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Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew (1550–1626) was a Carmelite mystic and as a close companion of Teresa of Ávila, her right-hand woman. Her extraordinary encounters with Christ began in childhood and continued through religious wars in France. From visions of the Infant Jesus when she was a child tending sheep to serving as Teresa’s nurse, secretary, and companion, Anne’s life straddled profound mystical contemplation and the demanding realities of founding and governing convents. Her autobiographies and hundreds of letters reveal a woman who endured spiritual darkness, ecstasy, visions, and intense experiences of God’s presence while carrying the Carmelite reform far beyond Spain. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saint Charbel (1828–1898) was a Lebanese monk and mystic who wrote nothing about his encounters with God, yet his life of radical solitude, fasting, prayer, and silence reveals a profound mystical path. Known as the “second St. Anthony of the Desert,” Charbel embraced an extreme asceticism that drew him deeper into communion with God. From his extreme asceticism to the extraordinary phenomena and tens of thousands of miracles attributed to him after death, his remarkable story offers a rare glimpse into the world of Christian mysticism and radical holiness. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brother Lawrence (c. 1614–1691) survived the horrors of the Thirty Years' War, lived with chronic pain, and yet discovered how to transform an ordinary monastery kitchen into holy ground. In this episode, we explore how an uneducated Carmelite lay brother became one of Christianity's most beloved mystics by achieving a deep union with God not with extraordinary visions, but through the quiet faithfulness of washing dishes, mending sandals, and performing every task with love. Discover why The Practice of the Presence of God has inspired Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians for centuries, including Pope Leo XIV. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maria Simma (1915–2004) spent more than six decades speaking with souls in Purgatory who visited her pleading for prayers, Masses, and sacrifices to hasten their journey to Heaven. In this episode, we explore her astonishing encounters, vivid descriptions, and the spiritual lessons the suffering souls revealed to her. Simma’s extraordinary testimony offers a haunting glimpse into one of Christianity’s most mysterious realms. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499–1562) was so extreme in his pursuit of God that even other saints were stunned by his austerity. In this episode, we dive into the shocking life of the emaciated Franciscan reformer who slept only ninety minutes a night, wore heavy iron chains for years, fasted relentlessly, and became known for his mystical ecstasies and levitations. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Bridget of Sweden (c. 1303–1373) was a noblewoman, mother of eight, and mystic whose extraordinary visions challenged popes and captivated Europe. From childhood revelations of Christ’s Passion to bold calls for reform during a time of deep Church crisis, her life was anything but ordinary. Known as both the “patroness of failures” and the "patroness of Europe," her mission unfolded in tension between divine insight and unfinished earthly struggles. In this episode, we explore the powerful visions, spiritual legacy, and enduring mystery of a woman who communicated with heaven itself. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. John Bosco (1815–1888) was a mystic who received visions in his dreams so vivid they shaped the future of souls and nations. From prophetic encounters and chilling glimpses of hell to a revolutionary approach to educating troubled youth, in this episode, we explore how one mystic's dreams became a divine blueprint for transforming lives. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Merton (1915–1968) was a Trappist monk, bestselling author, and mystic whose life bridged cloistered silence and global controversy. From a restless, scandal-marked youth to a dramatic conversion and controversial activism. Merton sought hiddenness yet became one of the most influential Christian voices of the twentieth century. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) was an Augustinian Canoness born in Flamschen bei Coesfeld, Westphalia, in northwest Germany in 1774. One of nine children, her family was very poor but faith-filled. She is best known for her visions of Christ and the stunning details recorded of those visions that served as one of the primary sources for the portrayal of the Passion of Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's epic film, The Passion of Christ. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After many requests, Dr. Carlos Eire shares a reading list with our listeners. Great classic introductions: Evelyn Underhill,  Mysticism: A foundational, comprehensive survey of the mystical path.   The Cambridge Companion to Christian Mysticism, edited by Amy Hollywood & Patricia Beckman): An excellent collection of essays   Understanding Mysticism, ed. Richard Woods: Excellent essays of all the foundational scholarly interpreters of mysticism. Including the following:   David Knowles, “What Is Mysticism?” Louis Bouyer, “Mysticism: An Essay on the History of the Word” Margaret Smith, “The Nature and Meaning of Mysticism" Evelyn Underhill, “The Essentials of Mysticism” Edward Howells: "Mysticism and the Mystical: The Current Debate"   R. C. Zaehner, Mysticism Sacred and Profane: an Inquiry Into Some Varieties of Praeternatural Experience: A classic More recent introductions Stephen Clarke, From Athens to Jerusalem: The Love of Wisdom and the Love of God Olivier Clément, The Roots of Christian Mysticism  John Macquarrie, Two Worlds Are Ours: An Introduction to Christian Mysticism Carl McColman, The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism: An Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality   Great historical - analytical surveys: Louis Bouyer, et. al., A History of Christian Spirituality, 3 volumes: an older classic survey Vol. 1 The Spirituality of the New Testament and the Fathers Vol. 2 The Spirituality of the Middle Ages Vol. 3 Orthodox Spirituality and Protestant and Anglican Spirituality   Bernard McGinn, The Presence of God: A History of Western Christian Mysticism: A monumental multi-volume series that explores the development of mysticism across different historical periods and theological contexts.  Vol. 1 The Foundations of Mysticism: Origins to the Fifth Century Vol. 2 The Growth of Mysticism: Gregory the Great Through the 12 Century Vol. 3 The Flowering of Mysticism: Men and Women in the New Mysticism: 1200-1350 Vol. 4 The Harvest of Mysticism in Medieval Germany: 1300-1500 Vol. 5 The Varieties of Vernacular Mysticism: 1350–1550 Vol. 6.1 Mysticism in the Reformation: 1500-1650 Vol. 6.2 Mysticism in the Golden Age of Spain: 1500-1650 Vol. 6.3 The Persistence of Mysticism in Catholic Europe 1500-1675 Vol. 7 The Crisis of Mysticism: Quietism in Seventeenth-Century Spain, Italy, and France   Bernard McGinn, Modern Mystics: An Introduction (not part of the Presence of God series, but a an essential complement to all of its volumes) Short surveys  Harvey Egan, Introduction to Christian Mysticism Steven Fanning, Mystics of the Christian Tradition William Harmless, Mystics Richard Rohr, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See Focus on the corporeal dimension of mysticism: Montague Summers, The Physical Phenomena of Mysticism Herbert Thurston, The Physical Phenomena of Mysticism Focus on Practice: The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Practice of Contemplation                       An Ocean of Light: Contemplation, Transformation, and Liberation                      A Sunlit Absence: Silence, Awareness, and Contemplation Thomas Merton,  New Seeds of Contemplation                          Contemplative Prayer   Anthologies of Christian mystical texts: The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, edited by Bernard McGinn Christian Spirituality: The Classics, edited by Arthur Holder Light from Light: An Anthology of Christian Mysticism, edited by Louis Dupré Suggestions for approaching the subject gradually First step: Read a brief modern guide like that of Harmless or Fanning to get context before diving into the mystical texts.  Second step: Dive into short excerpts from mystical texts in an anthology such as those listed above  Third step: Pair theoretical texts (like Underhill) with devotional texts (like Brother Lawrence or Merton) and entire mystical texts (like the Cloud of Unknowing or The Interior Castle).  Fourth step: Dive into the great surveys (like McGinn), and explore mystical texts from different eras and traditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian who, in his midlife, became a Christian mystic and visionary after a profound spiritual awakening. Unlike most mystics, however, Swedenborg did not follow the usual steps to mysticism and many of his visions are like nothing we have heard about before, making him a most unusual mystic. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the connection between relics and mysticism? In this episode, we look at how relics have played an important role throughout church history, including the relics of well-known mystics. Mysticism joins the heavenly realm with the earthly realm, and we find that relics can do the same. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Father Thomas Keating (1923 – 2018) was an American Trappist monk who took the form of prayer used by Christian mystics over the past centuries and presented in a modern and accessible manner, so everyone can partake of it. Although considered controversial by some, Centering Prayer bears a very close resemblance to how Christian mystics used prayer to connect with God and the divine. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Gertrude of Helfta (1256–1302) was a 13th century German nun who enjoyed constant contact with the divine through her mystical experiences. Known also as Gertrude the Great, her writings were very influential and inspired St. Teresa of Avila and many other mystics throughout the centuries. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mystics can experience mystical visions that give them insight into the spiritual realm and that can bring messages from God. Whether they are visions of Christ Himself, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or even other saints, this mystical phenomenon plays a vital role in the life of mystics. In this episode, we go over the three types of visions mystics experience and discuss some of the messages they convey to them and to the world. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.