In 2026, Carmel and the Church will mark 300 years since the canonisation of St John of the Cross, Carmelite friar, poet, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. As we commemorate this tricentenary, this six-session seminar offers an opportunity to engage deeply with his life, spirituality, and lasting influence.

Rooted in his Carmelite heritage, this course explores the essential themes of John’s mystical theology within the broader context of Christian spirituality. We will trace his development against the backdrop of Carmelite reform, Spanish mysticism, and monastic tradition—beginning with the Carmelite origins on Mount Carmel, the Rule of St Albert, the Ignea Sagitta, and the reforming work of John Soreth, before delving into John’s own spiritual journey and theological vision.

Over six sessions, participants will be guided through his major works (The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night, The Spiritual Canticle, and The Living Flame of Love), exploring their literary beauty, psychological insight, and spiritual depth. Through attentive reading, discussion, and reflection, the course builds toward a deeper appreciation of the soul’s journey to union with God through the transforming paths of silence, detachment, suffering, and love.

Whether you are encountering John of the Cross for the first time or seeking to revisit his works in a richer theological and historical frame, this seminar offers a contemplative and intellectually grounded space to do so.

For more information on the programme and venue register kindly contact us on istitut@karmelitani.org

Key Themes:
1.The Carmelite roots of John’s spirituality: eremitic tradition, Rule, and reform
2.His life and collaboration with St Teresa of Ávila
3.The dark night of the soul as spiritual purification
4.Detachment, desire, and the journey to divine union
5.Nuptial imagery and poetic mysticism
6.The Holy Spirit and the soul’s final transformation in love

Course Format:
1.Six 180-minute sessions (9.30am – 12pm)
2.Short readings assigned between sessions from primary texts
3.Space for discussion, questions, and quiet reflection
4.No prior experience required, open to all seeking spiritual depth and understanding

Session 1: Carmelite Foundations – The Spiritual Soil of John of the Cross
Scheduled for: November 22nd
Speaker: Rev Alexander Vella, O.Carm.

Session 2: Life and Times of St. John of the Cross
Scheduled for: December 20th
Speaker: Pia Attard Yeon

Session 3: The Ascent of Mount Carmel – Detachment and the Path to Union
Scheduled for: January 31st
Speaker: Rev. Kurt Mizzi, O.Carm.

Session 4: The Dark Night – Suffering, Silence, and Transformation
Scheduled for: February 28th
Speaker: Dr Christopher Bezzina

Session 5: The Spiritual Canticle – Love Language of the Soul
Scheduled for: March 28th
Speaker: Rev. Prof. Charló Camilleri, O.Carm.
Focus: Mystical love and union with God

Session 6: The Living Flame of Love – Mature Mysticism and the Glorified Soul
Scheduled for: April 18th
Speaker: Rev. Prof. Charló Camilleri, O.Carm.