MYSTICISM

MYSTICISM DEFINED

A possibility accessible to all

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 2014) offers a definition of mysticism: "Spiritual progress tends toward ever more intimate union with Christ. This union is called "mystical" because it participates in the mystery of Christ through the sacraments - "the holy mysteries" - and, in him, in the mystery of the Holy Trinity. God calls us all to this intimate union with him, even if the special graces or extraordinary signs of this mystical life are granted only to some for the sake of manifesting the gratuitous gift given to all."

Christian mysticism is the profound, intimate, and radical union with God of those who journey on a path of inner transformation and awareness, through the light of grace and personal commitment. It is the pinnacle of prayer and the spiritual life, for it is the discovery of God within oneself and of oneself within God. It is the fruit of a journey of exodus from our fragilities to the promised land of the mystical life.

The mystical life is accessible to all. It's a journey of deep spiritual maturation, revealing the beauty and intensity of union with God. This is the core of mysticism. While extraordinary phenomena may occur, the essence of mysticism lies in the intimate communion with God.

THEOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF MYSTICISM

MYSTICISM, A SUBLIME AND ENCHANTING PATH

God invites everyone to discover the depth and beauty of union with Him, to experience a more intense and engaging prayer and faith. It is God who invites the person to the mystical life, leads them with His grace to an intimate communion with Him, and makes them experience His guidance through an indescribable joy. 

The mystical life is the fruit of maturation in faith in which a harmonious synergy is realised between the grace that emanates from God and our own commitment. Step by step, we come to experience God dwelling within us and ourselves dwelling in God. Many Christian Fathers and writers have described this journey in various ways.

ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DICTIONARIES OF MYSTICISM
AND THE ASSISI CONFERENCES
HISTORY OF A MYSTICAL THEOLOGY IN DIALOGUE

Article published in the volume

L. Bianchi-R. Di Muro (edited by), In dialogo. Metodo scientifico e stile di vita, Dehoniane, Bologna 2020.

MYSTICAL LIFE IS CHARACTERIZED BY PRESUPPOSITIONS, CONSTANTS, EVOLUTIONS, LANGUAGES AND GRADUAL PATHS

CONTEMPLATION, DEFINED

Mysticism is rooted in contemplation. Contemplation is the search for God in prayer, in lectio divina, in the events of every day.The contemplative needs quiet and solitude to discover the riches of a profound union with God. God lives within us, and we in Him.

THE LANGUAGE OF THE MYSTICS

The language of mystics is paradoxical, characterized by metaphors and symbols.This is because mystical experiences are so intense and unique that they are difficult to describe in simple words.The mystic is a poet who narrates his union with God in all its involvement with words that hint at the beauty of what he experiences.

 

THE INNER FREEDOM OF THE MYSTICS

The mystic undergoes a process of inner purification to deepen their union with God.This involves a journey of spiritual discipline that leads to inner transformation and the mystical life. It is a demanding yet liberating journey, aimed at creating the interior space so that God's grace may operate at its best.

 

MYSTICISM IS AN ITINERARY

The Threefold Way, The Interior Castle, and The Ascent of Mount Carmel are just a few examples of spiritual writings that outline specific mystical paths. Saints and spiritual teachers throughout history have shown us that the mystical journey is open to all.

THE SYMBOLS OF THE MYSTICS

 

INNER FREEDOM AND MYSTICISM

MYSTICS

Mystics are ordinary people who make a conscious effort to spend time in prayer and meditation. They experience the sublimity of living prayer and the concreteness of serving others. They come to realise that they dwell in God and that God dwells in them. Mystics throughout history have emphasised that this experience is available to everyone, and many have written about their journeys to inspire and encourage others.

MYSTICAL PHENOMENA

Visions, apparitions, interior locutions, bilocation, and stigmatization are just a few of the extraordinary experiences that can accompany the mystical journey, the heart of which remains intimate communion with God.These phenomena are signs of God's work in the mystic's life and can serve as powerful witnesses to the faith. They are often seen as confirmations of the authenticity of the mystical experience. Ultimately, the genuineness of these phenomena depends on the genuineness of the mystic's spiritual life. 

Place your mind in the mirror of eternity, place your soul in the splendor of glory, place your heart in the figure of the divine substance, and be transformed. (St. Clare)

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