- How do you understand Teresa’s image of the castle and its dwelling place?
- What is your experience of the prayer of recollection?
- Teresa wrote for her sisters – to what extent is her teaching on prayer relevant to us?
- How do you cope with obedience?
- What are the ways in which you have acquired self-knowledge?
- How would you encourage someone to enter the door of their castle?
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ONLINE BOOK GROUP
The Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Ten sessions over 13 weeks (between 9 September – 2 December)
Tuesday evenings, 20:00 - 21:00 GMT via Zoom
The Interior Castle is often singled out by scholars of Teresa’s work as her masterpiece.
Teresa received the image of the whole book in a vision on Trinity Sunday 1577. An early biographer writes that she beheld “a most beautiful crystal globe like a castle in which she saw seven dwelling places, and in the seventh, which was the centre, the King of Glory dwelt in the greatest splendour”.
Among the mystics, St Teresa of Avila holds a unique position as a witness to divine realities. Her common sense, humour, and penchant for everyday images liven her writings; but she is above all remarkable for her analytical abilities in proving the mystery of God’s workings in the soul.
Join Canon Emma online via Zoom to reflect and discuss this profound exploration of the interior castle.
Together, over ten sessions, we shall read and discuss the complete text - focussing on specific chapters each week.
We will be reading the Classics of Western Spirituality version, published by Paulist Press and translated by Kieran Kavanaugh and Otilio Rodrigeuz - available to purchase online.
Please note, chapters will not be provided for these sessions. The book is available to purchase online from a range of outlets, as a digital or physical copy.
Please ensure that you have read the chapters ahead of the group meeting.
Each week the session will be recorded so if you miss a week you can catch up along with the ‘Questions to Ponder’.
Whether you can join us for just a few or all of the gatherings, you are most welcome to read together this celebration of Richard Rolle’s profound religious experiences and the insights he gained from them to take into your own spiritual life.
The group is free, but any donation you may wish to make to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral will be warmly received.
Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link. It will be the same zoom link for each week.
Each week Canon Emma will begin with a brief introduction followed by discussion and then concluding with prayer.
Week One – 9 September: Prologue and The First Dwelling Place - Questions to Ponder
Week Two – 16 September: The Second Dwelling Place - Questions to Ponder. Watch the recording.
NO SESSION – 23 September
Week Three – 30 September: The Third Dwelling Place - Questions to Ponder
NO SESSION – 7 October
Week Four – 14 October: The Fourth Dwelling Place
NO SESSION – 21 October
Week Five – 28 October: The Fifth Dwelling Place
Week Six – 4 November: The Sixth Dwelling Place Chapters 1-4
Week Seven – 11 November: The Sixth Dwelling Place Chapters 5-7
Week Eight – 18 November: The Sixth Dwelling Place Chapters 8-11
Week Nine – 25 November: The Seventh Dwelling Place Chapters 1-3
Week Ten – 2 December: The Seventh Dwelling Place Chapter 4 and Epilogue
Questions to ponder
Questions to ponder - Week One: 'The First Dwelling Place'
Questions to ponder - Week Two: 'The Second Dwelling Place'
- Do any of Teresa’s words echo with you?
- Teresa speaks extensively about the evil one, how would you describe temptations and trials for a soul?
- Who do you to speak to about your interior castle?
- ‘we must work in order to enjoy His glory’ – what does Teresa mean by this phrase?
- What do we have in our power that will guard against temptations?
- How are we not discouraged in this second dwelling place?
Questions to ponder - Week Three: 'The Third Dwelling Place'
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How does the third dwelling place differ from the other two?
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What do you make of the examples Teresa gives of the fault of canonizing feelings?
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What is humility and how does Teresa understand this term?
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What do you take away with you from this dwelling place?
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How do you cope with dryness in prayer? Do Teresa’s words help in any way?
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What do you notice about the three dwelling places?
For future suggestions of spiritual books for the group to read please email Canon Emma at [email protected]
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