John of the Cross: the Transforming Power of Love

Presentation:  April 4, 2009

Elda Maria Estrada, OCDS

Brief Description of Presentation
The objective of this presentation is to give you tools for a better and deeper understanding of the sublime spiritual doctrine of St. John of the Cross in order to help you make proper connections with your own life experiences as you journey towards UNION WITH GOD.

The world of John of the Cross is characterized and animated by the UNION OF LOVE between God and the human person.

This is the GOAL, the KEY of his whole experience as well as his system. Everything is moved by it.

The following topics will help you get closer to the mind, heart and spirit of John of the Cross:

• THE IDEAL OF UNION

• THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES:  A WAY TO UNION

• WAYS OF NIGHT

• THE DARK NIGHT

Prayer Exercise
Elda Maria will lead participants in praying with the GREAT MASTERS OF CARMEL

Preparation for Session and Bibliography

Click here for helpful article to read before the session: "The Attractiveness of John of the Cross"  by Fr. David Costello, OCD, Carmelite Digest,  Summer 1991.
 

Bourne, Peter, HMC, St. John of the Cross and the Dark Night, Wenzel Press, 1995.

Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD, Union with God according to St. John of the Cross, Carmel of Maria Regina, Eugene, Oregon, 1990.

Herraiz, Maximiliano, Lover’s Quest, Darlington, Carmel, 1993.

Ruiz Salvador, Federico, OCD, Introduccion a San Juan de la Cruz, Biblioteca de Autores Cristianos (BAC), 1968.

The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, ICS Publications, 1979.

The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, Volumes I, II, III, ICS Publications, 1976.

Galianza, Joel, CSC “Being the Shadow of God: Living in Union with God”, Spiritual Life, Summer, 2008, pp. 108-117.

Hurley, Hank, PhD, “Windows of the Soul: Imagery in Saint John of the Cross”, Spiritual Life, Spring, 2008, pp. 27-33.

About Elda Maria Estrada, OCDS

Elda Maria was born in Cuba.  She has degrees in Elementary Education from Cuba and Secondary Education from the U.S., Social Sciences from Loyola University in New Orleans, a Masters degree in Human Values from CEVHAC (Centro de Estudios de los Valores Humanos of the Discalced Carmelite Friars) in Mexico City, a Masters degree in Theological Studies from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas and a Masters degree in Spiritual Theology from the "Teresianum": the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality of the Discalced Carmelite Friars in Rome, Italy.  

Elda Maria has taught Spiritual Theology at the Graduate level.  She is involved in Evangelization at the local and national level.  She has lectured throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe.  Elda Maria directs retreats, workshops, conferences, and teaches Pastoral Courses.

Elda Maria is currently the coordinator of RCIA and Adult Confirmation at St. Matthew Parish in San Antonio, Texas.

Elda Maria Estrada is a Secular Discalced Carmelite.