Franciscan Spirit

St. Thérèse of Lisieux teaches us that Christian mysticism is not an esoteric branch of theology or something separate from the gospel life.

In John, as in all mystics, to be pure and completely open before God is the purpose of the dark night.

Some will see in Catherine of Siena every sign of psychosis: the split personality, hearing voices, demonic visions, and a mystical marriage. The signs, to be sure, are there.

There is a mysticism Francis of Assisi offers to all believers, a mysticism that he illustrates through the gestures of his own life.

If the mystic is one who experiences in an extraordinary way the intimacy with God offered to everyone, then the Blessed Virgin Mary is the model and pattern of the mystical life.

As Mary’s story shows us, one person’s faith can forever change the world.