Contemplative School of the Heart
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MOVEMENTS IN THE SOUL
TOWARDS UNION

A series of nine reflections led by
Julienne McLean and Viv Stacey

March – December 2009 in North London

 

THE TEXTS FOR STUDY

In the spring and summer, selections from The Third Spiritual Alphabet by Francisco de Osuna (c.1492-c.1540).

In the autumn, selections from The Spiritual Canticle by St John of the Cross. Icons, and music and the commentary text will be used to illuminate the insights of this great Carmelite teacher .

THE DATES AND THEMES

In the spring and summer, Friday mornings from 10.00am to 1.00pm,
In the autumn, Saturday mornings from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

 

Friday
27th March

Recollection as a dynamic way of being : the way of the heart.

 

Friday
24th April

Recollection and the movements into harmony

 

Friday
22nd May

Recollection and movements into quiet.
 

Friday
26th June

Recollection and the movements into emptiness
 

Friday
17th July

Recollection and the movements of transformation.
 

Saturday
26th September

Introduction to the Spiritual Canticle
 

Saturday
24th October

Awakening of desire for Union.
 

Saturday
21st November

Preparation for Union
 

Saturday
19th December

Full Union
 

ABOUT THE STUDY

THE PURPOSE

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To bring together and support those who are drawn to a contemplative spiritual path.

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To make known writings and spiritual practices from the Spanish Mystical Tradition and explore with others their contemporary relevance

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To nurture the spirit of St John's and Teresa of Avila’s reform in establishing small spiritual communities – ‘small companies of friends’

THE NATURE OF THE COURSE

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The nine sessions form an integrated series and we ask for a commitment to the whole course, if possible.

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Osuna’s teaching on recollection offers a psychological framework grounded in spiritual practice of the foundation of contemplative living. St John’s poetry, along with the icons, give us powerful symbols that open up the depths of spiritual union.

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In each session there will be interactive presentation of the text, experiential exercises and a period of silence.

 

COURSE INFORMATION

A donation of £10 is asked for each session. For more information, booking and directions to venue, please contact us.

 

COURSE LEADERS

Julienne McLean practises as a psychologist and Jungian analyst in North London, as well as being on the team at the St Marylebone Healing and Counselling Centre. She is also a spiritual director, who has had a lifelong involvement in the Christian contemplative tradition with a particular interest in the relationship between depth psychology and Christian mysticism. She teaches at Sarum College, Salisbury and co-leads pilgrimages to Spain. Her commentary on St Teresa of Avila’s classic text on prayer, The Interior Castle, which is entitled Towards Mystical Union was published by St Paul’s (2003)


Viv Stacey has wide experience in pastoral work and training as a hospital chaplain in South Africa. Currently she is involved in the work of spiritual direction and is on the pastoral team at St Columba’s Retreat House in Surrey. She has a special interest in the healing and formative role of creative ritual , and the place of the body in the spiritual life. Both in South Africa and in the UK she has facilitated local community creativity projects and spiritual formation groups. She brings poetic and liturgical gifts to workshops and retreats that offer resources from the Christian contemplative tradition.

 

Francisco de Osuna on RECOLLECTION:

‘ .. the purpose of this exercise is to gather together and collect that which is dispersed . The devotion is called recollection because it gathers together those who practice it and, by erasing all dissension and discord, makes them of one heart and love.’

 

ST JOHN of the CROSS

‘Far beyond the boundaries of the Catholic Church, John of the Cross is recognised as one of the leading spirits, a reliable signpost, which no one who earnestly wishes to advance into the mysterious realm of the interior life may bypass.’

Edith Stein, Carmelite philosopher and martyr