertion that prayer without devotion is meaningless. How does this perspective reshape your approach to prayer and spiritual practices?
Living in Christ: Consider St. Elizabeth’s view that predestination is not merely a future event but a present reality that transforms our lives. How does this understanding affect your perception of your identity and mission as a Christian?
Prayer as Encounter: Dr. Lilles emphasizes the importance of encountering Christ’s love in prayer, stating that seeing how much we are loved makes prayer easier. Reflect on your own experiences of encountering Christ’s love in prayer. How has this impacted your spiritual life?
Contemplation of Christ: St. Elizabeth urges continual contemplation of Christ’s image and radiance. How can you cultivate a deeper practice of contemplative prayer in your own spiritual journey to encounter Christ more fully?
Living a Life of Praise: Discuss the concept of living a life of praise and glory to God despite struggles and weaknesses. How can you integrate this perspective into your daily life and spiritual practices?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
Episode 14 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 7 Prayer 2 – “Be holy for I am holy”
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss the second prayer in the seventh day of Heaven and Faith. The prayer focuses on the purifying and transforming dimensions of contemplation, and how the prayer emphasizes the importance of remaining lovingly turned towards God to reflect His image.
They delve into the concept of inner integrity and the formation of the soul’s likeness to God through contemplation, as well as the significance of prayer in realizing holiness and the universal call to holiness proclaimed by the Church. Reflecting on the teachings of mystics such as Elizabeth of the Trinity and St. John of the Cross, reminding listeners of the deep desires of God’s heart for humanity.
Dr. Lilles shares a personal story about his grandmother’s experience of prayer and hope in the face of physical suffering, illustrating the transformative power of contemplative prayer.
From “Heaven in Faith: Day 7 Prayer 2”:
Second prayer: “Be holy for I am holy.” It is the Lord who speaks. “Whatever may be our way of life or the clothing we wear, each of us must be the holy one of God.” Who then is “the most holy”? “The one who is most loving, who gazes longest on God and who most fully satisfies the desires of His gaze.” How do we satisfy the desires of God’s gaze but by remaining “simply and lovingly” turned towards Him so that He may reflect His own image as the sun is reflected through a pure crystal.“Let us make man in our own image and likeness”: such was the great desire in the Heart of our God. “Without the likeness which comes from grace, eternal damnation awaits us. When God sees that we are prepared to receive His grace, His generous goodness is ready to give us the gift that will give us His likeness. Our aptitude for receiving His grace depends on the inner integrity with which we move towards Him.” And then God, “bringing us His gifts,” can “give Himself, imprint on us His likeness, forgive and free us.”
“The highest perfection in this life,” says a pious author, “consists in remaining so closely united to God that the soul with all its faculties and its powers is recollected in God,” “that its affections united in the joy of love find rest only in possession of the Creator. The image of God imprinted in the soul is formed by reason, memory, and will. As long as these faculties do not bear the perfect image of God, they do not resemble Him as on the day of creation. The form of the soul is God who must imprint Himself there like the seal on wax, like the stamp on its object. Now this is not fully realized unless the intellect is completely enlightened by knowledge of God, the will captivated by love of the supreme good, and the memory fully absorbed in contemplation and enjoyment of eternal happiness.” “And as the glory of the blessed is nothing else than the perfect possession of this state, it is obvious that the initial possession of these blessings constitutes perfection in this life.” To “realize this ideal” we must “keep recollected within ourselves,” “remain silently in God’s presence,” “while the soul immerses itself, expands, becomes enkindled and melts in Him, with an unlimited fullness.
Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 104-105). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
Purifying and Transforming Dimensions of Contemplation: How does the concept of inner integrity play a role in the formation of the soul’s likeness to God through contemplation?
The Universal Call to Holiness: Reflect on the Church’s proclamation of the universal call to holiness. How does this call intersect with the teachings on contemplative prayer discussed in the episode?
God’s Deep Desires: Consider the notion of God’s deep desires for humanity as discussed in the episode. How does this understanding influence your perception of prayer and your relationship with God?
The Transformative Power of Contemplative Prayer: Reflect on Dr. Lilles’ personal story about his grandmother’s experience of prayer and hope amidst physical suffering. How does this story illustrate the transformative power of contemplative prayer in the midst of adversity?
Making Prayer a Priority: Evaluate the importance of making prayer a priority in your daily life. How can you ensure that prayer remains central amidst the distractions and busyness of the world?
Hope and Trust in God: Discuss the connection between contemplative prayer and hope in God. How does prayer strengthen your trust in God’s love and providence, especially in challenging circumstances?
We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series
Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .
“Holy Trinity, Whom I Adore” a prayer of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (translated by Dr. Anthony Lilles and offered by Miriam Gutierrez)
