St. John of the Cross and the Blessed Virgin Mary

Throughout this season, we have explored the Marian dimensions of Carmel. In this episode, we discuss what that means practically: living a life like Mary, completely open to the will of God.Order our new book Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular: https://www.icspublications.org/products/flos-carmeli-a-guide-to-marian-consecration-through-the-brown-scapularFor more information:http://www.icspublications.orghttp://www.discalcedcarmel.orghttp://ocdfriarsvocation.org  Contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions at [email protected]

Lourdes, Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe—each of these Marian apparitions has Carmelite connections, and many Carmelite saints experienced Marian apparitions of their own. In this episode, we explore the Carmelite understanding of Marian apparitions and the wisdom of the Carmelite saints in responding to these extraordinary experiences. Order our new book Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular: https://www.icspublications.org/products/flos-carmeli-a-guide-to-marian-consecration-through-the-brown-scapularFor more information:http://www.icspublications.orghttp://www.discalcedcarmel.orghttp://ocdfriarsvocation.org  Contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions at [email protected]

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, has been said to be a perfect miniature of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this episode, we explore the role of Mary in her life, spirituality, and writings.Order our new book Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular: https://www.icspublications.org/products/flos-carmeli-a-guide-to-marian-consecration-through-the-brown-scapularFor more information:http://www.icspublications.orghttp://www.discalcedcarmel.orghttp://ocdfriarsvocation.org  Contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions at [email protected]

St. John of the Cross makes few explicit references to the Blessed Virgin Mary in his writings, yet it could be said that all of his work is profoundly Marian. In this episode, we explore the role of Mary in his life, spirituality, and writings.Order our new book Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular: https://www.icspublications.org/products/flos-carmeli-a-guide-to-marian-consecration-through-the-brown-scapularFor more information:http://www.icspublications.orghttp://www.discalcedcarmel.orghttp://ocdfriarsvocation.org  Contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions at [email protected]

St. Teresa of Avila had an extraordinary love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. In this episode, we explore how these patrons guided her spiritual life, strengthened her during trials, and played a central role in her reform of Carmel. Order our new book Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular: https://www.icspublications.org/products/flos-carmeli-a-guide-to-marian-consecration-through-the-brown-scapularFor more information:http://www.icspublications.orghttp://www.discalcedcarmel.orghttp://ocdfriarsvocation.org  Contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions at [email protected]

Order our new book Flos Carmeli: A Guide to Marian Consecration Through the Brown Scapular https://www.icspublications.org/products/flos-carmeli-a-guide-to-marian-consecration-through-the-brown-scapularThe first 500 people to order will receive a free scapular made by the Discalced Carmelite nuns in Avila, Spain!In this episode, we discuss the history, spirituality, and some frequently asked questions regarding the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.For more information:http://www.icspublications.orghttp://www.discalcedcarmel.orghttp://ocdfriarsvocation.org  Contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions at [email protected]

 The Carmelite Order began in the early 13th century, yet it has always looked much further back—to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Prophet Elijah—as the source of its spiritual roots. In this episode, we explore how those roots place Mary at the heart of Carmel. For more information:http://www.icspublications.orghttp://www.discalcedcarmel.orghttp://ocdfriarsvocation.org  Contact us with comments, questions, and suggestions at [email protected]

The Passion of Christ is not exhausted by words—it is something we must learn to hear again.And that begins in silence.Visit  retreat-online.karmel.at to sign up for the 2026 Online Carmelite Retreat Texts

Mary’s yes to God was not sentimental. It was costly.From the prophecy of Simeon to the shadow of Calvary, she knew that obedience would lead to suffering. Yet she did not withdraw her Fiat. She entrusted everything to the Father — even her beloved Son.Why would she say yes to a path marked by the cross? And if obedience leads to sacrifice, would we do the same?In this reflection, we look at the cost of Mary’s yes — and what it means for our own faith.Visit  retreat-online.karmel.at to sign up for the 2026 Online Carmelite Retreat Texts

You weren’t meant to do this alone.We keep trying to fix ourselves, prove ourselves, and become better on our own—but that’s exactly where we fail. The spiritual life isn’t about independence. It’s about union.Jesus reveals that true freedom comes not from self-reliance, but from living completely with the Father. And apart from Him, we can do nothing.In this reflection, we confront the root of our struggle—and the only way out.