Preparing for the fifth centenary of the birth of St Teresa

Motivated in part by Rebecca's post in A Solitary Bird, I would like to invite all readers to join the Carmelite family in studying the works of St Teresa of Avila. The 500th anniversary of St Teresa's birth will be celebrated in 2015 and this would be a great time to read the works that have touched millions of lives.

The Generalate is publishing study guides to help everyone in this new study of her works. The guides also serve for (comm)unity: all Carmelites (and those of other spiritualities as well) are invited to use them. This project should help us deepen our love for Carmel, our understanding and appreciation for the Teresian charism, and it's presence and value in the Church today.

The first book being study is the Book of Her Life. You have one whole year (October 2009 - October 2010) to read this fascinating book in union with the Carmelite family. If you don't own a copy, you may find a free online copy listed under "Carmelite must reads" in the column to the left. Most people prefer the Kavanaugh & Rodríguez translation, but the Peers translation is closer to the Spanish original. It doesn't really matter which one you read - just read it! (Please...)

The study guide for this book, titled I was born for You, may be found here. If you would prefer the document in another language, please let me know and I'll send you the link if it's available.

And switching topics a bit, the Ratio Institutionis for the OCDS has been approved. This is document that deals with the formation program for OCDS. In case you don't have it, you may find it here.

Please pray for me...