The three great Carmelites are St. Therese of Liseux, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. John of the Cross.  If you're never read one of their books, you might start with St. Therese's autobiography.  I've not yet read much of St. John of the Cross.  But I have read the three books by today's saint, St. Teresa of Avila.  I find her systematic and readable.

     For a wonderful introduction to St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, consider Fr. Thomas Dubay's Fire Within.  You can read if for free at Formed.org.  I read two of Fr. Dubay's other books and watched a program of his on EWTN.  He teaches so very well on the spiritual life.

     For a short biography, read the "St. Teresa of Avila" encyclopedia entry from the Catholic Encyclopedia at New Advent.  I met Kevin Knight, who maintains the website, at my friend's wedding back in 2007.  I had already considered New Advent to be a great resource.  It was strange to meet someone almost famous.

     I haven't really emphasized it in a while, but our parish subscribes to Formed.org.  Parishioners can sign-up for free.  Just look for our parish during the sign-up.

     Let's pray for one another's intentions.

1)  For an end to the pandemic.

2)  For the conversion of politicians who support abortion.

3)  For all of us to grow spiritually.

4)  For our diocese as we celebrate 140 years on Sunday and begin the diocesan phase of the synod on synodality.

5)  For a greater understanding of the teaching of Pope St. John Paul II who was elected pope on October 16, 1978.

God love you,

Fr. Jim