Fr. Anthony Ciorra D.

What does it mean to be a mystic? What is the journey that one must travel to become a mystic? The way we answer these two questions will determine the path we take and the God that we seek. Likewise, the goal of the mystical journey will differ depending on who takes the journey. We will see later in the course that although the end is the same, the path is different for Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, etc. In the quest for the transcendent One,...

This segment introduces the listener to an ancient and tested way of reading that we call Lectio Divina, or "Holy Reading." It will build on the previous segment and give you tools that can be used for a mystical reading of sacred texts. We will look at the concept of leisure, as well as the writings of the Church Fathers.

This segment concludes the course. We end where we began, that is, in the world. The whole point of mysticism is not that we become otherworldly, but rather this-worldly. Dom Chapman, the famed Benedictine monk, said it well when he wrote, "If you need to know how you are doing, look to the charity of your life." We can translate this as meaning that the mystic does not escape the world, but rather embraces it.

"In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic or nothing at all."-Karl Rahner Join Fr. Anthony Ciorra, of the world’s leading living experts on Christian spirituality, to find the mystic inside you. Find God in the midst of daily life through this powerful course. These inspiring lectures will give you a deeper understanding of the mystical experience. In particular, you will explore one form of mysticism: "everyday mysticism," as it was called...

Flourish with the spirituality of gratitude. This course explores the spiritual and theological underpinnings that are foundational for enhancing and developing the art and spirituality of gratitude. Under the guidance of renowned Christian spirituality expert Fr. Anthony Ciorra, you will explore how gratitude is at the heart of all Christian spirituality. Gratitude offers a path that leads to deeper love and awareness of God, self, and the world....

One of Catholicism’s leading spirituality experts, Fr. Ciorra, invites you on a spiritually edifying retreat centered on Pope Francis’ core messages. Pope Francis has captured the hearts of the faithful throughout the world. Now, you can take a retreat with his words and example, opening the door to a deeper relationship with God. Pope Francis is a pope of firsts: the first Jesuit, the first to take the name Francis, and the first pope from...

Explore the rich spiritual movements of the Catholic tradition. In this course, you will encounter seven powerful schools of spirituality, discovering what makes each school special and transformative. Your professor is celebrated spirituality expert Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D. Under his guidance, you will explore how different religious founders developed new insights and charisms, adapting them to the cultures, times, and needs of different generations....

Fr. Ciorra's book, Everyday Mysticism, was his first attempt to develop and express his thinking on the subject of mysticism. The watershed moment at the Second Vatican Council was the discussion on holiness. The Council Fathers began the discussion in the context of the religious life but changed course midstream and moved the discussion into the document on the Church. The clarion all of the Council was what the fathers called "the universal call...

Fr. Anthony Ciorra’s award-winning audio lectures are enjoyed by listeners in over 32 countries.   Now, you have the chance to reignite your faith through Fr. Ciorra’s insights on the spirituality of Vatican II. Fifty years ago, over 2,000 bishops, theologians, and lay participants from 116 countries gathered in Rome. This assembly of minds was the 21st worldwide council of the church, the Second Vatican Council. Led by Popes John XXIII and...

The mystical experience is one that leads to harmony and convergence among religions. The reason is that the mystic does not focus on doctrine, but rather religious experience. On the level of religious experience, it is the one God that we all encounter regardless of race, religion, economic status or nationality.