A HISTORY OF THE WESTERN TRADITIONS OF CATHOLIC PRAYER

I. Schools of spirituality are different ways of approaching God through Christ. They have similar elements, but combine them in different ways.

II. Desert spirituality emphasizes a strong recognition of the reality of human nature and the need for grace, a reality that one comes to in quiet prayer, away from the distractions and pleasures of the world.

III. Augustinian spirituality focuses on conversion and overcoming the barriers that sin puts in our way of achieving what really is the deepest desire of the human heart, love, sanctity and union with God.




B. As priest and then bishop, he was central to the great theological debates of the day.






IV. Benedictine spirituality focuses on growing through order and stability and the resulting divine peace.

V. Franciscan spirituality strongly emphasizes a desire for freedom through simplicity of life, detachment from worldly goods, and a radical dedication to God's calling in any fashion.

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VI. Dominican emphasizes growth through connecting together study, prayer, teaching, service and a sense of the mystery of God.

3. She also said that the progress of prayer is not in feeling, but in charity.

VII. The Carmelite tradition emphasizes growth in the spiritual life through struggle, through darkness, and through charity even and especially in the seemingly smallest matters.


VIII. The Ignatian tradition was inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), who wrote The Spiritual Exercises and other works based upon his own conversion.

IX. Salesian spirituality emphasizes growth in the spiritual life through integrated one=s whole day, and all of one's duties and activities with one's prayer. There is a notion of living holiness in the world.