{"product_id":"visions-and-revelations-9781644137185","title":"Visions and Revelations","description":"\u003cp\u003eMany Catholics feel deficient, if not hopeless, when they read of the many saints who experienced visions and revelations -- mystical phenomena that seem so distant from their own experience. Or worse, those who do experience such visions and consolations can come to feel that they are especially favored by God and consequently become overly confident in their spiritual progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is the book that explains everything you need to know about \u003ci\u003etrue\u003c\/i\u003e Catholic mysticism. Spiritual master Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D., will guide you in understanding contemplative prayer and the preeminence of faith over revelations in the spiritual life. Drawing from the writings of Sts. Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross, he lays out principles of discernment for both spiritual directors and laypersons on the journey to holiness. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFr. Gabriel invites you to consider souls such as St. Thérèse of Lisieux, arguably the greatest saint of modern times, who wrote of only two visions in her life -- but experienced mystical union with God. The real goal, he explains, isn't seeking gifts but, rather, opening ourselves to God's grace to attain a Spiritual Marriage with Him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSt. Teresa elucidates what is really meant by phenomena such as ecstasies and raptures in the spiritual life. Fr. Gabriel unpacks her profound mystical insights from \u003ci\u003eInterior Castle \u003c\/i\u003eto describe the various stages in the soul's journey to God and how one's prayer life develops in each mansion. These teachings are introspective, filled with psychological insights, and reflective of St. Teresa's personal experiences. In this book, Fr. Gabriel also summarizes the many types of visions and locutions the great saint experienced. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn addition, you will receive St. John of the Cross's advice about supernatural experiences, as well as possible sources of these phenomena -- God, the devil, or the soul. Fr. Gabriel further shares his spiritually edifying and even awe-inspiring wisdom on: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe attitude a soul should possess regarding divine favors\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow a spiritual director should respond to souls experiencing visions or revelations\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe importance of exercising common sense and prudence in the spiritual life\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow obedience helps the soul avoid deception and rest tranquilly\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy exercising the theological virtues is the shortest road to holiness\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eFather Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D., was a Discalced Carmelite priest who became one of the most revered masters of the spiritual life. He acquired a vast knowledge of the ways that lead to holiness and to union with God. His experience with souls, whom he guided to the heights of perfection, was outstanding. He was an expert in the spiritual and mystical doctrine of St. Teresa of Ávila and of St. John of the Cross. The Discalced Carmelite nuns of the Monastery of St. Joseph in Rome were the heirs of the Father Gabriel's vast output of published works and private manuscripts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Sophia Institute Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50534098731282,"sku":"9781644137185","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_9c8eb89e-f0ac-42fb-842d-2d303f30c02d.jpg?v=1731422856","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/visions-and-revelations-9781644137185","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}