Join Sister Anne Frances Le as she discusses the use of symbolism in spiritual writings.
Things of the spirit, specifically spiritual encounters and mystical experiences, are often said to be ineffable. Human words alone cannot completely capture or describe a particular spiritual experience. These experiences, moreover, are taken to be unique and particular to the individual and thus almost incommunicable to another. In an attempt to communicate their experiences with others, therefore, many spiritual authors, both men and women throughout the ages, have employed poetic language or symbolism and imagery. Symbols and images lend a sense of communicability and shared dimension to experiences that often seem to be subjective. Even so, symbolism and imagery are limited in their capability yet can be said to be effective aids to speak of spiritual experiences or concepts that simply are beyond mere words.
Each week, excerpts and passages of the following works will be considered:
November 5, 2014
Catherine of Siena – Dialogues
Julian of Norwich – Book of Showings
November 12, 2014
Teresa of Avila – Interior Castle
John of the Cross – The Dark Night of the Soul
November 19, 2014
Ignatius of Loyola – Spiritual Exercises
Jean Pierre de Caussade – Abandonment to Divine Providence
When: 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Where: Immaculate Conception Parish, 3778 West 28th Ave., Vancouver, BC
Cost: $50 for all 3 sessions
About Sister Anne
Sr. Anne Frances Ai Le, O.P., Ph.D. is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province. She earned her doctorate in philosophy in May 2014 at the University of St. Thomas, Houston. Her dissertation, entitled “Nudus Sequens?: Saint Thomas Aquinas on Evangelical Poverty and Christian Perfection,” focused on the perennial value of Aquinas’ balanced view of evangelical poverty in relation to Christian perfection. She has taught philosophy at the University of St. Thomas for five years as an adjunct professor, along with theology at Mount Carmel High School for two years, as well as various courses in her religious community’s formation program since 2003.
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Email: Maureen at [email protected]
Phone: 604-822-6862