Celtic Spirituality

Presentation:  May 3, 2008

Rev. Mary Earle, M.Div. and Sylvia Maddox, M.A

Brief Description of Presentation

From the Celtic Church, we receive a thoroughly sacramental mysticism, grounded in the Incarnation. From both Celtic saints and Celtic theologians we are given a vision of the whole universe in Christ, "in whom all things hold together." (Col 1:17) We will explore the Celtic view of the creation as a "sacred book," meant to be "read" together with scripture. We will reflect on the theology of accompaniment, for the Celtic Christians perceived that the Trinity and the community of saints are with us in every moment of life. And we will explore the ethical demand that this mystical way of perceiving creates because, in the words of George MacLeod, "matter matters."

Prayer Exercise

Meditation with a Celtic prayer

Preparation for Session and Bibliography

Books:

Davies, Oliver, ed. Celtic Spirituality. Paulist Press, 1999.

Newell, J. Philip. The Book of Creation: An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality. Paulist Press, 1999.

On line articles:

http://www.explorefaith.org/celtic/index.html

http://www.explorefaith.org/prayer/essays/celtic.html

About Rev. Mary Earle, M.Div. and Sylvia Maddox, M.A

Sylvia Maddox teaches in the Religious Studies Department at The University of The Incarnate Word.  She also leads retreats and workshops on prayer and the spiritual life in a variety of ecumenical settings.  Some of these settings include the Visitation House Ministries for Women in Transition, the International Thomas Merton Society, Spiritual Directors International, the Lay Ministry Institute at Oblate School of Theology, the Pastoral Institute of The University of the Incarnate Word, Logsdon School of Theology, CHRISTUS Health, Women's Global Connections, Laity Lodge, and the Episcopal Bishop's School of Ministry. A graduate of Baylor University, she served as a Missionary Journeyman to Indonesia.  She holds a Master of Education from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Theological Studies from Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio. She is the co‑author of Praying with the Celtic Saints, and Holy Companions: Spiritual Practices from the Celtic Saints, Her articles on the spiritual life appear on explorefaith.org

See December, 2007 presentation synopsis for Information about Rev. Mary Earl, M.Div.